Complain about a product or service

Terminix Settles Consumer Complaints In New Jersey

March 21, 2006

Terminix • Complaints --- • Terminix Pleads Guilty To Assault In New Jersey Case • Terminix Settles with New Jersey • $759,000 NY Penalty

Terminix International has agreed to pay New Jersey $81,900, reform its pest control business practices and resolve consumer complaints under a settlement stemming from a Division of Consumer Affairs investigation.

According to Attorney General Zulima V. Farber and Consumer Affairs Director Kimberly Ricketts, Terminix agreed, among other things, to change the wording in its contracts about the company's obligation to repair damage from termites after service has been performed.

"We've worked the bugs out of terminix's business practices so consumers get the termite control services they expect," said Ricketts.

"Consumers deserve clear and concise disclosure of all terms and conditions before signing a contract," Farber said. "This settlement provides for resolution of pending complaints, and requires reforms from the company to protect future customers."

Consumer Affairs said it has identified 31 consumers who filed complaints against Terminix. Under the settlement, the company must work with each complainant to resolve the pending complaints, with each complainant having the option to submit the matter to binding arbitration if the company's offer is not accepted. Terminix also agreed to report to the state on how it resolves future consumer complaints received by Consumer Affairs and referred to the company during the next 12 months.

As part of the settlement, Terminix also agreed to:

• Honor all consumer requests for cancellation of a contract no later than 72 hours after receiving a cancellation request;

• Provide a refund no later than 30 days after telling a consumer that a refund is owed;

• Honor the terms of any warranty; and

• Respond to a consumer's telephone call, email or letter no later than 72 hours after receipt.

Report Your Experience
If you've had a bad experience -- or a good one -- with a consumer product or service, we'd like to hear about it. All complaints are reviewed by class action attorneys and are considered for publication on our site. Knowledge is power! Help spread the word. File your consumer report now.

Back to the top |