Southern Chemical and Equipment LLC
Sarasota,#2Consumer 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,#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.