Discontinue pest treatment?

[KTurner]

Well.... that should get you thinking do you need it at all?

That's why I started this thread. I suspect we don't need it, but I'd like to have an idea what I might be getting myself into if that's wrong.

Keith

 

[riptides]

That's why I started this thread. I suspect we don't need it, but I'd like to have an idea what I might be getting myself into if that's wrong.

Keith

The worst thing that can happen is you get invaded by wood eating insects. Termites, carpenter ants and bees, powder post beetles, etc...

Proper inspections, mitigation of house decay, proper house maintenance and cleaning, liberal use of pesticides, you should be OK.

 

[MacLawn]

All I know is I consider $45 every two months for them bug boys to come, check me termite bait, spray, and I get a warranty, hey, it's me house! I've seen what wood lice can do...

 

[bigtiller]

I do my own spraying but yet I pay the Culligan man to deliver and lug sacks of salt to the softener in the basement.

 

[KTurner]

check me termite bait

Aha! That reminds me - the previous house had termite bait stations. It was on a slab with T-111 siding. I wonder if getting the bug treatment was part of the mortgage?

Our current house is brick on a crawl space with no termite stations. I just checked my account and they are currently doing:

Suspend Polyzone
Target Pests: American cockroaches, Ants (except Carpenter), Spiders (except Brown Recluse and Black Widow)
Areas Applied: DOORS - Doorways / Windows - Interior; FOUNDATION - Foundation / Perimeter; PORCHES - Porches / Patios / Decks​

Funny how they exclude brown recluse and black widow. I see the suspend polyzone for sale online at around $35 for 16 ounces. My last treatment report said they used less than an ounce.

At this point, I'm feeling ok about dropping the service.

Keith

 

[JRobyn]

Anyone using diatomaceous earth? It is supposed to be very effective on any bug with an exoskeleton. We had the spring and fall ladybug problem. I put out about 5 "traps" consisting of the bottom 3/4" cut off of solo cups with about a Tbs of DE in each. Have not seen a single live ladybug since.

- Jay

 

[Pilot]

Carpenter ants are our problem. The big extermination outfits always seem to have a "program" where they come by every few months and of course bill you every few months. We found a one man shop, licensed just like the big boys. If we have a problem we call, he comes, treats the place once and he is done. Also hits hornet nests if we have one, no extra charge. As I recall, he charged about $100 last visit.

 

[Coyote machine]

Before cancelling your contract ask them to come do a through inspection and give a written report, hopefully for no charge, since you already have a contract. Tell them you're thinking of putting it on the market and want to be sure it's clean with no problems before doing so.

I had to treat for termites at my mother's 1906 home before I sold it. It hadn't had any treatment since before the first ice age. Cost me a big bundle since termites were in the garage and probably the house too. Paid it and sold the house.Can't see how having a contract would effect resale, unless it kept termites at bay, until the house were for sale and thus no structural damage to be found...

Guess it depends where you live too. In CT, our house was treated by a one man band guy and he would come to check it if you asked. He said if you don't disturb the perimeter soil no need to worry.
No monthly or quarterly visits, once and done. If he wanted more money you'd think he'd want to come round all the time. Granted he was mostly treating for termites and carpenter ants and such, not spiders, etc.

 

[RalphVa]

You do need termite protection in the south. They're just outside the door. So, you need a barrier.

Think what they use is permethrin. It's a natural product but very deadly, made from the chrysanthamum flower.

You can, of course, do it yourself. I'd rather hire a service and avoid being hasseled by the wife about doing it.

Ralph

 

[MF283]

You do need termite protection in the south. They're just outside the door. So, you need a barrier.





Ralph

Agree, i treat our place twice a year, never had a problem. The only thing i don't like is Brown Recluse, spray the shop & barn to prevent them, the other spiders don't bother us either, there is a Wolf spider living between one window in the kitchen, it's name is Spidey & the wife likes it:confused3:

Ronnie