Lawn care costs -- what is normal
 

I would like to know if what I pay for lawn care is usual and customary.
(My house is a large Lantana that barely fits on its lot -- no corner lot or such.)

$ 99.00 per year for termite protection
$ 379.00 per year for lawn fertilization, weed control and lawn bugs
$ 247.00 per year for home insects other than termites outside
The above is from Massey after a 5% bundle discount

$ 50.00 per month for mowing
From Sullivan properties

I have no problem with any of the services, but when I add it up it comes to a bunch and I want to know if this is what others pay. The last thing in the world I want is to load my garage up with lawn equipment and spend a day a week doing outside work in the 90+ temperature.

Sounds average. I assume you do your own shrub fertilization, clipping and weeding.

i pay $50 for a cottage

Much cheaper to fertilize these tiny lots yourself. Also you definitely want the termite control but as to the "other insects", you could be wasting your money. Our first 3 years here we had no trouble, this year we had a minor problem with small ants on the exterior and took care of it fairly inexpensively. Mowing price is about right.

I think you should save yourself $247 and spray for outside bugs yourself. We have lived here for 6 years and I spray all along the outside and in the garage with that new Raid sprayer and we've only had a few bugs inside--the cat's really good at spotting them! I have never sprayed inside due to the cat.

I suggest, that not only do you spray, but every other month, throw granules for pest control around your foundation, every other month. I usually buy Bayer, and let the rain or sprinklers soak it in slowly. Cost about 12-15 dollars a bag. Usually get two applications out of a bag. Spray is good, but doesn't last long with rain & sprinkler. Granules will not harm shrubs or flowers. Suggest sticker boards in garage also. Just an extra suggestion!!