[Laker14]

OK,,,so I'm a new homeowner trying to get my ducks in a row. Had a couple of exterminators over to hear their termite plan.
I'm looking at the contract and contract includes “Subterranean Termites” and “Formosan Termites”, excludes "Drywood termites", "powederpost beetles" and "old house borers".

I'm embarrassed to admit that I have no idea if excluding those last three organisms puts me at great risk. Why would they exclude them? It seems to me that if it's a CYA clause, it must mean that they present a risk they can't deal with, so why should I pay money for them to kill the easy stuff and I might still get attacked by the hard to kill stuff.

If they aren't abundant, and don't pose a threat, why would they exclude them. Anybody out there researched this? I'd love some input.

Thanks

[retiredguy123]

In my opinion, you only need protection for the subterranean and Formosan termites, which is what the builder treats every new house for. The other types are flying termites which could affect your attic wood, but they would be more easily detected before major damage occurred. I recently renewed my contract with Massey for 10 years, and it required retreatment. They pumped chemicals around the perimeter of the house to create a soil poison barrier. The cost was $400 plus a $79 per year renewal and inspection fee. I considered Dean's, but they only offered a year-to-year contract, which I considered unacceptable. Good luck.

[vintageogauge]

You can also do it yourself.

[JohnN]

Originally Posted by vintageogauge

You can also do it yourself.

And, I do some of my own, plus I use Dean's instead of Massey!!!
Massey "inspects" each year, then does a major "re-treatment" every 7 years or 10 years, whatever contract you get. Dean's treats every year and the price is comparable.
Dean's also has a dog that can smell termites which they use when you first contact them. I felt Massey was a rip-off.

All in all, I'm not aware of anyone who has had termite problems around here,

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by JohnN

And, I do some of my own, plus I use Dean's instead of Massey!!!
Massey "inspects" each year, then does a major "re-treatment" every 7 years or 10 years, whatever contract you get. Dean's treats every year and the price is comparable.
Dean's also has a dog that can smell termites which they use when you first contact them. I felt Massey was a rip-off.

All in all, I'm not aware of anyone who has had termite problems around here,

For my house, Dean's annual price was two times the Massey price, and they only do a partial treatment every year, not the whole house. Massey treated the entire house. But, the main reason that I didn't use Dean's was because their price was only for one year with no long term warranty or price guarantee. So, they can raise the price or cancel the warranty every year. Massey provided a written warranty for 10 years. I just went over this in great detail with both companies last month and went with Massey.

[JohnN]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

For my house, Dean's annual price was two times the Massey price, and they only do a partial treatment every year, not the whole house. Massey treated the entire house. But, the main reason that I didn't use Dean's was because their price was only for one year with no long term warranty or price guarantee. So, they can raise the price or cancel the warranty every year. Massey provided a written warranty for 10 years. I just went over this in great detail with both companies last month and went with Massey.

Well, to each their own then. I much prefer Dean's for several reasons, but no need to debate it.

[Velvet]

In my observation there is only a very small probability of termites in TV, but because the developer so carefully prepares the soil including drenching it for termites, personally I like the warranty Dean’s gives. To me it’s a bit like car insurance, I hope never to have to use it but I pay for it every year.

[vintageogauge]

Deans quotes everyone a different price and a different process when needed, if you average everyone at $100.00 per year times 140,000 homes that is $14,000,000 split mostly between deans and Massey, pretty good racket when you figure no one on here has ever stated that they had subterranean termites with a treatment program or without a treatment program. I do my permitter twice a year at a cost of $24.00 for two applications.

[davem4616]

it's insurance

Do I think it's worth the money? At least Jesse James had a horse and a gun and told you to put your hands up

but it gives the wife piece of mind

and having had the annual service from the get go just might make a difference to some buyer when you eventually go to sell

[Topspinmo]

I’ve had it all done including the attic sprayed in my cinder block CYV. I never seen seen them change bait canister in 6 years. I determined they was ripping me off. I can replace all bait canisters for around 100 bucks

[Garywt]

Deans did my house when being built so I went with them. Original policy was cheap and is also an insurance policy as they pay for any damage. I then had Deans do regular bug spraying around the house and cleaning the eves as I am not there much. Finally I added lawn and bush treatments for bugs and lawn maintenance. The price for everything is $122 every other month.

[tsmall22204]

Massey to me about protection and wanted to charge me a large amount for the protection. I do not deal with anyone that lies to get business.

[banjobob]

I think the termite threat is over blown, I have talked to many friends and neighbors and no one knows of any termite issues and most do not have the termite treatments.

[Nick B]

Very little problem here with termites. Mostly by the port cities.

[Guitarman1951]

I was paying Massey for "termite" protection for years. I would watch the guy come, walk around the outside of the house get in his car and leave. I would think that the wood inside such as the attic and garage would have to be looked at to have a reasonable assessment. I dropped Massey. I saw no reason to pay for someone doing a half assed job.