Home Termite prevention

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SirChadwick

Diamond Member
Jul 27, 2001
4,595
1
81
We just bought our first home and our agent was recommending Sentricon for us - she probably gets a small cut for the referral. I've heard this system is a scam and there are other things out there that are better for the money. I got to thinking... paying $350-$500 a year is a good chunk. But I'm willing to shell it out to protect our home. I want to hear your stories about termites and your thoughts/recommendations. Is it worth getting this or is it primarily a scam? A friend of my Mothers said he'd rather save his dough and pay to replace the damage if/when they come. Sounds ignorant, but he's never had an issue w/ termites in his life so that could be why.

Ok, reply away!
 
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Deviant Grasshopper

Banned
Dec 8, 2008
506
0
0
I should, but I don't. My house came with a termite bond that was supposed to be renewed, but I couldn't get in touch with the company that issued it so it's probably expired.


I guess when finances pick up a bit in a few months I need to call someone out.
 
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Deviant Grasshopper

Banned
Dec 8, 2008
506
0
0
btw - I have a slab foundation and keep a close eye in my attic and joists for termite damage. I also keep trees and shrubbery OFF of the house.
 
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SirChadwick

Diamond Member
Jul 27, 2001
4,595
1
81
Originally posted by: Deviant Grasshopper
I should, but I don't. My house came with a termite bond that was supposed to be renewed, but I couldn't get in touch with the company that issued it so it's probably expired.


I guess when finances pick up a bit in a few months I need to call someone out.
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The company came out for us immediately after buying our home and did an inspection for termites and everything looked good. They gave us the paperwork, but we're too busy buying other things right now and paying debt so it's hard to fork over another chunk for a termite prevention system. I have done my research, but there are so many scams out there that it's hard to trust anyone with this stuff.
 
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Vette73

Lifer
Jul 5, 2000
21,503
9
0
Unless you live in a heavy wooded area known for them most will nto have problems. You can also buy termite kits pretty cheap now. So do that every couple years if you are worried.
 
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drnickriviera

Platinum Member
Jan 30, 2001
2,463
271
136
Termidor seems to be working on my rental properties. Just get it sprayed once and keep an eye open for termite damage in the future, or just have them spray once every 5-8 yrs.

How old is the house of your mothers' friend? If it was built up to the mid to late 80's then they used chlordane. I've never had a problem with a chlordane treated house. EPA banned it in the late 80's
 
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SirChadwick

Diamond Member
Jul 27, 2001
4,595
1
81
Originally posted by: drnickriviera
Termidor seems to be working on my rental properties. Just get it sprayed once and keep an eye open for termite damage in the future, or just have them spray once every 5-8 yrs.

How old is the house of your mothers' friend? If it was built up to the mid to late 80's then they used chlordane. I've never had a problem with a chlordane treated house. EPA banned it in the late 80's
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It was built in 2006.
 
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Codewiz

Diamond Member
Jan 23, 2002
5,758
0
76
I have a slab foundation. No shrubs or overgrowth around my home. I have a terminix termite bond. I ended up with some termite damage to one of my door frames. They came out and replaced the whole frame and door without any issue.

EDIT: Let me add that I live in South Carolina where termite activity is pretty common.
 
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SirChadwick

Diamond Member
Jul 27, 2001
4,595
1
81
Originally posted by: Marlin1975
Unless you live in a heavy wooded area known for them most will nto have problems. You can also buy termite kits pretty cheap now. So do that every couple years if you are worried.
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We have about 6 trees in our backyard, but it's definitely not heavily wooded. We have a 12" concrete slab under our home and it's made with Hardy Plank siding.

I like the idea of spraying every 5-8 years. Is that really effective Marlin?
 
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Vette73

Lifer
Jul 5, 2000
21,503
9
0
Originally posted by: SirChadwick
Originally posted by: Marlin1975
Unless you live in a heavy wooded area known for them most will nto have problems. You can also buy termite kits pretty cheap now. So do that every couple years if you are worried.
Click to expand...

We have about 6 trees in our backyard, but it's definitely not heavily wooded. We have a 12" concrete slab under our home and it's made with Hardy Plank siding.

I like the idea of spraying every 5-8 years. Is that really effective Marlin?
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I am not sure but all I do for my place is spray the regular bug stuff that also works on termites yearly.

My shop had termites when I did the roof. So I just replaced the wood and sparyed the regular stuff there and I have not had them return.
 
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SirChadwick

Diamond Member
Jul 27, 2001
4,595
1
81
Do you guys recommend any particular brand of spray/bait that I can use at home? Something I can pick up at Home Depot, Walmart, etc.?

Marlin, I would have freaked the F out in your situation and there is no way on earth I would have just replaced wood and sprayed something myself.

I would immediately call a professional if I saw termites damaging my home in any way. What you see isn't always EVERYTHING that's going on.

EDIT: You said shop and I misread your post. I guess having them eat your shop isn't too bad, as long as it's not attached to your home.
 
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Vette73

Lifer
Jul 5, 2000
21,503
9
0
Originally posted by: SirChadwick
Do you guys recommend any particular brand of spray/bait that I can use at home? Something I can pick up at Home Depot, Walmart, etc.?

Marlin, I would have freaked the F out in your situation and there is no way on earth I would have just replaced wood and sprayed something myself.

I would immediately call a professional if I saw termites damaging my home in any way. What you see isn't always EVERYTHING that's going on.

EDIT: You said shop and I misread your post. I guess having them eat your shop isn't too bad, as long as it's not attached to your home.
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No the shop is at the far edge of my yard. That and it is near some trees and the next door has some wood 2x4's stacked up.

But I have worked on enough to know how to find termites and take care if it myself. I did a full remodel of most of my house from tearing most rooms down to studs and redoing electrical, plumbing, tiling, floor(tile and hardwood), etc...

Only thing I hate the termites for was having to rip out the roof of my shop and then replace some studs and a fulle 4x8 sheet of plywood. Killing the termites themseleves was not a worry for me.
 
alkemyst

alkemyst

No Lifer
Feb 13, 2001
83,769
19
81
Originally posted by: Marlin1975
Unless you live in a heavy wooded area known for them most will nto have problems. You can also buy termite kits pretty cheap now. So do that every couple years if you are worried.
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in florida you don't have to be in a wooded area...we get subterrainians.
 
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