Termite fraud can be a serious concern and problem for unsuspecting homeowners. To be able to protect themselves from termite fraud, homeowners and potential homeowners should be familiar with pest company frauds and what pest company fraud is.
Unlicensed pest control technicians
In some circumstances an inspection for the work may be performed by a licensed technician but the licensed technician may not actually be the person who performs the pest control work. A company may only have one licensed technician on staff which is not the person who performs the work.
Free inspection scam
If a person claiming to be a pest inspector shows up unannounced offering a free termite inspection, they may claim to find evidence of termites or other pests when none exists which can create a costly problem for the homeowner.
Ongoing or permanent contract scam
In some circumstances, the pest control technician may treat the home for termites but then claim that one treatment is not enough and that ongoing treatments are required. Ongoing treatments could continue for a year or longer and the homeowner may be asked to sign an annual or ongoing contract for the work. In most circumstances, a single, thorough, application of pesticide should be sufficient and one treatment should take care of the problem. If it does not, an understandable reason should be provided.
It is important that the cause of a termite infestation, rather than the symptoms of the problem, are treated to ensure termite damage is limited. Professional removal of termites is typically required but homeowners also need to be on the lookout for pest control scams and know what to do if they end up facing one. Pest control companies can be required to compensate homeowners for damages if they are liable for termite fraud.
