Pennsylvania - 9/01. Was informed we were to have a new Terminix service technician assigned. The following month, our regular tech was late.  He stated he had waited to meet the new service tech to show him how to get to our place.  New tech was a “no show.” The following month, our new tech phoned the  night before to confirm our regularly-scheduled treatment for the next morning. The next morning, we waited more than 45 minutes; and it was a “no show, now call.”  Arrived home from work and found a tag on the front door stating the outside had been treated and arrangements would be made to do the interior. Ten days later, the new service tech called to schedule catch-up service. Scheduled it for two days later. Two days later, we waited over 30 minutes after the scheduled time.  Another no show.  No note on the door this time.  Notified the region office of what transpired and stated that if this new service tech was not responsible enough to keep an appointment, they were not responsible enough to be handling and dispensing pesticides and other chemicals in and around my home. Office manager’s response was that he had no other service techs available but he would cut my rate!! I canceled my service with Terminix and went with another pest control company.

Pennsylvania - 8/01. Each year since some time in the early 80's I have been purchasing an agreement through Terminix.  In 95 I decided to finally redo the area in the basement that was damaged by termites. There was no sign of termites the entire time. This year in June 2001 I decided that I was going to redo that area. After taking down the wall, I discovered mud trails that looked just like the previous time but did not see any insects. I called Terminix out and I was told that the warranty would not cover any of the damage nor would they retreat because they saw no live activity; yet the wood that was put up in 1995 was new. The money that was paid every year was for nothing, and then they said they could treat it with Sentricon and it would cost me $1200 over the two years. I am not sure what to do next.

Kansas - 8/01. Wow!!! I'm so glad that I saw your site before this progressed any further. It is sites like yours that make the Internet such a valuable tool.  My complaint is nowhere near the scale of yours or many others on your site, but I would like to add my name to the list to help encourage others to not fall prey to Terminex. I called for pricing and was quoted $75 for one-time spraying (indoor & outdoor, including a basement & garage). $75? I'll take it. I scheduled service for 3 days later. The technician showed up right on time (about 30 minutes ago). He had a written agreement for 4 sprayings at the $75 rate ($300+/year), or an option for one spraying at $150. The tech was not the least bit surprised when I informed him that I was given different pricing on the phone. I was also a little shocked at the fact that he wanted to drill holes in the cabinets and baseboards of my house (which I rent, so therefore could not allow, even if I wanted to) for "baiting." The sales guy told me that the service was "spraying."  The technician was very understanding, informed me of some effective spraying methods that I could use with consumer available products. He then filled out a quick form and went on his way. I called the local number for Terminex to find the person who had sold me on the service (thinking that I was going to make a big noise and get my way). Of course, they were out (after noon on Saturday). So I called 1-800-Terminex.  I talked with a person there to file a complaint and ask that the office I originally spoke with (specifically the person I spoke with and their manager) contact me.  I took to the Net and found your site in the first :30 seconds.

I was originally hoping to force them to perform the service at the originally agreed upon price.  I'm not sure what my best course of action is for resolving this matter. I really don't want them to come to my house (at any price) after seeing your site. Upon resolution of my complaint (or not), I will be informing everyone I know about your site and not to use Terminix.

Florida - 8/01. I was billed for service not received. Treatment was to be for interior pests; specifically, silverfish.  Attendant arrived with no prior notice; I was not home. Says he treated the house and billed me $75. I have had three service attendants all answering to Jerry Graham who is the manager of Terminix in Maitland, Florida.  We reached an agreement to which I would pay half the treatment cost.  I have now received a bill for the balance due. I wish I had seen this site before I ever called them.

Florida - 8/01. I live in a condo in Seminole, Florida.  We have a contract with Terminix on a monthly basis. After living here almost four years, Terminix has discovered live termites in our building.  At a recent board meeting, a rep from Terminix informed us how we needed to be tented and fumigated by Terminix. Thinking we were in the hands of a very fine company gave us a feeling of security. On the day of tenting, a truck with a single word appeared -- Fumigation -- with the most unprofessional men who carried out this procedure.  Forty-eight hours later, a man from the same company said it was all right to re-enter our units.  We did and almost right away began experiencing tearing eyes, problems with breathing, burning skin, coughing, and so on. Now, here we are one week later using fans supplied by the truck marked “Fumigation.”  Now, please tell me where has Terminix been for the past week? We are:  1) sick; 2) desperate; 3) scared; 4) who did the job?

California - 8/01. Here is our Terminix Story... a Test of Patience, to say the least!  We have been customers with Terminix for over a year now. During this time, I continued to make excuses why we still had ants, why we were still running into black widows, etc. I just thought the bugs would be gone in time. Then, I asked the tech if they did any mold testing. Sure, he sent out another guy (apparently a salesman), and he completely ignored the mold problem we thought we were having and ended up selling us the baiting system for $1300.00!  He told us all the debris under our home would be removed and they would catch the "alleged termites." That happened in November.  Our family continued getting sick, so we ordered new windows, thought that the seals in the windows being cracked and water getting in could be the problem. The contractor said you have severe MOLD and dry rot. At that point, I called Terminix, which was in Jan 01, and requested they remove the baiting system and we wanted our money back. I spoke with Joe, I spoke with Josh, Kevin, Chuck, Bill, Wanda two ladies at Service Master, etc. Nobody called me back, nobody came to get these little green money makers. The service tech came out and didn't always check every station and would leave an invoice. He was never nice, often rude; and I had requested a phone call prior to arriving at my home as I have a dog and I couldn't guarantee their safety. That request was also ignored.  I soon found out that our home had a huge mold problem and the damages were over $12,000, not including health damages. Again, calling Terminix to explain my situation as well as ServiceMaster and again, my concerns being ignored. So, because of all the home repairs, I stopped paying the bill and have been threatened to be turned into collections. Terminix's story has changed so many times that I cannot keep track. First, they did NOT remove the debris from under our home, we did. They have not found any activity in their little green money makers, they have not done any return visits for reoccurring ants, they increased their charge by $1.00 and stated the fee would go back down after gas prices went down and gas prices dropped months ago, but, their $1.00 gas charge is still in affect.

Their agreement states, MONEY BACK GUARANTEE if you're not satisfied no questions asked. Hmm, when does this happen? After they ruin your credit? Pull more termites from their pockets? I just want them to go away, give me back my money, remove their little green money makers and leave me alone. They are more pesty than the ants they bring in!

I had QA and the manager out here yesterday and I asked, what is the reason for your visit, all I want is a refund; they stated, to discuss the matter. When they left, they said, we cannot give you a decision today but we will call you later. Of course, no call, wouldn't expect anything different.. these people have proven to me they do not have any integrity. Today they called and said, you pay us $430.00 and we won't turn you into collections. We did everything we said we would do in the agreement and we aren't in the wrong.  My husband is going to talk with them tomorrow as I have had enough!  If we don't get resolution, I am not only going to the attorney general, the better business bureau, whoever else may help, I am also contacting 7 On Your Side and NBC Dateline*. Enough is enough. I don't care how much money they have in their pocket; it is time that Terminix be held accountable for what they are doing to the customers. After all, they are supposed to be professionals, good at their job; and we are supposed to be able to trust them.  People that live their lives out of integrity are creating a world of dishonesty and a lack of trust. That isn't any way that I choose to live my life.  I think I am going back to using 7 for my ants and baby powder for the inside.

Thank you to all of those who have the courage to come forward ad share your experience. It is we the people who can make a difference. We just have to stand together!

Web mistress note: As shown at TE6-68, Dateline already has a wealth of horrendous information they've chosen to sit on; but what the heck. Give it a try!

Virginia - 8/01. I have called them, and they keep appointments and give me good service. I initially called them to get rid of rats in my home. I live near the water, and the wharf rats were eating my home up. The most they did was to place rat traps and glue traps in my attic and crawl space. One was so big that he carried the glue traps (2) through the walls and out into my backyard where my dog was chewing the glue trap the next day. They caught two in their traps; and every day and night, I was tormented by the gnawing and wood falling inside my walls.  I went to Lowes and bought several packages of the rat and mice bars, and it worked within 3 days. I was taking these 8-12 inch creatures to the trash can. They would not use chemicals, now I understand why.  They do a great job on ants and bugs, but I feel like it is a lot of money for what I could have done for myself.  Now I am in a contract and I have to pay for something I ended up taking care of myself.  I wish I had surfed this web site before I signed the dotted line.

Florida - 8/01. You have possibly saved us from the “hell” you went through with this company. Let me begin by thanking you many many many times over!!!  After approximately 20 calls made today to every state agency available regarding a “clean” WDO on a home we just purchased July 31, 2001 (however let me note, we have been in the home only 8 days and find we are totally infested with live termites).... I finally made headway with an agency by the name of: Bureau of Entomology & Pest Control, phone number (850) 921-4177.  If someone in Florida has a problem such as ours, you can call this number, explain your problem, and they will put you in contact with a “Field Inspector” for the area in which you live.  I called today around 4:00 p.m., and I am happy to say the inspector will be at our home at 7:00 a.m. tomorrow morning. I will update you if this does not help resolve our problems; however, from the conversation I had with the inspector, I feel confident that we have a very good and solid case against Terminix.

Update:  A representative “Inspector” came to our home and witnessed live termites and damage which was somehow missed on Terminix’s reports.  A Terminix supervisor, a contractor, and another representative of Terminix came to our home and admitted there is a problem, and they also saw the live termites. However, even though we were assured by the Terminix supervisor that the contractor would contact us today (which no call came in from anyone) or tomorrow, we are not holding our breath.  At no time, has Terminix suggested treating the house, which at this point is our main concern to stop the damage and then get the repairs as the repairs are not doing us any good if the termites are not taken care of.

Alabama - 7/01. I wish I could post my complaint, but I have been in a law suit against Terminix for almost three years now.  My story is almost the same as yours. We don’t think they even did inspect. We are almost at the end of our rope.

Texas - 7/01. I used Terminix for one treatment and then could not get response or them back to residence. They were extremely rude and condescending, informing me it took five weeks to rid residence of sand fleas. Did finally get someone back out five weeks later, but he didn’t have the chemicals on the truck and said he would have to reschedule. Since, they offered to reimburse our payment but sent another bill instead. I have never filed a complaint online, and I hope I have saved someone from being ripped off. I assumed this would be a good company to go through because they are such a large company worldwide.

Pennsylvania - 7/01. I wish I had seen this web site before 3/31/01.  That’s when I signed a contract with Terminix.  I’m currently having problems with their services.  I will return later to tell my story.