ComplaintsforDrake Lawn & Pest Control, Inc.

• Initial Complaint

  05/23/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  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

  06/10/2024

  We have come to an agreement with the customer and have mailed her a check.

• Initial Complaint

  05/02/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  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

  05/06/2024

  We have been in contact with customer and we will get this resolved as quickly as possible.

• Initial Complaint

  04/12/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  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

  04/23/2024

  We have contacted the homeowner with a resolution.

• Initial Complaint

  01/16/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  My wife (*********************) and I hired them to treat our lawn, we also got the irrigation and the pest control services. At the time of enrollment we were offered shrub care which was part of the lawn care service, we were never told it would be a separate charge in the amount of $135.00 for it. After checking all the charges being made by them I called and inquired about all of the charges and I was told that I signed up for the shrub care package for $135 and that was not the case, I explained the lady on the phone that my wife and I were told it was included at no extra charge and knowing it would be extra we would never have signed up for it. I ended up canceling the service and I asked for a refund since I have never agreed on it, they said they couldnt give me a refund but they had canceled it. I then filed a dispute with my bank for the $135.00 which they won saying the charge was valid. My wife and I are very upset with this company for lying to us, we have 3 more services which we did signed up for and dont mind paying but the fact that they tricked us is just unacceptable. I have been requesting a supervisor phone call since last week and every time I call Im told someone will call me before 5:00pm and that hasnt happened so I feel they are also lying to just giving me the run around. Thats not the way to treat a customer.

  

  Business response

  01/29/2024

  We will have a manager contact you today. And we will refund the $135. Thank you

  Customer response

  01/29/2024

   
  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

  09/20/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  On September 11th we received an email stating that my yard and shrubs were sprayed by Drake Lawn & Pest Control that day. I was outside in the yard all day, and no one showed to spray. I called their office and the lady answering the phones told me they would have to have someone call me and make sure. I had her cancel all my service with Drakes until this was resolved. On September 13th, the local service consultant Joshua, showed up at my door to apologize and told me that they sprayed a house on the next road over. He told me that his area manager would be in contact with me to fix this situation. That was over a week ago. Not a call from anyone. I know they have tablets where they take pictures of the house they are spraying. This is a simple solution on their part. They cheated me out of $203.00 with the two charges combined. I am also contacting the Florida Attorney Generals office in this matter.

  

  Business response

  09/25/2023

  Our District Manager, Brandon W******** said he has discussed this matter to the homeowners satisfaction, and that he would be removing this complaint.  Thank you

  Customer response

  09/27/2023

   
  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

  06/21/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  We purchased a lawn maintenance and sprinkler service with Drake earlier this year. We would receive text messages for service appointments and call them to confirm. Always an is with communication. Recently we had sprinkler service scheduled but no show and no call or text. We had to call Drake and reschedule because they didn’t follow up in any way. Second appointment is also a no show, same thing, no call or anything. We had to call back again and schedule and requested a call back from the manager. It had been raining pretty regularly so the lawn looked really nice. We had a scheduled service when we went out of town for the week to the beach with visiting family. Came home Sunday to a dead brown front lawn out to the street. Once again we call Drake and ask what’s going on. Promised to get a call from the manager within close of business tomorrow. No calls and we call them back, now the irrigation manager calls me and wants to come and inspect. We sent pictures and a lengthy email plus the account has many notes. So by this time we got someone else coming out to do the sprinklers & Drake wants to come and inspect the same time as the other guy is working. No apologies, no corrections for what’s happened. Told them no and give me the general manager. Spoke to Dave who promised to make things right and that this isn’t normal. Dave comes out and verified the sprinkler zone is not working and the lawn is dead, promised to get somebody out immediately to treat and replace the lawn if necessary. He also promised a 650 comp wireless device for the sprinkler system and we agreed to purchase the rain gauge. Called Dave back Friday after the other guy fixed the problem and replaced heads for 300 cost to us. Dave said that everything is set we will get the lawn done and promised that if we keep the service that the comp will be done. A week goes by without any communication from Drake, my emails, phone messages go unanswered. The following week we call and no response.

  

  Business response

  06/18/2023

  Hi ********

  I think you may have the wrong business.  I don't know your name, and we also do not service sprinklers.  There is another lawn service in the Spartanburg area with the name Drake Landscaping I believe.  I am not familiar with your name, or this situation.  Please call me at ###-###-#### if you need further clarification, but I have never heard of your name and again, we do not service sprinklers.  Thanks

   

  Erinn D****

  

  Business response

  07/05/2023

  We truly apologize for our failures with your service and any inconvenience it caused. We will provide a refund of $527.

  Customer response

  07/10/2023

  
  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

  10/30/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I have been billed for the past 3 months and have not received service. The last time I received service was 7/29/22. They are sending invoices and a checklist of services done and no one is showing up to the home. No one ever calls/text/emails ahead. The gate is typically closed so how are they treating the home? they need to furnish proof outside of the generic checklist that the tech was onsite and performed the services or refund me my money. Also requesting cancellation of my account.

  

  Business response

  12/21/2022

  Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2022/11/01) */ On the last 3 service notes, our technicians say they spoke to customer or Mr. (see attached) How do you respond to that? Consumer Response /* (3000, 7, 2022/11/02) */ (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.) Spoke to who? Mr. Who? Customer who? I spoke to both my mother and father they both stated no one has come to spray. I am only now bringing an issue because my mom is complaining of mosquitoes after mentioning they've been charging my card she stated no one has been by to spray and when they do a small flag is left. She has not seen anything. Your tech writing something on a work order will not suffice gps showing your tech was at my property or video is the only proof that will suffice. If I have to hire an attorney to request these documents or bring about a law suit to request this in discovery I'd be happy to do so. Other wise please provide solid proof besides what you've responded or process a refund and close my account. Business Response /* (4000, 9, 2022/11/07) */ We spoke to 2 different technicians, who both said they spoke to a man, I guess your father, when they provide service. One of these employees has been with Drake for almost 15 years, and is very credible. When we arrive at the property, we knock on the door and speak to him. He then unlocks the gate so we can provide service. This has been happening for quite a while, and I am confident we are providing service. My Pest Control Manager, Trent, called and left a message for you so he could speak to you about your concern. You should return his call. We would be happy to meet you and your father on the property, with the technician that has spoke to him, and hopefully get this situation resolved. And if we need to re-treat for mosquitoes, that's not a problem. Please return Trent ******** call.

• Initial Complaint

  09/30/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I would like for Drake to stop billing me for this service that was suppose to be monthly but was less than 20 days apart. My original complaint to them was my lawn was being damaged by the chemicals they were using and their solution was to dump more chemicals 20 days later. Two weeks later I had to tell the tech not to come back. When I got an estimate for 1575.00 to have damaged sod replaced of course Drake stated it was from drought and not chemicals so they take no ownership of their warranty. I will not pay them anymore money for damage they clearly caused.

  

  Business response

  10/26/2022

  Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2022/10/05) */ Mrs ***** grass died due to drought. Drake will not be held responsible for inadequate irrigation practices. Consumer Response /* (3000, 7, 2022/10/10) */ (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.) On Jan. 13, 2021 I had my complete irrigation redone because it was not full coverage in my opinion. When Drake manager said it was not getting full coverage ************ came out each time and we recheck all areas with no problems. 7/14;7/19;and repair on 8/17 and 8/29 one nozzle each time. Even though the manager (Chris) said my problem was irrigation, when his manager came after my continued complaints, we checked for coverage and he said coverage was fine but emailed report saying coverage was not head to head. I emailed Drake with attn David on 7/23;7/28;8/02;8/05;8/11;8/12;8/14 and 8/15 not counting over 80 minutes in phones calls trying to get a response. On 8/19 David called after I requested my complaint to be moved up the ladder, CEO information or they replace my damaged sod. His only response was I did the damage by not having head to head coverage. Drake's monthly service amounted to 4/29;5/30;6/10;6/29; and 7/18. I was changed $1575.00 for damaged sod and will not pay Drake another penny for making my lawn worse !!!! Business Response /* (4000, 9, 2022/10/11) */ Your grass died from inadequate irrigation. NO refund will be given. Consumer Response /* (4200, 11, 2022/10/12) */ (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.) I will not respond to anymore to their refusal to conduct business in a honest manner, There was need for them to constantly dump chemicals on my lawn in such a short timeframe. THEY WILL NOT GET ANOTHER PENNY FROM ME!!!!

• Initial Complaint

  09/26/2021

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  We had Drake Termite & Pest Control for inside the house and the lawn. Last year I was agreed to a bi-monthly service (should mean every 8 weeks), but they started to come already after 5 weeks (with charging every time 78$). They came only inside the house the first time, after that I always only found a bill on my door. Never came into the house again. At that time I canceled my services. But this year I started to get ants again and I called them to give it a treatment and the Tech told me it was only 1 time treatment. I was never told or ask permission to charge my credit card on a monthly bases. This type of companies " Take Advantage of PPL " and no body supervised them. They forced people to get recurrent services and no body regulated them . Also the quality of the services is " NOT GOOD " . I still have ants and spiders on my house. I have to get a different service. Please make sure this company refund my money. It's not fear. Check all bad reviews they have.

  

  Business response

  10/25/2021

  Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2021/09/28) */ Our Bi-Monthly service means exactly that...Bi-Monthly. It does not mean exactly every 8 weeks. Your service history shows we only serviced and billed you every 2 months. So please do not try to imply we serviced and charged you more than the service agreements states...that you signed. I have attached a copy of the agreement that you signed. And it states very clearly that this is a Bi-Monthly service agreement. And it states that you authorize us to charge your credit card Bi-Monthly as the services are rendered. We did exactly as we promised we would. So it is very wrong of you to say we "take advantage of people". We do not take advantage of anyone and we do not force anyone to get recurring service. YOU signed the agreement that states this...AND you understand how the service works, because you had the service before. There no notes on your account that you called about any pest problems whatsoever. If you had a pest problem that you wanted resolved, you didn't call us about it. We will not provide a refund.

*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. ↩