"David" wrote :

We recently moved into a new house where the previous owner had
installed (two months prior to selling) a Sentricon termite system by
Arrow Exterminating. They apparently paid around $900 for the system.


This means to me there is a current ground infestation. Does Arrow
show activity at any of the baiting stations?

We are currently facing the renewal of the annual contract which runs
around $340. This covers repairs and retreats.


I'm confused. The installation for $900 (which is about right for an average
house. It depends on how many linear feet was involved) should also
cover 1 year of service. Isn't there ~ 9 months left on the contract??

$340 is about average for 1 year of checks and baiting if necessary. Once
a home is colony free a vendor typically checks only 4 times/year. If
there is new activity then they would bait monthly.

My question: is it really worth renewing this service, or should we
look for a typical retreat service contract for about one-third the
cost?

It takes at least 12 months to eliminate a colony. The Sentricon system
is VERY effective. I would continue with it. Don't let anyone tell you
otherwise. The baiting system is actually sterilizing the colony. There is
no need to do any other treatment as long as there is no interior
infestation.

And does anyone know whether or not, if we cancel with Arrow, they
will come and remove the Sentricon system already in place -- or do
they leave it and simply no longer cover for any damages, etc.? In
other words, could I possibly go with another (cheaper) termite
service company for the annual contract, but keep the system already
installed?


You own the system. They would not pull the stations out of the
ground. You can easily pull them out in the Spring when they are
no longer needed.

After the contract period expires you can certainly shop around.
Many vendors install and service Sentricon.

I have used Sentricon on one of my homes and it really
works. There has been no activity for 5 years after treatment.

Regards,

Harry