termite treatment? (Homosassa: insurance, new home, purchase)

[RetGI]

We recently relocated to Homosassa and I'm curious about the frequency of termite treatments here. We purchased a new home and have had a couple bug treatment companies trying to get our business. So, is it necessary to treat for termites every year and what's a fair price?

[TampaKaren]

I looked up a recent quote I received. The $999 plan includes full Subterranean and Drywood Termite treatment with a 12 month warranty. After year one, the contract is renewable for four years at $199 per year.

[debidibly]

If Termidor was used, it is supposed to last several years (5-7) I believe, unless it is disturbed. When our home was built it was treated and shortly after we had moved in and landscaped the company came back out, inspected, and retreated, at no charge. There were no signs of problems but we were told that the permiter of the house had been disturbed too much since treated. Many treatment companies offer an insurance policy that will compensate you if termites damage your home. They will come out annually and inspect and retreat if necessary which is included in that "insurance" price.

As for regular bugs, the price depends on whether you are using the regular spray method or tube in the wall method. The tube method (which I have) is almost twice the price of spraying. I switched to spraying this year for cost and I can't be sure if I am seeing more bugs as a result of that or if it's just because our home is finally settled and they're finding their way in. I have found the spray companies have required me to call back and schedule them for regular intervals whereas the tube people just showed up quarterly. I may try treating myself with what I can purchase at the local "Bug Depot" stores.