[graciegirl]

Up until now, the only methods of bug control that I personally have used in my life is a fly swatter and ant traps, living north as we do.

I am not too delighted thinking that we will have frequent applications of pesticides which are known carcinogens in our new home. (Had a round with cancer in this decade and I am afraid of pesticides a little.)

I don't like bugs, don't get me wrong, and I have heard horror stories about the Palmetto bugs down there that you could saddle and ride. Bugs are disease carriers, I know, I know.

When the bug guys come, do they spray things in the air? Can you smell them? How often do they routinely visit? Do you leave the house when they are applying their stuff?

Obviously I will be very careful of garbage and open containers of stored food. Anyone else have any good advice?

I know there is no way to get around the applications of pesticides and maybe the new ones aren't as dangerous to humans.

GracieGirl

[Donna]

Gracie,
I am petrified of bugs, especially Palmettos...OMG, I hate the thought of those things..LOL

I have had my house 4 years and have NEVER seen one in or around my house..I was walking on the square one night and one crawled out from the sewer, I ran down the block screaming...We have a yearly contract with the exterminator, and they do a great job!

[villages07]

Gracie,

We have a contract with Massey....they come around every 3 months for pest control. They spray outside, around the perimeter of the house to create a barrier to prevent bugs from coming in. It must be working because other than a few small spiders I don't get bugs inside. I've never smelled anything from their treatments...only precaution we take is to close any open windows/doors while they work.

You would engage a separate contractor (or do it yourself) for pesticides for your lawn and garden needs.

[bsliny]

I have a house in the Villages for more than 2 years (I'M a Snowbird)I have really seen any bugs i guess the GETGOS are doing a good job

[redwitch]

I'd definitely get the termite treatment. Then do a "wait and see" approach. My neighbor uses Massey and Leeco for the cinch bugs in the lawn. Nothing is used here or next door on the other side.

There is an occasional palmetto that gets in the house -- the cats are thrilled, they think it is their personal toy. I have seen an occasional silverfish in the garage sink but that's been it so far. I will admit that if I owned, I would have the perimeter sprayed. I'd just be sure to not be home that entire day.

[jadebox]

7 years here and have seen no bugs. When I lived in NW Florida had to have house sprayed all the time. What a difference!!!

[JohnM]

Have you been spraying for all these years?

[chelsea24]

We have PCL come every two to three months and it seems to work beautifully. I am terrified of bugs too. When we first moved in, my hubby thought, "well I'll just do it myself." Then my daughter pointed out, penny wise and pound foolish, if the neighbors have this done and we're just spraying with out little cans, all the bugs will come towards us! So, the next moment, I was on the phone and we hired PCL. Again, we've been very pleased and haven't seen a bug in the house. Knock on something!

[samhass]

We use Once A Year for home and yard. They come monthly to both places in TV, and anytime you call for bees, spiders, ants, etc.

[jadebox]

That is 7 years and never had to spray. No bugs at all.

[swrinfla]

graciegirl:

I resisted termite and bug treatments when I first considered living here. But several contacts, with no connection to any particular pest control company, told me I should arrange for them.

So, I did. Bugs and such are virtually non-existent at my house, aside from the occasional and rare spider.

After one full treatment by Massey, I contacted my brother-in-law, a chemist, and inquired about the dangers of the chemicals Massey reported having used insofar as I and my cat were concerned. Nothing was toxic to either humans or felines (or canines, either, he told me), so I rest assured now.

It's another of the adjustments necessary to living in Florida, as opposed to "up north" somewhere!

SWR

[chuckinca]

three years -

Termite annual service

Cinch Bug annual service

no bugs in house or garage to speak of