OT: Termidor vs. Sentricon/Bait Stations

[Prediction? Pain.]

Had a thankfully minor termite issue on our property and are now shopping for treatment and protection options. I've got multiple estimates from reputable local companies in my area that all use different treatment combinations, so now I'm weighing my options. I've perused the internet and found varying opinions about what choice is best. The consensus seems to be that, as long as the pest company does the application/installation properly, you're probably ok going with either a full Termidor application or with a spot Termidor treatment and bait-station plan. The bait stations cost more in the long term, but the difference apparently isn't as much as it used to be -- the quotes I've received put bait stations at maybe close to $1,000 more over the course of a decade than a Termidor-only approach (though that difference would double if I didn't I keep the $150/year "guaranty" with the Termidor treatment).

Do any of y'all have recent experience with this stuff, good or bad?

 

[aTotal360]

I got a service to spray for bugs and install the sentricon stations. We had an initial setup cost of $300 that included the install of the stations. I think we have 14 stations in total. Then the upkeep charge is $170/year after that just for termite stuff. I think we pay $35/quarter for normal extermination stuff. I've had essentially the same setup and costs on 2 different houses with no issues.

 

[39762]

Highjack: Looking for local termite company in Jackson

Had a thankfully minor termite issue on our property and are now shopping for treatment and protection options. I've got multiple estimates from reputable local companies in my area that all use different treatment combinations, so now I'm weighing my options. I've perused the internet and found varying opinions about what choice is best. The consensus seems to be that, as long as the pest company does the application/installation properly, you're probably ok going with either a full Termidor application or with a spot Termidor treatment and bait-station plan. The bait stations cost more in the long term, but the difference apparently isn't as much as it used to be -- the quotes I've received put bait stations at maybe close to $1,000 more over the course of a decade than a Termidor-only approach (though that difference would double if I didn't I keep the $150/year "guaranty" with the Termidor treatment).

Do any of y'all have recent experience with this stuff, good or bad?

Sorry for highjacking your thread but I'm looking for a local termite company in Jackson area. Got a quote for treatment from national company and it was very high. Hoping someone local could do it cheaper.

 

[bulldog2488]

Sorry for highjacking your thread but I'm looking for a local termite company in Jackson area. Got a quote for treatment from national company and it was very high. Hoping someone local could do it cheaper.

I used Termipest. I'm pretty sure they are based out of Clinton, but they'll go anywhere in the Jackson metro. I pay around $235 for an annual application. To be honest though I'm not entirely sure what chemicals or bait stations they use, but they've always been very helpful and nice and have had no termite issues.

 

[ShrubDog]

OP - we use to drill/spray termidor and it worked very well. We didn’t put out bait stations that much but I don’t think it would hurt. This was in the early 1990’s so I’m not sure if things have changed much.

2488 - The initial termite application should last many years. If they are coming out and spraying then charging you 235$ you may want to find out whats going on. An annual inspection is usually 99$.

Eta - They may be charging you for spot treatments but I would definitely clarify what they are doing and have them show you the termites they are treating. You have to have a bad case of the critters for them to continuely spray every year.

 

[00dog]

Now this has been 20 years ago, but may still be applicable. I got several estimates, National Companies and locals. With one exception, the companies told me that they were not allowed to treat every year, per government restrictions. The lone exception told me that his company sprayed every year. I asked if the same chemical was used, and he answered yes. I asked if the chemical was applied in the same strength, and he sheepishly replied no. He admitted that the chemical was so watered down that it wouldn't really do anything, that it was just a selling point.

One of the independent companies, provided me a contract that was far from professional, and told me that I could add what ever terminology that I wanted to. I did not go with that guy.

In the end I figured that purchasing a termite plan was as much about damage insurance as it was about the termite control. I went with a national outfit for that reason; figured the odds of them being around and with the same name was better than that of some of the smaller guys.

I purchased termite coverage before ever having termite issues. Beginning approximately 5 years after the termite treatment (chemicals applied through drilling foundation), I had termite issues for 3 consecutive springs. During this time my home was again drilled and retreated. Finally, after telling a district manager (actually a good guy) that I was going to an attorney because my residence was not being protected as per contract, the bait stations were set and checked. Then the poison was added (not sure what kind) to the bait stations where activity was found. The bait stations were monitored several times a year, and I haven't had any issues; however, the company no longer uses the same type bait stations (too labor intensive I imagine), but sets out the poison in each station. I've had the "poison" stations for about 2-3 years, and am keeping my fingers crossed.

 

[ShrubDog]

The craziest thing I ever saw in pest control was a termite infestation. It was a house way out in the county. We pulled up and termites were flying in the air, we said 17.

The house looked like several structures had been combined over time. We started pulling up rugs, carpet etc and started drilling. As we worked our way through this weird house we get to the back. The floor turned to wood and smelled weird. We found a crawl space and inside of it was termite mounds and what looked old wood, termites everywhere, swarming. So we asked why the house was built this way and they said their family had built over an old home along with other additions through the years.

We sprayed until **** was coming out of the walls and soaked outside. I felt bad for these people because they had been living with them for a while and just didn’t have the money to get it treated, well they didn’t have to worry about paying that day.

 

[bulldog2488]

OP - we use to drill/spray termidor and it worked very well. We didn’t put out bait stations that much but I don’t think it would hurt. This was in the early 1990’s so I’m not sure if things have changed much.

2488 - The initial termite application should last many years. If they are coming out and spraying then charging you 235$ you may want to find out whats going on. An annual inspection is usually 99$.

Eta - They may be charging you for spot treatments but I would definitely clarify what they are doing and have them show you the termites they are treating. You have to have a bad case of the critters for them to continuely spray every year.

Thanks for this. I'm going to check into this and find out what they are doing.

 

[NashLA]

, well they didn’t have to worry about paying that day.

You're a good man.