Pest Control Secrets Uncovered
Investigation Continues Tuesday Night
POSTED: 8:05 a.m. EST November 25, 2003
UPDATED: 1:48 p.m. EST December 1, 2003
An exclusive Problem Solvers report exposed secrets your pest control company may not want you to know that could leave your home in danger of collapsing.
The investigation featured Elizabeth Allen, who is the first citizen to be appointed to the state's pest control advisory council.
Local 6 News reported that Allen "learned the hard way" about practices she says are pervasive in the pest control industry.
"One of my goals is to strengthen the laws in the state of Florida," Allen said. "The laws are the weakest in the southeast."
Problem Solver Steven Cooper reported that Allen contracted with Orkin pest control for a termite treatment and repair bond in 1995.
A year later she found a swarm of termites. And a year after that, another swarm, Cooper reported.
And while they retreated, Allen said the Orkin staff did not check for damage. And the damage she found later was extensive in 13 rooms of her home.
"Probably every 25 linear feet of my home has had damage and this is despite the treatment of Orkin," Allen said. "Despite the treatment, I had 17 treatments."
Also, Allen said Orkin contractors -- when sent to do repair work on the extensive damage to her home-- never pulled the legally required permits to do the work, according to the report. Not until Allen insisted did she see them, according to the report.
Without a permit, the county doesn't know to inspect the job, and that, Allen claims, allows Orkin to do inferior, substandard, incomplete repairs.
"My son's room would have been in danger had a strong wind come in engineer said to me that the wall could have caved in because of the way the repair was done," Allen said.
The report also featured Lake Jasmin apartments in Orlando. The complex, once known as Country Lane, reportedly contracted Orkin in 1980 for long-term treatment.
When the complex was sold in 1995 an inspection revealed the apartments were on the verge of collapse due to termite damage, Cooper reported.
The owners sued.
In a settlement agreement, Orkin agreed to buy the complex for $7 million.
After an investigation, the Problem Solvers uncovered a history of complaints, lawsuits and allegations against Orkin.
In 2000, Orkin was investigated by the State Department of Agriculture, the Federal Trade Commission and the attorneys general of five states, including Florida.
One issue under investigation: the so-called guarantee, Local 6 News reported. Authorities say no company or technology can guarantee full elimination of termites.
Another issue: deceptive business practices, according to the report.
As if the multi-state/multi-agency investigation was not enough, Orkin is facing a class-action lawsuit filed on behalf of all Florida residents who have entered into an Orkin contract.
Sources in Tampa, Fla., where the suit was filed, say damages could reach $100 million.
In a letter to Local 6 News, Orkin says it stands by its reputation for quality and integrity, as evidenced by 1.6 million satisfied customers.
Tuesday night, Local 6 News hears more from Orkin.
Watch Local 6 News for more on this story.
The investigation featured Elizabeth Allen, who is the first citizen to be appointed to the state's pest control advisory council.
Local 6 News reported that Allen "learned the hard way" about practices she says are pervasive in the pest control industry.
"One of my goals is to strengthen the laws in the state of Florida," Allen said. "The laws are the weakest in the southeast."
Problem Solver Steven Cooper reported that Allen contracted with Orkin pest control for a termite treatment and repair bond in 1995.
A year later she found a swarm of termites. And a year after that, another swarm, Cooper reported.
And while they retreated, Allen said the Orkin staff did not check for damage. And the damage she found later was extensive in 13 rooms of her home.
"Probably every 25 linear feet of my home has had damage and this is despite the treatment of Orkin," Allen said. "Despite the treatment, I had 17 treatments."
Also, Allen said Orkin contractors -- when sent to do repair work on the extensive damage to her home-- never pulled the legally required permits to do the work, according to the report. Not until Allen insisted did she see them, according to the report.
Without a permit, the county doesn't know to inspect the job, and that, Allen claims, allows Orkin to do inferior, substandard, incomplete repairs.
"My son's room would have been in danger had a strong wind come in engineer said to me that the wall could have caved in because of the way the repair was done," Allen said.
The report also featured Lake Jasmin apartments in Orlando. The complex, once known as Country Lane, reportedly contracted Orkin in 1980 for long-term treatment.
When the complex was sold in 1995 an inspection revealed the apartments were on the verge of collapse due to termite damage, Cooper reported.
The owners sued.
In a settlement agreement, Orkin agreed to buy the complex for $7 million.
After an investigation, the Problem Solvers uncovered a history of complaints, lawsuits and allegations against Orkin.
In 2000, Orkin was investigated by the State Department of Agriculture, the Federal Trade Commission and the attorneys general of five states, including Florida.
One issue under investigation: the so-called guarantee, Local 6 News reported. Authorities say no company or technology can guarantee full elimination of termites.
Another issue: deceptive business practices, according to the report.
As if the multi-state/multi-agency investigation was not enough, Orkin is facing a class-action lawsuit filed on behalf of all Florida residents who have entered into an Orkin contract.
Sources in Tampa, Fla., where the suit was filed, say damages could reach $100 million.
In a letter to Local 6 News, Orkin says it stands by its reputation for quality and integrity, as evidenced by 1.6 million satisfied customers.
Tuesday night, Local 6 News hears more from Orkin.
Watch Local 6 News for more on this story.
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