If a house is tented, they do not have subterranean termites. They are treating the house for another type of termite, such as woodboring termites. Subterranean termites are treated for by pumping poison into the soil under the house. Many termite contracts only cover subterranean termites, which are more common and difficult to detect.

Subterranean termites can take up residence in the soil under any part of the house. But, they need a source of water to survive. Sometimes, a bathroom will have a drain leak that drips water under the slab. So, that is where the termites are living. They move up and down from under the house and eat mostly soft wood like door frames and window sills. Termites cannot stand the light, so they eat the wood under the surface, and when they get near the surface, they move in the other direction. So, the door frame can look normal, but the surface is paper thin. The problem with termites is that once they move in, they never leave. Once per year, they mate and a swarm of them will fly away to find another house, but others will remain in the house.

According to the posters here, there have been a few houses with termites. Some repeat anecdotal observations which could be posted by those selling termite protection plans.

I am interested in hearing about actual termite infestations.

I have never seen a house tented house in The Villages (unlike South Florida). I know lots pay for termite protection but, is it really needed if there are no infestations. Instead of an expensive subterranean plan sold by Massey or Dean, can one use the stakes sold at HD or Lowes instead?

joke

True enough, but that goes for just about everything on TOTV.

I could say I had a fabulous meal at a certain restaurant, but I might have a financial interest in it.

Just because the name in my passport is Termite B. Gone...

I have my quote from Deans - initial inspection/treatment $786 (or $1,310 if they find anything) then $175 annual.

Have asked Massey to quote, but could be some time getting a reply as the website warns: "Please note, due to Hurricane Ian, our response time may be delayed." I've read some flimsy excuses in my time!

Note that Dean's treats only part of the house every year. And, their annual fee is not guaranteed because they don't sell a long term contract. Massey will treat the entire house perimeter and provide a 10-year renewable contract with a guaranteed price for the first 5 years. My annual fee with Massey is $79 for the first 5 years. The initial treatment cost was about $400, and they injected chemicals into the soil every 16 inches around the entire perimeter of the house. I don't understand Dean's plan to treat only part of the house every year, and to only guarantee that the house is termite free for one year.

The photos I posted of the termite damage was from last year at a home on Baisley Trail.

Fortunately the owner had termite coverage, and the damage and follow-up treatment cost her nothing out of pocket.

I canceled Massey too. I’m going to treat the house myself

I have no problem spending $500 to protect my $500,000-$700,000 investment. It’s a no-brainer. And, yes, I have seen tented house a few blocks over (bedbugs). Don’t be penny wise and pound foolish.

There has never, in recorded history, been a termite found anywhere near the villages. Termite Distribution - Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center - University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences - UF/IFAS

DEANS are SCAMMERS - they lie about what they will do - I know because I caught them saying they were performing a job when I was a snow bird - neighbor sent pics and caught them lieing to me- they were CAUGHT —— get an independent company like MID FLORIDA PEST CONTROL- you have been warned!!

Florida Termite Map
 

This map was last updated in 2021. Its accuracy is unknown.

Termite distribution in Florida (updated 8-4-2021) - Google My Maps

Wow! Thanks for that. Looks like there may have actually been five in The Villages (two of those in the Historic Villages) and another just north of 42. Two of the three types of Native Subterranean Termites. You may have neglected to click on each of the species. Still, that does make all these inspections and all this pumping of poisons seem like a scam, doesn’t it?

If you get termites it will cost way more than that. Yes I’ve seen many houses rented for termites in the villages. Your choice of course