California - 3/02. Terminix did inspection on my house before I bought it and missed a huge dry rot problem in the subterranean area.  We are lucky our garage floor did not collapse into our basement under the weight of cars and injured somebody.  A worker doing remodeling after we bought the house saw the damage and reported to us ASAP. We notified Terminix, but they claimed the damage was “concealed.”  This is despite the fact it was in a well-lit, level area with seven-foot head clearance and easy access door.  And despite the fact that a notice posted in the area indicated Terminix treated that same area for infestation just a couple of years before.  You’ll love their response. They said the damage was so extensive and obvious that inspectors with the level of Terminix training and experience would never have missed it if it hadn’t been concealed; so, therefore, it had to have been concealed!!!  In any case, we had no choice but to fix it ourselves.  Thankfully, the workers who discovered the damage were so upset about Terminix’s position that they only charged us $4,300 for two weeks of work. Now I want to sue to get my money back through the local small claims court.

Florida - 3/02. We have always paid by the year. This year, we had reason to doubt we signed the receipt after service was to have been done. We tried for quite some time to get the office to send us copies of two receipts.  Promises were never kept, and we finally had to go to the office to get the receipts.  After some discussion, we were promised a refund of two service times.  In the meantime, we received a bill from Terminix for $11.27 on or about March 11 this year, without any explanation other than “payment correction” and with a date of 12/27/01. This date is prior to any discussion with them about our problem.  We decided it was useless to take it up with the local office.  It seems strange to us that Terminix personnel have time to send us a bill like this dated nearly three months prior to our receiving it, but do not have time to send us a refund check as promised.

Tennessee - 3/02. Had contract with these crooks for three years after they bought out a “mom and pop” pest company. Checked for termites every quarter when sprayed for pests (yea, right!)  I found signs of termites on Friday, March 8; tech here Monday a.m. (late as always).  I’m not covered for damage because they didn’t do the first treatment. I talked to “Jeff,” the manager of the Covington, TN, office. They never said they could stop the termites, just kill them when they “show up.” When asked why he gladly took my money every year for an inspection and treatment, he said cause I didn’t have the “right” treatment -- I should have their new Sentricon.  That’s why I have termites and they didn’t have to do anything because of not knowing what the last company used.

Update - 3/02: Contractor is here now fixing my treated termite-infested wall.  Terminix came out and sprayed to kill the ones here. I had a new swarm on Friday, the 22nd of March.  Called and still no one to treat. Remember, my contract is good until October. I sure wish I had seen this site a few years ago.

Update - 6/02: I found out the hard way that what you’re told and think you’re getting is very different from what you do get.  No repair of damage, but we will “get rid of the termites.” Well, in March, I was treated to get rid of the termites (or their offspring).  So now more promises to get rid of the termites. Also, if I pay more money, I can get Sentricon and a warranty! I have to pay for more damages.  Now what are these crooks feeding these bugs from the trucks marked Terminix? I only have them here AGAIN because I still have an active contract, but I already have a new company in line that has a written repair warranty -- if I have a house left to treat.

Florida - 3/02. Just bought my first house, and it has had a Terminix bond that could be transferred for a minor fee of $1,900 or so. No thanks. I was skeptical of the baiting system anyway, so I am going with a local guy who uses Termidor and knows his stuff.  You’ve opened my eyes.  The only thanks I can offer you is to assure you that you alone have cost Terminix my money.

Maryland - 3/02. I, too, am experiencing problems with Terminix.  My pest problem is at its worst. It’s like they breed the pest instead of getting rid of them.  I paid for nothing -- no shows, lies.  Yes, I am rather irate at this point.

North Carolina - 3/02. Five years after continually contracting with Terminix to annually inspect and fix any termite problems, my front porch steps were savaged by termites. Upon pointing this out to the Terminix inspector, he noted the damage and that it was done “after contract.”  I was subsequently visited by a “higher-up” Terminix representative who advised that he believed Terminix was not responsible for the damage.  When I refused to “re-up” with Terminix, another representative visited me and, upon inspection of my termite-ridden front porch steps, advised that he did not believe Terminix had the contractual duty to repair the damage done by termites.  I requested a letter from Terminix advising of the refusal to repair and the reasons for that refusal. The Terminix person promised to do so but never has.

California - 3/02. I just bought a house that Terminix did the work (not by my choice seller paid). I don’t know where to start but they replaced dry-rot floor in my laundry room (on a raised foundation), put plywood down with no vinyl so all we have is bare wood for a floor, plus they drilled for subs in front of my garage.  (They don’t know I’m a licensed termite inspector.) The manager of the San Bernardino branch already stood me up for an appointment that was set up two weeks in advance.  Also, I should mention that I still have subs they didn’t treat under my house like they said they did; and I still have sub damage under my house at the mud sill and subflooring.

Virginia - 2/02. I have a rental unit in Virginia Beach, VA, that Terminix has been servicing for about ten years. I guess I just didn’t see the light until now. This year is the last straw. I had an appointment set for 10 - 10:30.  I got there at 10:05 and waited until 10:45 with no tech showing. I called Terminix to complain, and they said the tech would call me back to explain. He did so and said he had gotten there at 9:55, he was ahead of schedule and left at 10:00.  I just can’t understand it.  The appointment was from 10:00 - 10:30. I called his manager, Mike, and complained of the tech and asked what he was going to do about wasting my time that day. He said he would do the inspection himself, just pick a day and time.  I decided to do it on 2/21 at 11:30.  Can you guess what happened? You got it.  The manager couldn’t even get there on time.  I am done with these guys.

Florida - 2/02. I am not happy with how Terminix has treated my home over the past seven years I have had my bond with them.  Every year, I have swarmers; and some years, twice a year.  I have also had three major repairs in the last year and getting ready for another major repair in March ‘02, a step forward.  I feel I just get blown off when I complain about always having termites, and I keep finding damage.  I have been told that I could upgrade to Sentricon for around $1400+. I said no way, I should not have to pay a dime.  They should pay for the upgrade, and I would gladly pay for a $300 annual renewal bond versus $120 I pay now.  No can do they said.  They come out and spot treat the areas so the termites just move to another part of my house.  I have had termites in every room and garage except one bedroom out of three. I had this home built 13 years ago and had termites 13 months after they (not Terminix) treated the soil and have had swarmers every year (even have swarmers coming out of the ground in my yard, but Terminix won’t treat those because they have to be on your foundation or inside). The termites just relocate to my house looking for wood.  I am so frustrated at times I don’t want to deal with termites or Terminix.

Texas - 2/02. Recently signed on with Terminix.  Found to have termites in new home just purchased. Signed on and received what I think was treatment the next day and the day after.  I have called about six times now, sent a letter and no one has called yet.  No follow-up calls, no reports of further treatment, and I still have termites.

? - 2/02. Thanks for the site. I am being pressured every time Terminix comes to inspect to buy the Sentricon system.  I now have ammo to deflect and better understand what is happening.

Texas - 2/02. Wish I had seen your site before I bought a three-year Sentricon contract. I have had the same treatment as the others.  Months without visits, calls unreturned, activity reported where there was none, no activity reported where they were eating my home, installation of 42 stations now only 22 show on reports.  I am nearing the end of the contract and have termites and damage.  I could have spend the money (thousands) more wisely had I known they would defraud me and my family.

Indiana - 1/02. The original contract was for silverfish.  They would treat and say call when you see one. They are the bug “expert” and should know the life cycle of what they are supposed to be killing. I have seen them a lot and even captured them and pointed them out under picture frames against matting, but I am repeatedly treated as if I’m stupid. No one ever has a solution that is followed up with nor am I ever able to contact the regional manager, Steve Amick, to find a way to get rid of them. My house is not damp, and I’m told it’s clean. When I tell them I believe they are nesting in a hip roof that was added and ask about pumping insecticide into the air vent from the roof, it goes right over their heads.  I have sent a letter with their satisfaction survey, one to Mr. Cantu, and even sent one through e-mail about eight months ago... and nothing.

New York - 1/02. I’ve had my own nightmare with Terminix and found out about this site from the man inspecting my house. I thought I was the only one!  I’m sorry it took me 12 years to discover I was being had.

Michigan - 1/02. I paid Terminix for one year to get rid of carpenter ants. They did a very poor job. In fact, I don’t think they really did anything. I ended up calling Ortho, and they got rid of the ants over another year’s time.

Florida - 1/02. Have had many problems with Terminix and are contemplating legal action here in Florida. Have had Terminix for three years. First year, terrific termites.  $1,200, and we felt it would be worth every penny to save our home from these pests.  Terminix gave us plenty of info and followed through with a monthly inspection.  Toward the end of 1999, they started to lag off.  We complained, then they came back saying they would handle it.  We gave another $330 to continue service for another year. That year, we were lucky to see them two times, having to call both times to get someone here... calling supervisors and corporate offices promising yet again they would correct problems... to no avail. January 2002, I called to find out when we were last serviced; and it was August 2001 when we paid the annual service agreement.  Isn't that interesting. It’s amazing how companies can bilk the hard-working consumer and don't have to account for unsatisfactory service.

Illinois - 1/02. I am a realtor in the Quincy Illinois area.  I had an experience with Terminix.  I am the listing agent. The selling agent is also in our office. First of all, [Terminix] called me to tell me they would need the selling and buying agent at the inspection.  When the buyers’ agent was unavailable, [the Terminix inspector] took it upon himself to call the buyers to have them there.  While he was there, he slammed his competition and was very arrogant.  He gave us a price of $1,700 for the bait treatment. When he found out his competition gave a price of $900 for a treatment, he undercut it to $800. He also charged the seller $110. When he was at our office about eight months ago, he said he would do it for $30, to undercut his competition of $35.  What a difference!!!  The sellers were not even sure what was going to be done to the property as treatment. Terminix called the buyers to tell them they were getting a liquid treatment when Terminix was working for the seller, not the buyer; when, in fact, the buyer did not want the bait system but wanted the liquid treatment. The sellers were so upset with the way they have been treated. We called Terminix to cancel everything.  They said they did not want to deal with the realtors and, in fact, told my sellers they did not like their realtor. I have never dealt with such an unprofessional company in my life.  I am so glad they are out of the picture. Now, the rest of the sale can run as smoothly as it started for both the sellers and the buyers.  I wish I had known about this site before I met with them at the house.  Thank you for letting the consumer know what they are in for with this company.