Once a Year Termite and Pest Control Does not deliver what is promised and you have no recourse for reimbursement Ocala, Florida
I was very excited at first about this company as the salesperson's description of the services was believable and he seemed very detailed and honest. However, after I signed up, they did not deliver as described. I contracted for lawn application services, as well as shrub trimming, bed weeding, and palm service (removing dead fronds and removal of pod growth from female trees from "time to "time".
The bed weeding is to occur monthly. It occurs no where near that frequently and when it does, it is not done well. The palms have yet to be addressed once and I started the service 9 months ago. They say they treat fire ants at no additional charge. They did come out to spray twice, and still my lawn is infested with the ants to the extent I have to be very careful where my dog and I walk.
In fairness, when you call the company they do send someone out the next day as promised, but the issues still do not get resolved. Since you have to pay up front for 12 months at the beginning of the service, you really don't have any recourse other than to wait for the contract to run out and get someone else to perform the service. I am very upset with this company as I thought I had found a good all-in-one service for my lawn. Not so.
2 Updates & Rebuttals
Southern Chemical and Equipment LLC
Sarasota,Florida,
USA
ALWAYS verify licensing, and NEVER pre-pay more than 3mos!
#3Consumer Suggestion
Wed, September 21, 2011
I work in the Pest Control business here in the Sarasota Florida as a distributor, and know most of the certified operators in this area.
I can tell you that I talk to several different certified operators every single day, and hear the horror stories from them on this very issue.
Here's how you protect yourself as a consumer.
Take 5 minutes and go to the state website where you reside and do a quick search for "Pest Control Operator Licensing", or the like.
Here in Florida, Pest Control Operators are regulated and licensed by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS).
Search by company name, operator name or license# if given.
You can also file a complaint against a licensed operator on that same website.
As far as paying a year in advance, NEVER do this until you have sufficiently checked them out and looked for complaints. Get local references. Any reputable operator will gladly give you some to call.
I suggest that you pay quarterly. That is the norm.
Upfront payment for a year is a good sign of bad things to come.
Good luck.
Steven
Jacksonville,Florida,
U.S.A.
Another Alternative
#3Consumer Comment
Sat, September 10, 2011
If you paid for 12 months in advance you should have the expectation of having all the visits you are expecting. Be sure to document any visits that were not made as well as proof that they were not made and your attempts to contact them.
You do have the option of filing a suit against this company in small claims court if you want. Just break down the cost per visit and sue for that.