Is It Worth Paying $30/Month for Termite Protection Warranty?

SpewinMate on 17/05/2023 - 09:37

Hi everyone,

I'm currently paying $30/month to Flick Pest Control for termite protection warranty. The fee covers annual scheduled inspection, interior and exterior pest treatment, and termite warranty inspection. I'm wondering if this is worth it, or if I should just pay $265 a year for the inspection only.

I'm not sure how necessary the warranty is. The house was completed in 2021 and is in Elara in Marsden Park (new housing development), so I'm not sure if there would be any problems with termites. It has a termite protection system. I'm also wondering if this is just a way for Flick Pest Control to get me to waste money over the lifetime of the home.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Home & Garden

Comments

  • jakepods on 17/05/2023 - 09:53
    +1

    no

  • dtc on 17/05/2023 - 09:58

    Are you in a high risk termite area? If you have a proper termite protection installed, chances are you can get away with doing nothing for 5+ years. Then get an inspection and see what is going on.

  • aragornelessar on 17/05/2023 - 09:58
    +2

    We're building at the moment and the house comes with a Flick 'lifetime warranty' termite barrier.. however you have to have everything done through them to keep that warranty which I sort of understand but as an Ozbargainer, I don't think is value for money. Other people who've built said the guy comes around and taps on the skirtings and around the house for a bit. Makes me wonder if any other company could do the same inspection for cheaper.

    We haven't gotten any paperwork to check our setup yet but I'd check the fine print about what is actually covered also. I've heard people who've had termite damage rejected because 'the termites didn't go through the barrier', or 'it was previous damage that got worse'.. just like insurance, you'd want to ensure you're covered properly or you'd be SpewinMate!

    • impoze on 17/05/2023 - 19:43

      Flick are a pestdon't get

      Always sending emails threatening warranty void if you don't get an inspection

      Many businesses can refill and do the inspection as well

  • Switchblade88 on 17/05/2023 - 10:09
    +2

    Sounds like you're paying $360 a year for the same results as your $265 inspection.

  • CheapandUsed on 17/05/2023 - 10:11
    +1

    So it's $360 per year for a termite inspection and interior and exterior pest treatment or $265 for just the annual inspection?

    If so the $360 deal seems pretty good.

    We were quoted $280 for just a basic exterior treatment

    • JimmyF on 17/05/2023 - 13:06

      One comes with 'exterior pest treatment', one doesn't.

  • netjock on 17/05/2023 - 10:13

    Unless they hired incompetent people for product design. Guaranteed they are making money and you don't need it.

  • saltypete on 17/05/2023 - 10:20

    When there is building activity and/or termite poison treatments, termites tend to move around a bit.
    If it’s a new development and people are building near you they may move your way. So an active process may be helpful - maybe.

  • Donaldhump on 17/05/2023 - 10:30

    for a $100 why not, if gives you a warranty and some piece of mind.

  • AngoraFish on 17/05/2023 - 11:39
    +2

    It's a scam. You're basically paying Flick to cover their own liability in case someone on their team stuffed up.

    You don't pay a monthly fee for a 'warranty'. A warranty is a guarantee about the quality of the initial work. A typical termite treatment should last 5-8 years.

    Use a company that doesn't try to nickle and dime you at the back end by using appeals to fear that your house is somehow going to be eaten alive, an existing relationship to discourage you from shopping around, and monthly direct debits that they hope you just forget about and keep paying forever.

  • altomic on 17/05/2023 - 11:53
    +2

    no.

    read this thread regarding DIY termite treatment

    i had a minor termite problem due to leaving a roll of old bamboo fencing on the ground (on an unused side of the house) which allowed termites to eat the soft wood and then travel along into the house. they ate some soft wood non-support beams which was is in my hobby room downstairs (which is unplastered - just beams and exterior cladding- so I could see the damage and mud tunnels)

    removed the bamboo roll of fencing and had my cousins partner (licensed termite guy) come and treat the existing damage and put down bates.

    that was 3 years ago and no more issues.

    keep the outside of your house clear of wood .

    if you're worried about termites then buy some traps to place in the garden and check if termites are active.

    if termites are an issue then buy Fipronil (as per thread link above) and create a barrier around your house.

  • JimmyF on 17/05/2023 - 13:09
    +1

    Is It Worth Paying $30/Month for Termite Protection Warranty?

    Yes/No/Maybe, lots of 'new' houses come with these stupid termite systems that need annual checks and poison top ups, builders get a kick back from installing them as the owner is on the hook for paying running costs.

    You might need to keep the system up to date during your builders warranty (HAHAHA sorry I know that statement is a oxymoron one), but once that is over, most people just get them out every few years to look around, top up the liquid etc.

    You can DIY if you know what you are doing with chemicals etc.

  • Benoffie on 17/05/2023 - 17:52

    Rip off. Unless you're in a high termite area, what's the point?

  • Euphemistic on 17/05/2023 - 18:14

    Not really a warranty, more like an insurance policy.

    A new house should be built to a standard that doesn’t need more than a semi-regular inspection. Id likely push it out to a few years.

  • MeesusEff on 17/05/2023 - 22:08

    We did a 8 year termite barrier + inspection and it was $1500 and I don't have to see them for 8 years now, maybe look into that option

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