Terminix Question...

The 1st spring we bought our house we were SWARMED by termites and took a very $$$ deal with Terminix - we have since renewed EACH and EVERY year diligently and have not since had a problem. We have bait stations surrounding our property and a few times a year they come out check/rebait and monitor the stations...every report we have received from them says stuff like "no change, no activity"

DH is asking me to ask all you fellow homeowners if you would ever consider NOT renewing your contract with Terminix (if you have one)... I think we paid $1600 initially and we have been paying nearly $500 a year for basically NOTHING...

WWYD?

Re: Terminix Question...

We are in the same boat as you - We have been termite free for 3 years now. We still have the baits and we also have them come spray for ants which is $120 every 3 months.

Honestly I think if you take away the system - the termites will come back.

When we gutted the downstairs we had terminix spray the entire house all the wood - but I still would not feel 100% comfortable not having the guarantee that if we do have another swarm we are already covered

Scott

Re: Terminix Question...

I would NEVER cancel. If they come back you'll be out a LOT of money again.

It would be like canceling your car insurance. I never get into accidents so why do I need it?

Just suck it up and pay for it

Re: Terminix Question...

First, please know that I own a pest control company and compete with Terminix. The termite monitor stations are a reasonable and valid termite protection option that my company also offers. This system does in fact help protect properties from termites and the annual service warranty does have value. The question is, is it worth the price you're paying? I think I would try to negotiate a better price. Most companies want reocurring customers and would probably agree to a 15-20% reduction to keep you on board. Good luck.

Re: Terminix Question...

When we bought our house 5 years ago we didn't have a termite problem, but we had bees (specifically yellow jackets in the house) and ants. So we had Terminix come and after 3 years I felt the same as you. That I was paying for them to walk around my propery every 3 months for $120, so I cancelled. Well, this past summer when I got home from work one day there were ants in my kitchen and not just 1 or two, but a whole bunch of them so..I called Terminix and had them come back. I'll pay the $$ now for the peace of mind.

Re: Terminix Question...

Thanks for posting this. I had actually been considering not paying the insurance anymore. We had termites at one point (before we closed) and a company (not one we picked) sprayed. We then got carpenter ants and had Terminix come and they found "fresh" evidence of termite damage so we put in the baiting system. The reports always say no evidence of termite activity. I was ready to cancel but after reading this I am more hesitant. We have them spray for bugs every 3 months too. That I'll gladly pay.