A few weeks ago, I wrote about trying to decide what sort of termite protection plan I would go with. After being in this house for 2 years now, I knew I needed to address that and not wait for something bad to happen. So, I began doing research and called 4 companies for bids on their plans. It was an informative time of finding out the particulars of how all of this works. It seems that years ago that the liquid barrier method was the main thing that was used when houses were built to prevent termites from getting in a home. The liquid barrier was added to the soil around the house for preventive measures.
The newer and more well known methods nowadays is the Sentricon system. I had seen these systems being installed before and wasn’t sure exactly which way to go. After I wrote that long post on pest control and termite plans, I was contacted by Arrow Exterminators, here in Atlanta. They offered to work with me, sending out a representative from their company who would also give me advise, based on what I had already researched.
One of their sales reps, Bob, who has been with Arrow Exterminators for 9 years came to my house and did a thorough inspection inside my garage and all around my house, looking for evidence of past termite damage. Luckily, nothing bad was found, so this will start me on a clean path to termite protection and hopefully, I’ll never have an infestation at my house.
He explained the differences again between Termidor, the liquid barrier method and Sentricon, the bait system that goes into the ground. I was really leaning towards the Termidor method, but after talking to Bob, he completely changed my mind. He advised that they would need to add 150 gallons of Termidor into the soil around my house, also drilling into the concrete of my garage walls to make sure they got the liquid in the right places to make a difference. After hearing about the bait system with Sentricon and the fact that it is now a live bait which, when termites do get inside the baits and eat the live bait, they then take it back to their colonies and kill off the colony. I liked the idea of that.
I sure don’t want termites close to my house, but as we all know, they live in the ground and feed off dead wood, so are constantly looking for food sources. We just have to make sure that our homes are not a food source for them. After debating back and forth on both systems, I decided on the Sentricon method. Bait systems are added to the perimeter of a house about 10 feet apart, with live bait. When termites come through the ground, chances are a few of them will find the live bait in the ground and feed on that first. Arrow also has a guaranteed repair warranty on this system that in case something does happen and termites get inside a house, doing damage, Arrow will repair all the damage. That was something I wanted too. A guarantee in case of any future damage.
I’m hoping that this method will serve me well and I feel so much better about having this systems in place. They come out yearly to check out the bait system and do an annual inspection to make sure everything is still good to go.
Arrow sent out a nice young man who did the installation process. It was very fast and took about 30 minutes.
Each of the baits that go around my house (I think he used 16 for my house) is scanned and my name is put on the file for those particular baits and it goes into their computer system.
He used a long drill which quickly drilled holes in the dirt for the green bait systems to go down in the ground.
Fast and easy process to get them in the ground.
He was very helpful in answering my questions and making sure I understood it all.
He added each bait system into the holes in the ground and that was it.
Pressing them into place, they are flush with the ground.
They are pretty unobtrusive, so not bad to have around. And a lawn mower will go right over them.
The sales person, Bob, at Arrow was extremely knowledgeable and he really helped me understand the whole process so much better. I really had no clue when I first started researching all of this how it all worked, but he gave me lots of information and statistics to help my decision. I could tell he is really passionate about what he does and enjoys sharing that with customers. Once I got the whole picture, I made the decision I felt was best for my house and Sentricon it was. I just couldn’t see drilling all those holes in my concrete garage walls, so this system seemed to make the most sense for me.
He also explained that years ago, they put wood in the baits for termites to eat, but now it’s an active bait system that will actually kill the colony, so I thought that was a much better improvement. He told me that the new active bait system is working much better and Sentricon has a really good success rate now. So, I was sold on that too and the fact that if any damage occurs, they guarantee repair. That’s a win-win for me.
Arrow offered to work with me as a blogger and I received the Sentricon system free of charge for sharing this information on my blog. I really like the company and had a really nice experience with their sales and installation services, so was happy to work with them. I will be paying the yearly renewals on this Sentricon system and keep it up myself.
I worked with Arrow Exterminators in Woodstock and so far, really am impressed with them and how they do business. Everyone who has come out to my house has been very professional, courteous, and knowledgeable. I even had some bees back on the eave of my house and they came out to spray them again. I do not want them back inside my walls again, so Arrow will be taking care of any of those pest problems for me from now on.
It’s a good feeling to have this system in place and know that my house is protected from termites. I hope my experience will help some of you out there too if you are doing research yourself about termite protection. It’s one of those subjects that is not fun to talk about, but a necessary part of home ownership.
Note: This is a sponsored post from Arrow Exterminators and I received my Sentricon system at no charge.
One more exciting part to this post! Arrow Exterminators is giving away to ONE of my readers a termite protection plan of your own. If you live in an area service by Arrow Exterminators, you are eligible for this great prize. Click here to check your zip code for coverage.
Please note: Winner will receive one Sentricon installation free of charge. The selected prize winner is subject to all terms and conditions of the Arrow Exterminators Sentricon Service Agreement. Additionally, for the prize winner, the service is valid only for single-family, residential homes that qualify for service and the total retail value is not to exceed $1,000.
Follow the Rafflecopter to sign up and comment! I’m excited one of you will get this prize too. Thanks to Arrow for offering this to one of my readers!
Based on the map from Arrow, they service the following states:
Alabama
Arizona
Florida
Georgia
Kentucky
Mississippi
North Carolina
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
PLEASE FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS IN RAFFLECOPTER WIDGET, LEAVING A COMMENT IS MANDATORY AND THE WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN THROUGH RAFFLECOPTER. THANKS!
Only those in the zip code and states covered will be eligible for winning.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Karen says
I really could use this!
brenda says
Moving to S.C in the next year from NJ, would love to be able to have this system in our new house!
Love your Blog! I read it every day!
Virginia says
Tks for the update on how the systems work. Interesting tho that the technician is wearing “booties” (I assume to protect him from the chemicals?) but using his bare hand to push the “system” into the ground. . .
Emily M. says
I have been wondering how the new system works. Thanks for the information!
Kate H says
I currently do not have any protection so winning this would be great.
Charlotte says
Glad you had a good experience and thanks for sharing. Good information to know.
Christy says
Would love to win this! I’ve been contemplating which direction to go on this matter as well…
Angela says
Hi Rhoda,
I really need this, we just bought a house in Pinson, AL (close to Birmingham) and are looking for a system. Your post was very helpful. So thank you!! Keep up the good work!
Angie
Martha Lopez says
Thanks Rhoda, just entered the giveaway. Arrow is in AZ so here’s hoping!! – Martha
Teresa says
Sure do. I live in Marietta just like you. Love your blog & that you’re local.
Pattie says
Thanks for the info. This is something my husband and I have been looking into as first time home owners.
Mary L says
This would be great protection to have. Thanks!
Jan says
I do not have termite control and didn’t realize that it would be something I needed here in Georgia. I started reading your blog about the nasty pest and I would love to win this to protect my house.
Nancy M says
Just moved in a new house that doesn’t have this system so it would be great to win it!
gina says
Living in a humid climate and near water, termite protection is a huge priority for our family and our biggest investment- our home.
Holly F says
Our house has the non-Centricon type right now but when the inspector came a few months ago he said we would need to re-do it in the next year or two because our house is now 25 years old. So thanks for this informative post.
Debbie T. says
Thanks for this post. We had the liquid treatment done on our home 13 years ago, we had an annual inspection and all is still good. However, it is only covered for 10 years, so we are going to have to do something in the next year to make sure we stay clear. Good information on the new system, lots to consider now. Would love to win this….
Christie says
We’ve put off doing this because we didn’t want anyone drilling into our garage and basement! Thanks for the great info and opportunity to win, Rhoda!
Jeanette Harvey says
We live in a fairly new home, but our backyard is very wooded, so I know we’ll need termite protection very soon!
Cynthia says
Very informative post! I could certainly use this service in North Alabama!