Arrow exterminators just came by and inspected the house today and let my wife know that the terminite protection by the previous owners has expired. They gave an the option of installing a Centricon system for a cost of $649 up front and $249 every year afterwards. Or treat the house with liquid for a cost of $759.

Is this worth the cost? Anywhere I can find it cheaper?

 

How the house ever had termites and is it a problem in your area?

 

Did you invite them over, or did they pay you a "courtesy" visit? Did they find any evidence of recent infestation that warrants any action? Before shelling out any money to these guys, hire a pest inspector (one that doesn't treat for pests, just reports findings). You'll have to pay them (should be ~$50), but you know they aren't trying to sell you something.

As to your original question, most people I know only treat when they find evidence of infestation, rather than maintenance. Unless it's a known problem in your area (as doopstr asked), there doesn't seem like a strong arguement to go for yearly treatments.

 

All I know is here in Georgia, termite bonds are mandated especially if you want to sell your house. This house has had prior termite problems with the previous owner. When I bought it, it still had 3 years left on the bond, so before today i was only paying $145/year for inspections. Now that the bond is expiring in a few weeks, I'm going to have to get another one.

Teard termites are a big problem in the entire southeast, which is why Georgia requires termite bonds. I'm sure other states here require it as well or at least highly recommend it. The apartment I was staying in prior to buying the house, had termites crawling on the walls in the bedroom. I could actually see them coming into the bedroom from the walls. I told management, but of course they did nothing about it.

 

I had termites about 5 years ago. They came in and sprayed the entire outline of the house, outside and inside, I live in a t/h. Drilled the concrete floor in basement. I haven't seen any since. It was about $1200.00.

 

We get termites out here in CA, but it doesn't seem near as bad as it sounds in GA. A pest inspection is generally required (or at least strongly recommended) when purchasing a house. Never heard of any bond requirements, though.