Termite problem. How to treat?

[catinthehat]

Our pest control company, Terminix, did a free termite inspection and found we have termites around our home. It was built in 2006 but it's a heavily wooded lot so its not surprising that we now have them. 

I got a quote of 1200 for termiticide or 1700 for their bait system. I'm researching both and plan on getting two more estimates from other companies. 

Anyone have any experience treating termites? They are not present inside our home. Just outside so no interior damage. 

They are also trying to sell me on an annual warranty for 200 per year and I'm very skeptical. I just want to eradicate them and do annual inspections to keep my home termite free and treat as needed. 

[arch01]

I'd get verification first from another company that they're actually there.

I don't have any first-hand experience, but the bait system is more popular around here. It's said to be more effective.

[steph96]

I have always heard not to do the bait because it literally baits termites to come into your house.

Try calling an independent exterminator to see what they say.

[catinthehat]

Well from reviewing a google search I'm finding that the bait system has poor reviews and seems to be a scam. Many companies do not properly check the bait container and fail to refill them. Seems like pest control industry is one to be weary of. 

Also the warranty has a ton of exclusions. It's all in the fine print so that's why I want to avoid it. 

Ill be calling/Looking for other local companies for an est...

[catinthehat]

Jan 26, 2013 14:48:41 GMT -5 steph96 said:

I have always heard not to do the bait because it literally baits termites to come into your house.

Try calling an independent exterminator to see what they say.

Yes you are right. I have read about this. It draws them near your home and helps the company scare the homeowner and collect an annual service from them. 

[Deleted]

Terminix is ridiculously, insanely overpriced. Orkin will be too; all of the national companies are.

Call a local company. Get 2 or 3 more opinions. Don't tell them Terminix found anything; let them do their own independent inspections.

We elected to do termiticide and it was about $600 for a 10 year bond around our 2100 sq ft 2 story home. We pay about $100 a year for annual inspection required to continue the bond. This was competitive with the 3 other companies we got quotes from while we shopped to renew our bond.

We did indeed end up having termite damage and needed to use our bond (with a local, independent company) to have it repaired. It was an easy and straightforward process. I would recommend asking any company you use for personal referrals so you can ask how infestations were handled.

IMO the most important thing is the bond itself and not the method used to kill the termites. We chose the termiticide because it was cheaper and lower maintenance, but what was really important to us--and even more so now that we had to use it--was to have a company that stood by their work and made things right when we did have damage.

[mmp]

The bait system is a waste of money. Do the one where they drill holes in the foundation and put the chemical in.
I also recommend the annual warranty. I pay $120 a year. If termites are found, including damage, they cover the cost.
I use Home Paramount. They've been great.

[IIOY]

Jan 26, 2013 17:34:54 GMT -5 @carmensandiego said:

Terminix is ridiculously, insanely overpriced. Orkin will be too; all of the national companies are.

Call a local company. Get 2 or 3 more opinions. Don't tell them Terminix found anything; let them do their own independent inspections.

This this this.  Go with a smaller, local company.  The large national companies are known for their upsells at insane prices.

Good luck!

[catinthehat]

I've talked to some family/neighbors and have two local referrals.

Thanks for the advice. I didnt think to not mention the termite problem so I will definitely keep that in mind when scheduling the appointments.