- Report: #4011
Complaint Review: Terminix - Nationwide
-
Author Not Confirmed
Why?
Terminix
Nationwide, U.S.A.
Phone:
(901) 766-1454
Web:
N/A
Categories:
Business Rating:
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Terminix, a ServiceMaster subsidiary, is a homeowner's worst nightmare. *REBUTTAL
Prior to the purchase of our home, Terminix provided a "clear" pest inspection report. Two months later, another company, Parrish Termites, reported findings that would cost us over $20,000 to repair. Terminix didn't miss just one or two items -- they missed every item, failed to post an inspection tag, and failed to note prior inspection tags, each required under California's Structural Pest Control Act.
Terminix's branch manager verified Parrish's findings. The State of California Structural Pest Control Board ordered Terminix to bring the property into compliance within 30 days. Terminix did not even attempt to comply.
We litigated. Our expert witness, the inspector with the State of California Structural Pest Control Board was under subpoena to testify; however, he disappeared out of state during the trial. Without our expert witness, none of our evidence was allowed. Based on lack of evidence, the judge dismissed our case for "nonsuit." We were ordered by the court to pay to the defendants the costs our attorney had failed to file an objection against; and although our attorney stated, in writing, our total legal costs would range from $12,500 to $25,000 if we fully litigated, his bill amounted to over $100,000. We were forced to file bankruptcy, ruining our previously unblemished credit history for the next ten years.
I decided to create a web site to warn other consumers; but having repeatedly seen Terminix's televised advertising claims, I naively believed the CEO would be appalled to learn what happened. I wrote a letter to him to see what his reaction would be. I never heard from him; but, instead, I received a letter from a Terminix vice president and general counsel denying any wrongdoing and threatening me with legal action if I proceeded with the web site. I published the site and included his threatening letter.
Terminix sued me in California for defamation. I won, and Terminix was ordered to pay my attorney fees. A year later, the ServiceMaster companies, including Terminix, sued me in Tennessee for trademark infringement. Fortunately for me, Ralph Nader's group, Public Citizen, and two law firms in Tennessee took my case. Without their pro bono representation, I would have lost the suit by default. The story ran in some newspapers, including the Wall Street Journal; and 60 Minutes was scheduled to do on-camera interviews. The ServiceMaster companies voluntarily dropped their suit. Without a word, 60 Minutes dropped the story; however, it ran in several newspapers and was televised on CNN.
From the time the web site (now entitled "Terminix - Consumer Alert!" at http://www.syix.com/emu) was first published, I have posted complaints from hundreds of Terminix customers and employees; lawsuits; and governmental investigations and actions. I've learned there are many, many people damaged far worse than my family. At least we still have our home, our health, and our lives.
Terminix's branch manager verified Parrish's findings. The State of California Structural Pest Control Board ordered Terminix to bring the property into compliance within 30 days. Terminix did not even attempt to comply.
We litigated. Our expert witness, the inspector with the State of California Structural Pest Control Board was under subpoena to testify; however, he disappeared out of state during the trial. Without our expert witness, none of our evidence was allowed. Based on lack of evidence, the judge dismissed our case for "nonsuit." We were ordered by the court to pay to the defendants the costs our attorney had failed to file an objection against; and although our attorney stated, in writing, our total legal costs would range from $12,500 to $25,000 if we fully litigated, his bill amounted to over $100,000. We were forced to file bankruptcy, ruining our previously unblemished credit history for the next ten years.
I decided to create a web site to warn other consumers; but having repeatedly seen Terminix's televised advertising claims, I naively believed the CEO would be appalled to learn what happened. I wrote a letter to him to see what his reaction would be. I never heard from him; but, instead, I received a letter from a Terminix vice president and general counsel denying any wrongdoing and threatening me with legal action if I proceeded with the web site. I published the site and included his threatening letter.
Terminix sued me in California for defamation. I won, and Terminix was ordered to pay my attorney fees. A year later, the ServiceMaster companies, including Terminix, sued me in Tennessee for trademark infringement. Fortunately for me, Ralph Nader's group, Public Citizen, and two law firms in Tennessee took my case. Without their pro bono representation, I would have lost the suit by default. The story ran in some newspapers, including the Wall Street Journal; and 60 Minutes was scheduled to do on-camera interviews. The ServiceMaster companies voluntarily dropped their suit. Without a word, 60 Minutes dropped the story; however, it ran in several newspapers and was televised on CNN.
From the time the web site (now entitled "Terminix - Consumer Alert!" at http://www.syix.com/emu) was first published, I have posted complaints from hundreds of Terminix customers and employees; lawsuits; and governmental investigations and actions. I've learned there are many, many people damaged far worse than my family. At least we still have our home, our health, and our lives.
3 Updates & Rebuttals
Greg
Sesser,Illinois,
Enough Already
#2UPDATE Employee
Sat, March 02, 2002
Terminix founded in 1927 by Bruce Flooring carries a long tradition of helping consumers fight against the most destructive wood destroying insects. The report and the incidence in question is a sad state of affairs and with deepest symphathy my heart goes out to those harmed in the process.
Terminix is not a bad company. The evidence is irrefutable. Terminix goes all out for it's customers. Terminix provides the best guarantee in the industry hands down. These incidences sited by others are saddening and unfortunate but can not blemish the multi-millions of happy satisfied customers that Terminix has gone above and beyond in it's endeavor to continue to maintain its status as the world's largest and best termite and pest company in the world.
Wdo reports as aforementioned can meet with unfortunate circumstances and are only as good as the eyes and willingness of one person. Terminix
is untouched in its desire to serve. Unfortunately the size of Terminix which results from being at the forefront of success in this industry make them a target for exaggerated and boastful claims.
Anyone willing to go to the extent this person has definitely has way too much time on their hands. They have tremendous hatred and a revengeful mind.
Anyone reading please realize: in the fight against wood destroying organisms and nature sometimes nature can be a tough foe. Add up all the "mess ups" and intentional malous of other operations out there and it will be easy to see how ridiculous the claims made on the "consumer alert sight" really are. (not that they are completely lies but the scope to which it has arisen.) Please "consumer Alert" may your life be a blessing and not a vendetta.
Greg
Sesser,Illinois,
Enough Already
#3UPDATE Employee
Sat, March 02, 2002
Terminix founded in 1927 by Bruce Flooring carries a long tradition of helping consumers fight against the most destructive wood destroying insects. The report and the incidence in question is a sad state of affairs and with deepest symphathy my heart goes out to those harmed in the process.
Terminix is not a bad company. The evidence is irrefutable. Terminix goes all out for it's customers. Terminix provides the best guarantee in the industry hands down. These incidences sited by others are saddening and unfortunate but can not blemish the multi-millions of happy satisfied customers that Terminix has gone above and beyond in it's endeavor to continue to maintain its status as the world's largest and best termite and pest company in the world.
Wdo reports as aforementioned can meet with unfortunate circumstances and are only as good as the eyes and willingness of one person.
Terminix is untouched in its desire to serve. Unfortunately the size of Terminix which results from being at the forefront of success in this industry make them a target for exaggerated and boastful claims.
Anyone willing to go to the extent this person has definitely has way too much time on their hands. They have tremendous hatred and a revengeful mind.
Anyone reading please realize: in the fight against wood destroying organisms and nature sometimes nature can be a tough foe. Add up all the "mess ups" and intentional malice of other operations out there and it will be easy to see how ridiculous the claims made on the "consumer alert sight" really are. (not that they are completely lies but the scope to which it has arisen.) Please "consumer Alert" may your life be a blessing and not a vendetta.
Get you facts straight ..
#40
Tue, December 25, 2001
They filed the following rebuttal to the above Rip-Off Report:
Their email: [email protected]
Their name: Seige Jones
Their relationship to the company: Consumer Suggestion
Rebuttal:
First of all, a termite is not classified as a pest. So you may have had a clear pest report with no wood destroying organism inspection done. Get you facts straight before you open you mouths.
