Virginia - 1/00. On 2-6-99, Terminix was contacted by me to provide a home inspection of suspected termites at our home.  A Terminix inspector conducted an inspection of the premises. A subterranean termite inspection graph indicated the results of the inspection and proposed treatment that would be required to terminate any active infestation and eliminate any further damages.  The supposed treatment was done when we were not at home to verify what and how the treatment was applied to the affected exterior wall. In October, we contacted Terminix on several occasions to inquire why no one from Terminix had come to the home to check for any further termite activity, especially since the initial inspection had revealed activity within the home. We were informed Terminix had inspected the bait stations and found no evidence of active termites. I countered by saying that if that was the case, then there should have been at least some indications that someone had been to our home (especially since the majority of the bait stations are located at the rear of the home behind the fence; and it is doubtful that anyone could go to the backyard without us being there).  While rearranging the living room furniture, both my wife and I noticed mud tubes on the baseboard and walls. We contacted Terminix immediately and informed them of our findings. After several days of trying to get results, an inspector from Terminix came by and indicated that what we apparently thought were termite mud tubes were in his opinion only “bugs.” In December, we noticed additional mud tubes on the adjacent baseboards and walls of the connecting rooms. Again, after several calls to Terminix, a Terminix inspector came to the home. He saw extensive amounts of damage to the baseboards of areas that had not shown any signs of prior damage, areas that the initial inspector for Terminix had inspected. He indicated that any additional treatment of the home would have to be authorized by the resident manager.  A meeting with the local manager was scheduled for the following week.  At that meeting, we were informed that since there was no apparent live termite found within the home and that the initial inspection indicated prior termite damage on the baseboard, that Terminix was not responsible for any repairs, and that any additional treatment of the property would not be done. After several calls to the local manager were attempted, we were told the same thing and submitted an online complaint via the Terminix Internet web page.  A meeting between the regional manager for Terminix, local Terminix manager, and us was arranged.  Prior to this meeting, we contacted a representative of several other competitive pest control companies to conduct inspection of the property. In every instance, the results were the same.  The inspections revealed termite activity in and around the bait stations on the outside of the home and additional termite damage to the base boards (areas not shown as being damaged during Terminix’s inspection).

? - 1/00. To make a long story short, Terminix treated our home. After four years, we have to demolish it and build a new one. You can probably guess much of what happened in the interim. I will be seeking the advice of counsel (something I should have done long ago). I believe we’ll all be eating Terminix’s dust unless we all get together and act as one force.

New Jersey - 1/00. We have had Terminix for the last year and a half. They have to be here every month to check on the termites.  They never show up, although scheduled, unless I call.  Even after I call them, they say they were there “yesterday.” Funny. I was home “yesterday,” and nobody showed up from Terminix.  When they do show up, they have to check every single station.  They “check” it, and tell me that there is nothing there.  Interesting.  Two days later when they really do show up and check it with me walking behind them, they find termites. It must be magic that the termites beamed down just prior to Terminix’ arrival.  I spent all day today waiting for their serviceman who did not show up.  A call to Terminix customer service did not yield anything. They said they have no way of calling the local office; they will fax them my information and someone will get back to me ASAP. When asked if this will be today, they said yes. When I called the local office directly, it was closed.  The customer service then said that the office is now closed until Monday.  When asked how they will call me today if they are closed, the response was -- total silence.

Florida - 1/00. Am having a problem with Terminix not repairing damage even though I’ve been contracted with them for over 10 years and numerous inspections, and even an earlier repair several years ago, have been made. Now that I have extensive damage in my antique heart pine floors, they say they’re not responsible because I have wood-to-ground piers under the house.  Well, the house was built in 1908, and the piers have been just the same as they’ve always been; and they have continued to urge me year after year to renew my contract and “keep this valuable protection,” have accepted my premium payments, and sent me warranties that state that all repairs are their responsibility.  Now they say “we are not responsible.”

Texas - 1/00. My wife and I have been dissatisfied in the pest control service offered to us by Terminix because of their lack of common courtesy. We have asked to speak to the manager, only to be put back on the phone with another representative. I came home to let the pest control man into our house.  No one showed up. I called to find out we were not even on their schedule. The service representative told me I must not have called to set up a schedule and was not very courteous in doing so. We were told by another representative that we have an outstanding bill. This is true, I told her; but the man came on our only watering day (we are on water rationing) when we were not at home. He sprayed the front lawn only and charged nearly $70. I found the Terminix notice of the lawn being sprayed in my flower garden while watering the same day. I called, but charges were not canceled; and I didn’t know until the Dallas office sent a bill.  Same song when I called them. I asked to speak to a manager and was referred back to a service representative by a transfer call to none other than Abilene.  Needless to say, that is when the Terminix representative called us to ask if we wanted a quarterly done.  I set up an appointment even though I was a little ticked about the first wrong. That is when I discovered there was no appointment set up.  We have spent thousands of dollars with this company, and their service did not, and has not, gotten any better. In fact, it has gotten worse.

Tennessee - 1/00. I am displeased with their performance and looking at another company to handle my pest control business.

Connecticut - 1/00. I haven’t got problems like others have had. Mostly just a waste of $30+ per month for a couple of years; and when I wanted my unspent money back (I’d paid in advance), no response.  But I did get a few chuckles along the way: Me:  “We’re overrun with ants!”  Helpful Connecticut Terminix Person: “Everyone’s overrun with ants.”  Me: “I just found a huge nest of carpenter ants in my garage!”  Helpful Connecticut Terminix Person:  “So, what do you want me to do about it?”  (Please keep in mind the $30+ per month fee, and the monthly visits.)