Florida - 12-99.  Like many others, I had good service before my contract was transferred to another (not local) branch.  I have been very frustrated with their billing as they bill monthly whether or not the guy shows up or not.  Several times I have called and gotten credits. In July, the guy came and left a bill saying I owed nothing, so I assumed they had got my credits caught up.  I also got notice that service was going up to $30 a month starting in August.  In August, the guy never showed up, but I got a bill for $58. On September 4, I wrote a letter of complaint canceling the contract and a check for $58 and sent it to them.  In October, I got a bill for $88 and a call from the service guy. I told him I had canceled the contract and not to come out.  I checked my account, and the check hadn’t cleared; so I sent them another check and a letter plus a copy of the Sept. 4 letter.  In November, I got another bill for $88.  So I called the office and they said they didn’t have either letter or check and so I gave them my debit card number and authorization to deduct the $58.  I told them to send me a copy of the receipt for service for August if they wanted me to pay that. They called and left a message that said everything was fine and I didn’t owe any more.  I later noted that the second check I sent cleared.  Imagine my surprise when, in December, I received a notice from a collection agency to collect on the $88 I “owe” them!  I called and talked with another lady; and after a long discussion, she promised to call back.  When she didn’t call back, I called her again. She said the supervisor said they would “forgive” my $88 debt if I wanted to schedule another service. Not no but ()*&^& NO!  Mind you -- this is after I paid them $58 - check cleared - $30 of which I didn’t owe!!  Anyone in Florida want to file some charges for fraudulent billing practices??

Florida - 12-99.  The sale of my home did not go through due to subterranean termites.  I had a contract for many years with Terminix which they did not honor.  Repairs were extensive and they refused to pay any portion of repairs. They treated again for termites and still did not solve the problem.

California - 11-99.  For the past five years, I have been under a Terminix contract. The problem is that every time I renew the contract, the inspectors come and tell me areas that I need to take care of through procedures such as tenting, etc. I ask them exactly what the Terminix Comprehensive Protection Plan provides and what it protects me from. All they say is that anytime during the year if any major termite problem occurs, then they will completely cover it. But presently this is not a major problem but since I have been notified of it, it is my responsibility to take care of it at my cost.  I really do not understand why they provide a Comprehensive Protection contract if they only come at the beginning of the new contract to say what is wrong and then state it is not bad enough to be considered under their Comprehensive Protection Plan.  I am afraid of canceling the contract; because the minute I do, I will feel responsible since my parents are not in the condition to take their opinion.

South Carolina - 10-99.  After purchasing a resale home in June 1999 with an existing Terminix Termite Policy, we received a form letter o/a October 15, 1999, stating, “Our office has not been contacted by you in regards to discussing continuance of the termite protection that we had on the property with the previous owner.  If I do not hear from you by Nov. 26, 1999, Terminix will have to assume that you do not wish to continue your coverage and/or service.”  I responded the same day, in writing, telling them I would welcome a discussion regarding this matter and inviting them to contact me for a convenient day and time.  On October 26, 1999, I received the same form letter as before and responded in writing the same date.  The recalcitrance of this organization seems to indicate that they “prefer not honoring the existing contract” for whatever conclusion can be obtained.

Texas - 10-99.  My father has a current battle with Terminix over damage to a property caused by termites due to Terminix’s failure to perform per contract.  He is currently pursuing action against them.

Missouri - 12-99.  I have been hassling with Terminex since 1992.  I continue to find evidence of termites.  I call, they come out and pump chemicals “supposedly.”  I have repaired structural damage in three areas and Terminix has not reimbursed me.  They stall when I pursue it.  I have written two letters to the Attorney General, and they responded that they have an open file on Terminex but nothing’s happening.  I inquired about a class action suit, but the State has not answered my inquiry.

California - 12-99.  I have also had significant problems getting Terminix to live up to their agreements.  Specifically, after tenting and purchasing an extended guarantee, I found termites. Terminix conveniently waited several weeks before inspecting, knowing termites do not swarm for long, then said there were no termites.  After several years under the guarantee program, one of their inspectors told me the house needed to be retented; his boss never acknowledged that inspector’s findings, even after I had another termite company inspect and find out the house needed tenting. Terminix spares no expense advertising, inundating customers with junk mail, and telephone calls to continue the cash flow into their coffers; if they spent just some of that time and effort being honest and killing termites, they would have a far better reputation.

Georgia - 12-99.  I purchased my home in the early 90’s, and Terminix performed a so-called termite treatment. I believe it was 1995 that I discovered that what they had done was bore 1/2-inch deep holes in the foundation (rather than 18”) and put paste over those 1/2” holes to make it appear they had done the work.  I would advise anyone that has used their services in this area to check for same.

Maryland - 12-99.  I, too, was a victim of a clear pest report and then finding out two days prior to settlement (I was the seller) that the buyers brought in their own pest service and found damage. Ripoffnix (excuse me, Terminix) came back in and validated the damage. They left me high and dry and having to pay $2,000 in repair bills before settlement could go through. This was a house that for seven years was on a yearly inspection program.  Ahhhh!

Massachusetts - 12-99.  The Terminix contract I paid lots of money for proved to be just a worthless piece of paper since I could never get anybody to perform the annual inspections, no return calls, just no response.  Then after I didn’t renew it, they had the audacity to call and ask why.