[casita37]

We just renewed with Massey this week. We have a smaller ranch, 1200 sq. ft., frame/siding, and the cost was $499 this year, with a 10 year guarantee, then $120 per year, for 9 years.

They have a procedure where they "inject" product into the ground all around the house. They don't do anything inside unless you request it (because you think you might have a problem). We didn't because we just bought the house in November, had an independent inspection, and we were all clear, plus Massey has had it covered since it was new in 2005. I don't know how much extra inside treatment might be.

Our Massey rep, Mike Cannon, seems to be extremely knowledgeable.

[jimbo2012]

The more I read the more costs pop up, I see surge protectors, lightning rods, lawn care, cricket moles the list goes on

Now termites this one looks like another contractors gold mine.

The sq footage is not what it goes by it's the linear footage of the slabs perimeter. The retail cost of the chemicals (yes you can buy them) is about $150, so a contractor gets them for less.

The product clearly states 10 years before re-treatment, so what's this 5 year anniversary thing.

$500 to spray the perimeter?? then they want $100-120 per year to take a look. How long does that take?

It sounds like a higher cost than it should be to have it done.

What if you don't treat, can you rely on insurance?

Also I read that on new construction, after the slab is poured that is a perfect time to treat.

Can't wait to see the next issue that pops up here

[784caroline]

The treatment is more than simply spraying..they inject a chemical into the soi using long rods and need to drill through any conrete to form a complete barrier. Most treatments are good for at least 10 years.

Yes the $120 a year for inspection is alot but it most likely includes some sort of guarantee anywhere from a retreatment if termites are found to an assurity bond to cover termite damage...each company is different.

Almost certain most home owner insurance policies will EXCLUDE any damage from wood boring insects...so you are on your own.

For new construction I thought the soil was treated before the slab was poured

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by jimbo2012

The more I read the more costs pop up, I see surge protectors, lightning rods, lawn care, cricket moles the list goes on

Now termites this one looks like another contractors gold mine.

The sq footage is not what it goes by it's the linear footage of the slabs perimeter. The retail cost of the chemicals (yes you can buy them) is about $150, so a contractor gets them for less.

The product clearly states 10 years before re-treatment, so what's this 5 year anniversary thing.

$500 to spray the perimeter?? then they want $100-120 per year to take a look. How long does that take?

It sounds like a higher cost than it should be to have it done.

What if you don't treat, can you rely on insurance?

Also I read that on new construction, after the slab is poured that is a perfect time to treat.

Can't wait to see the next issue that pops up here

Every place on this earth to live has issues. Financial costs. This is probably much less expensive, far safer, immaculately kept and, far more beautiful (In it's very own way) than any place that any of us have lived previously.

It's all good, Mr. Jimbo.

And YOU are wise to throughly investigate the need for anything anyone tries to sell you here....or anywhere.

What is likely (BUT not to be counted on 100%) with a new house is that treated or untreated the termites won't arrive until you leave.

[casita37]

Yes, the $120 per year is for the inspection, but basically is an insurance policy against termites. It not only covers the house, but the furniture and other items in the house that might get infested. It even covers a hotel if we need to vacate the house for treatment.

[jimbo2012]

Originally Posted by Dutchgirl

Financial costs. This is probably much less expensive

It is a lot less $ I'm kidding a bit, we pay over $11,000 a year in property taxes here

Has anyone asked their homeowners agent if pursuant to an inspection you can have it added to your policy?

You don't I believe need a pest control inspector with their own agenda, why not a regular home inspector?

Just thought.

[jimbo2012]

Ok, what hasn't been mentioned in this thread is the Florida building code requires pre-construction treatment before the CO can issue, depending on the chemicals used your covered for the first 5-10 years.

The Florida Building Code does not require a preventive treatment for drywood termites for new construction. It does require a treatment for subterranean termites. Coastal and southern areas of the state are more likely to have infestation occur. Colonies are smaller and develop over a longer period of time than do subterranean termites therefore the potential for structural damage over a given period of time is less.

TERMITE PROTECTION IN BUILDINGS
The Florida Building Code contains provisions that prevent certain building practices that make buildings more vulnerable to termite invasion.
Building Inspectors have a critical role in protecting structures from termites.

Termite Protection Provisions of the Code are found in the following code sections:

104.2.6 Certificate of Protective Treatment for Prevention of Termites requires posting of applications - No "final approval" if all the applications not made.
104.2.7 Notice of Termite Protection requires posting of consumer notice inside the house
1403.1.6 Veneered Walls. Require at least a 6 inch space between the grade and siding for termite inspection.

The reason for this is to allow for a visual indication for example of Mud tubes and mulch or gravel against the foundation.

1503.4.4 Roof Assemblies. Protection against decay and termites requires discharge lines and gutter downspouts to terminate at least one foot from the foundation.
1816.1- 1816.2 Foundations and Retaining Walls - Termite protection requires foundations to have some form of protection from termites ("labeled for use as a preventative treatment to new construction"). If soil treatment is used, it must be done after compaction. Disturbed areas must be re-treated. Forms and traps must be plastic or metal. A vapor barrier must be installed. Concrete overpour must be removed.
Applications must also be made within one foot of the foundation under adjoining slabs. Protective sleeves around slab penetrations.
2116. Masonry - Termite Inspection (Cleaning) Cells in blocks must not contain cellulosic debris. Concrete Bearing Ledge Brick veneers must be on an integral ledge or a soil treatment must be made
2301.4.6 Preservative treated wood must meet a standard.
2303.1 Wood Construction Practices. Sites must be graded to provide drainage. Cellulose debris must be removed from the foundation. Wooden grade stakes, form boards, etc. must be removed. No cellulose material can be buried within 15 feet of the foundation.
2304 Wood Construction - Protection against decay and termites requires preservative or naturally decaying resistant wood in certain areas. Clearance between wood siding and the ground must be 6 inches.

[shcisamax]

When we were in the early stages of the build...walls and drywalls were up, I asked a worker what the greenish blue color was that was sprayed from the floor up to the top height of the island countertop. It was sprayed throughout the entire house at that height. He told me it was termite protection.