Pest Control Services
Drake Lawn & Pest Control, Inc.Headquarters
Complaints
This profile includes complaints for Drake Lawn & Pest Control, Inc.'s headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see
Customer Complaints Summary
- 16 total complaints in the last 3 years.
- 9 complaints closed in the last 12 months.
If you've experienced an issue
Submit a ComplaintThe complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.
Initial Complaint
Date:01/24/2025
Type:Status:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
On January 9, Drake ************ while performing a repair at our home, found additional work that would need to be done and was agreed that it would be done at a later time. On January 17, an email was sent by the company to review online and approve the additional repair. No appointments were scheduled at this time. An operator called and attempted to schedule an appointment but did not make contact with my wife. On January 20, we discovered that a debit for $878.00 was charged by Drake. When we called to question the charge, we were informed that they had a Tech scheduled that day that was never agreed to by us. We told them that we were not home and that they would need to cancel that appointment that we knew nothing about. When we asked why they charged us up front, could not provide an answer and stated that the amount would be credited back into the account. After 3 days the money had yet to be returned. We called back and they stated that the money was credited to their account and not to our bank as was requested at the time of the initial call. Charging for a service that has yet to be performed and then making the Customer wait for 3 days so the bank can process the credit caused an undue burden on us. Although the service was okayed, money should be collected until AFTER the work is completed. Buyer Beware!
Business Response
Date: 01/27/2025
We greatly appreciate your business and apologize for any inconvenience. Just to make sure everything is satisfactory for you at this point, I will have a general manager contact you.
Thank you
Initial Complaint
Date:12/14/2024
Type:Status:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
We used Drake Pest to care for our lawn and they serviced the lawn every other month. Three months ago their technician spilled chemicals on our lawn and killed our grass. Almost immediately the grass changed colors and shriveled up and died. We called Drake and supposedly they sent someone to look at our grass. They agreed to replace the damaged sod. They keep saying they will send someone out to take care of the problem but no one shows up. We have even been told that they were on their way or given an appointment for specific days to come out. They have never shown up nor have they replaced the damaged sod. The supervisor wont answer our calls and we are always told he cant take our call or he isnt in his office. The area iwould probably only take ***** pieces of sod to replace. I have withheld payment on the service until they hold up their promise to care of the issue. This doesnt even affect them they only seem to want to harass us for payment. I have explained many times I will pay them when the correct the issue.Business Response
Date: 01/21/2025
Why are you saying we haven't replaced the sod? My District Manager was there at the beginning of January to verify the sod was replaced and spoke to your husband.
We are also treating a fungus in your lawn that is common this time of year. Once the weather gets a little warmer, the grass will start to look even better and I am confident your concerns will be resolved.
Thank you
Customer Answer
Date: 01/21/2025
Complaint: 22686667
I am rejecting this response because: You didnt respond to this complaint in a timely manner. The complaint was filed 12/14/2024. Yes the sod has since been replaced but not all of my complaints have been satisfactorily resolved. You should not respond in such a manner unless you are familiar with this case.
Sincerely,
** *** ****Business Response
Date: 01/21/2025
Aside from the sod, what other specific complaints do you have?Initial Complaint
Date:10/15/2024
Type:Status:ResolvedMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
I just entered my 2nd contract on 9/12/2024. My 1st year was rough as I had to call frequently to get them to do the work with the pests (aphids, whiteflies, spider mites etc.) that were destroying my shrubs. This was not popular with their department manager, who rudely told me on my own property that I call too often. If they did their job, I would not have to call. I escalated it to the regional manager, *****?, because they killed 3 Podocarpus shrubs but blamed someone else. They would not make good on replacing. I re-signed because I did not think it could get worse but I was wrong.Since September, my shrubs have gradually declined with aphids, sooty mold, and overall *****************. My landscaping was installed 6/2023, so should not look the way it does today. Even their bug guy, who stated experience with shrubs, said I have serious problems on 10/3/24. I was not going to call until on 10/8/24 as I was getting ready for the hurricane, I noticed that almost half the shrubs on one entire side of my home were black with sooty mold. Additionally, my hibiscus shrubs are yellowing and losing leaves, and now my gardenia bushes are dying. On 10/7/24, I called at 4pm and left a message for the regional, *****?, to call me. I understood it would be after the storm. On 10/11/24, I saw the Drake trucks in my neighborhood but did not receive a call back. As of today, 10/15/24, I still have not been called or serviced.I expect them to rehabilitate my yard, replace what they have damaged, and refund my money for the prior month until they clean up my yard.Business Response
Date: 10/30/2024
Our General Manager has met with Mrs ***** and we certainly apologize for the way our supervisor spoke to you.
We have given a credit for some shrubs and also discussed a plan moving forward to ensure the plants and overall property thrive. **** understands about the cultural issues on property which can affect the success of her plants.
Customer Answer
Date: 11/06/2024
Better Business Bureau:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
Sincerely,
***** *****Initial Complaint
Date:09/19/2024
Type:Status:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
Contracted Drake Lawn and Pest Control to maintain residential lawn. Unfortunately, the initial assessment they made was not accurate and as a result the wrong monthly treatments were performed. The lawn looks worse than when they were hired to treat the lawn. At this point, I have cancelled the monthly service and would like to be reimbursed the amount I paid so that I can hire someone to fix the problem.Business Response
Date: 09/23/2024
Our assessment was correct and we performed the correct applications. The problem with your lawn is your irrigation. Once you correct those concerns, your lawn will look better.
No refund will be given.
Initial Complaint
Date:09/17/2024
Type:Status:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
Never had a problem before till the start of this summer. At the start of this summer I started noticing ***** spots on my yard I called and they sent someone to spray. And that employee stated that there was actually a bug on my lawn creating the ***** spots. He then sprayed my hole yard. Some spots got better others didnt. So I called again and they sent a supervisor to do an inspection . He said he did not see any bugs and that my sprinklers are not working right. Ok so I explained this to the supervisor, is September and it has been raining almost everyday throughout the summer. So its not the sprinklers.he then sent a manager over to my house and he said the same. Ok well that makes me think they dont want to back their warranty.they are looking for excuses.Business Response
Date: 09/18/2024
Damage to lawn is from old drought damage, which has been discussed with Mr ************************************ cannot be held responsible for improper irrigation practices, and will not be providing any turf replacement.
Initial Complaint
Date:09/02/2024
Type:Status:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
We installed new sod in January, 2024. By July the sod was dead due to chinch bug damage.We just want our sod replaced.Business Response
Date: 09/03/2024
We will look into your concern and have a General Manager contact you.
Thank you
Customer Answer
Date: 09/13/2024
I did respond!!!
I told you I did not accept their response!!
This is a total joke!
Customer Answer
Date: 09/13/2024
You said I had 10 days from their response. Today is the 10th day.
I DO NOT ACCEPT THEIR RESPONSE!!!!
Customer Answer
Date: 09/16/2024
The business responded "we will have a general manager reach out".
This is an unacceptable response because:
1. I have asked numerous times for a supervisor to contact me, and they won't come look at the damage they caused.
2. ********* calls end up with them blaming me for the bugs getting into the lawn. I was not the one who did not put appropriate pest control down.
I want the company to do the right thing. As a disabled veteran, I think I deserve better than this.
Customer Answer
Date: 09/16/2024
The business responded "we will have a general manager reach out".
This is an unacceptable response because:
1. I have asked numerous times for a supervisor to contact me, and they won't come look at the damage they caused.
2. ********* calls end up with them blaming me for the bugs getting into the lawn. I was not the one who did not put appropriate pest control down.
I want the company to do the right thing. As a disabled veteran, I think I deserve better than this.
Business Response
Date: 09/17/2024
I am sorry for your frustration and as a veteran I thank you for your service.
The reason for the decline of your grass is due to improper irrigation which has been explained to you. Drake cannot and will not be held responsible for replacing grass due to improper irrigation.
Customer Answer
Date: 09/18/2024
I do not accept this explanation for the following reasons:
1. there is no other damage to the lawn other than this area;
2. Drake's irrigation maintenance team came to the house and said the irrigation system looked fine;
3. Drake installed an Irrigation box (charged me for an outdoor box, when the panel is inside);
4. Drake put the irrigation panel on "predictive watering", this means if rain is forecast, the sprinklers will not run. I did NOT approve this setting;
5. Drake's own technician (who was filling in for the normal technician) was the one who pointed out the problem, which they were trying to hide from me.
We have hired ******, and they cannot believe Drake is being like this. Drake is a multi-million dollar company. I do not want anything other than a 2-3 hundred dollar pallet of sod. I will lay it myself.
Drake has 30 days to deliver a pallet of sod.
Social media and word of mouth are powerful tools against predatory companies....
Customer Answer
Date: 09/18/2024
Complaint: 22228222
I am rejecting this response because:I do not accept this explanation for the following reasons:
1. there is no other damage to the lawn other than this area;
2. Drake's irrigation maintenance team came to the house and said the irrigation system looked fine;
3. Drake installed an Irrigation box (charged me for an outdoor box, when the panel is inside);
4. Drake put the irrigation panel on "predictive watering", this means if rain is forecast, the sprinklers will not run. I did NOT approve this setting;
5. Drake's own technician (who was filling in for the normal technician) was the one who pointed out the problem, which they were trying to hide from me.
We have hired ******, and they cannot believe Drake is being like this. Drake is a multi-million dollar company. I do not want anything other than a 2-3 hundred dollar pallet of sod. I will lay it myself.
Drake has 30 days to deliver a pallet of sod.
Social media and word of mouth are powerful tools against predatory companies....
Sincerely,
*****************************Business Response
Date: 09/18/2024
First of all ....how dare you call Drake a predatory company! We are a very honest and ethical company. If we thought we were responsible for any type of compensation we are happy to make it right. But what we will not do, is bend to anyone who is incorrectly blaming us for something that is not our fault, or that barks really loud because "the customer thinks they are always right".
You cancelled your irrigation service in April. From April to July there has been major drought throughout central *******. The reason for your turf decline is due to drought, which we have explained to you. Instead of focusing your energy on blaming us, fix your watering practices and you will have a better looking lawn.
Drake will not be held responsible for improper irrigation practices.
Customer Answer
Date: 09/18/2024
Neighbors and consumers will be notified.
This is a predatory company. Just look at the other lawns in our neighborhood being "treated" by them.
Initial Complaint
Date:07/22/2024
Type:Status:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
We hired Drake 7 months ago to take care of some deteriorating areas in our lawn. Things were starting to improve and we were optimistic until they changed ************ ****** been downhill ever since. The new tech spent a lot of time treating the ********* were impressed, but within 2 days there were dead streaks across the entire yard (where he had ******** **** progressed until almost everything was dead except the weeds. The supervisor said the streaks were from the lawnmower used by our yard guy, but the pattern of the dead streaks didn't match the pattern in which our yard was cut that week. Furthermore, we've had the same company cutting our yard for five years, and that's never happened before. It wasn't cause by the lawnmower!Our sprinkler system runs 2 days a week but after the above treatment we attached sprinklers to the hoses & covered every area with water on the days the sprinkler system was not set to run. The yard continued to die.We had chinch bugs which they were treating (unsuccessfully), but those were only in specific spots, not the entire area that died within 2 days of the last treatment.No one returned our calls until we reached the prior ***** **** was able to get a supervisor out the same day. The supervisor said resodding couldn't be done until October because its too hot, so he offered to give us some "free treatments." Obviously, the last treatment, for which we paid $160, killed almost our entire yard, so no thank you. We live in an HOA community so waiting until October isn't an option. Well be getting fined & ordered to resod any day. Neighbors have successfully resodded in the heat.The supervisor spread topsoil on a handful of very small areas of dead grass & said it should help. That was last ************ heard nothing more from him.I hate to think a small claims lawsuit is necessary, but Drake hasnt taken this seriously & apparently isn't willing to remedy the situation. They totally destroyed our lawn in 7 months!Business Response
Date: 07/23/2024
I will look into your concern and respond as soon as possible. Thank you for bringing this to our attention.Customer Answer
Date: 07/23/2024
Better Business Bureau:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and I am pleased that someone from Drake is willing to look into my concerns.
Sincerely,
*********************Customer Answer
Date: 08/15/2024
This issue has NOT been resolved. I responded that I was happy Drake was willing to look into this -- NOT that I was satisfied with the results. Drake has refused to take responsibility for destroying our lawn. After telling us that the tech who ruined our yard (and numerous others in our neighborhood) was fired, they are now saying they are only willing to replace a portion of the sod they ruined, and that we are responsible for the rest. And they will not do it for another two months, citing hot weather as the reason. Homes are continually being built in our area during the summer, and new sod is laid successfully. I think they are just putting us off.
I don't want anyone to think that Drake cooperated with us and took responsibility for the damage they caused. For the past month and a half, promises have been made which were never carried out. They promised to be her the "next day," and 16 days later, when we'd hear nothing from them, we had to track them down. That is not the only time they had to be tracked down. This has been a pattern.
Customer Answer
Date: 08/20/2024
This issue has NOT been resolved. I responded that I was happy Drake was willing to look into this -- NOT that I was satisfied with the results. Drake has refused to take responsibility for destroying our lawn. After telling us that the tech who ruined our yard (and numerous others in our neighborhood) was fired, they are now saying they are only willing to replace a portion of the sod they ruined, and that we are responsible for the rest. And they will not do it for another two months, citing hot weather as the reason. Homes are continually being built in our area during the summer, and new sod is laid successfully. I think they are just putting us off.
I don't want anyone to think that Drake cooperated with us and took responsibility for the damage they caused. For the past month and a half, promises have been made which were never carried out. They promised to be her the "next day," and 16 days later, when we'd hear nothing from them, we had to track them down. That is not the only time they had to be tracked down. This has been a pattern.
Business Response
Date: 08/20/2024
Drake management has been in contact with you about your concern and a resolution.Customer Answer
Date: 08/27/2024
Complaint: 22026962
I am rejecting this response because: Drake is refusing to take full responsibility for the damage caused to my lawn. They are proposing that I share the cost of resodding,citing drought conditions, lawnmower damage, and an ineffective sprinkler system as contributing factors. However, they initially admitted that their technician applied the wrong chemical, which led to the damage, before backtracking. We firmly believe that Drake is entirely responsible for the damage and must cover the full cost of resodding the affected area to resolve this matter.
Sincerely,
***** *****Business Response
Date: 09/17/2024
Drake has decided we will replace all dead areas of turf. A manager will be in touch to schedule getting this done.Customer Answer
Date: 09/17/2024
Im happy to hear that Drake is willing to replace all of the damaged sod. Once that has been done, I will be happy to close out the complaint.Customer Answer
Date: 09/28/2024
The complaint should not have been closed. I did reply that I was happy to hear Drake decided to replace all of the dead sod. However, I said I would update once that had been done. They made that promise, but no one has been here yet to make arrangements to replace the sod. In fact, we have not heard from Drake at all. Please keep this case open until Drake has resolved this issue. Thank you.Customer Answer
Date: 10/01/2024
Date Sent: 9/28/2024 7:47:56 AM
The complaint should not have been closed. I did reply that I was happy to hear Drake decided to replace all of the dead sod. However, I said I would update once that had been done. They made that promise, but no one has been here yet to make arrangements to replace the sod. In fact, we have not heard from Drake at all. Please keep this case open until Drake has resolved this issue. Thank you.Business Response
Date: 10/01/2024
The landscaper we are using said they tried to reach out to you last week regarding sod replacement. I will have our General Manager, *****, reach out to you as well.
It would be very helpful if you personally, *****, would communicate with our management.
Initial Complaint
Date:05/23/2024
Type:Status:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
Since October 3, 2022 Ive paid Drake $990 to fix the problems in my lawn that have never gotten better, and have actually gotten worse.*** had 3 separate manager visits, each resulting in promises to get the lawn looking right within months. Each time the lawn has only looked worse. The most recent manager visit was a few months ago, and another manager visit was supposed to happen a few weeks ago, but they never showed up! I called this week and was told I would get a callback within 24 hours, and that didnt happen. I continue getting charged. My next step is to dispute these charges and file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. Do not use this company!Business Response
Date: 06/10/2024
We have come to an agreement with the customer and have mailed her a check.Initial Complaint
Date:05/02/2024
Type:Status:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
Around a year ago it was found that my home had Formosan Termites and we contacted Drake and they were spot on treating my home and providing a termite bond. We were told that the treatment will make termites disappear and it would prevent them from coming back. It was so bad they were eating through the drywall creating significant damage. Now fast forwarding, around 03/26/24 we noticed a few small size pinholes on the ceiling above the shower. We contacted Drake on 3/27/24 and they sent someone out to inspect it within a reasonable couple days. They confirm that the termites came back to a different part of the home and that he would talk to his manager about his idea of a treatment plan. We scheduled treatment on a 4/20/24 Saturday for 8-9am because of their next availability. That Saturday morning they called me at 08:05am to inform me that treatment will not be done because of an employee called out. I believe later that day I called to reschedule an appointment and they informed me that the cant reschedule an appointment because a manager wants to come out and that he will contact me soon. Since then I have repeatedly called them and I get an answer, but they keep saying the manager is going to call me within 24 hours. He has not. I have made a total of 11 phone calls since this issue. It has been over a month. Im begging for treatment because the termites are all over the ceiling now and moved across the walls. They are falling on my childrens heads while they take a shower. No one is taking a shower in there because of this. I just paid the amount to renew my bond. Which was around $462. The damage has progressed so much compared when I initially notified them, and still no treatment. I dont what to do. Drake literally cancelled my treatment appointment, the manager name ***** (I was told) has not contacted me. Am I responsible for the new damage? Their initial treatment did not prevent the termites from coming back. I feel like Im talking to a wall.Business Response
Date: 05/06/2024
We have been in contact with customer and we will get this resolved as quickly as possible.Initial Complaint
Date:04/12/2024
Type:Status:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
In February our home had an attic restoration done where Drake put 6 inches of insulation. I then received my air conditioning bill in March and it was much higher. I have lived in our home for 4 years and it has never been this high. When I contacted Drake they said I had an option to do 9 inches insulation, but it was thousands of dollars to do this.Drake advised me prior to the insulation that my air conditioning bill would be about the same if not better because they used a higher grade insulation. This was not the case and I do not recommend attic restoration through this company.We are only in April now and Florida heat has not even started. If my air conditioning bill is higher in March, obviously it's going to be much higher during the actual summer months in *******. Drake could not resolve this issue and now we are going to be stuck for however many years we will be living here, because they're insulation is not adequate.Side note- We kept our air conditioning at 78 during the summer months for 4 years and right now we have to keep it at 75 to 76 just to feel okay (It's *******Business Response
Date: 04/23/2024
We have contacted the homeowner with a resolution.
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