ComplaintsforClark's Termite & Pest Control

• Initial Complaint

  09/17/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I started using Clark's 2 years ago for quarterly pest control and termite warranty. Last August 2023 I renewed my termite warranty for $314.10 with a military discount and my 4th quarter pest control service was done. They had missed a pest control service so my renewal for pest control was delayed and the first quarterly pest control service for the renewal was done 11/13/23 and the cost was $267.75 for the annual renewal with a military discount. Pest control services were done 11/13/23, 2/21/24, 4/30/24, and 8/3/24. My termite warranty annual service and fourth quarter pest control service was done on 8/3/24. On 8/24/24 I received invoices for termite warranty for $366.34 and quarterly pest control services for $374.24 which is a 40 percent increase for pest control and 17 percent increase for termite warranty from last time. I emailed customer service to ask if they are still giving a military discount and ask if they sent out price increase notification that I missed. They response was that the discount has already been applied and no they did not send out notifications. I paid the termite warranty and asked them to cancel my pest control service. The reply was that I need to pay the invoice because it was sent out and they require 30 days. 30 days from what, I am not sure. I certainly did not get any notification of a 40 percent price. Buyers beware!!

  Customer response

  09/23/2024

  Spoke with Manager Elsa today. She’s finally responded after ignoring several emails and phone calls with voicemails. They are canceling my pest service if I pay $93.56 for service on 8/3 because they are saying my renewal is due in August every year so that was my renewal service. I was sent an invoice dated 8/24 for annual renewal 3 weeks after 1st quarter was done with the 40%price increase which is far from fair. Elsa has been rude and unresponsive and told me there was no one else to talk to about this matter that her only boss is the president of the company. I find that unbelievable with her lack of professionalism. 

  

  Business response

  09/23/2024

  Pest control service has been cancelled - void any and all open invoices and removed from the account.

  Termite has been rolled back to starting price of $314.00.

  Effective Immediately 

  ********** ******

  Customer response

  09/24/2024

  
  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

  05/13/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  We have a termite bond with Clark's Pest Control for ten years and we pay the renewal fee each year to maintain or Gold Plan termite bond. This year they added an additional cost to install Sentricon System with out notification about it. I called to inquire about this additional cost and what was it. Through our email correspondence starting on April 18, 2024, it was never indication in the begin that our Gold Plan was no longer offered or there is a change in the contract. With the Gold plan it is treatment only plan with $250,000 damage protection, lifetime annual renewal and no deductible. With the change if we just pay our renewal fee, then the damage repairs would be on us which is not what our bond agreement states. I haven't signed a new agreement and wasn't aware that the terms of our bond agreement had changed. I feel that they are trying to push me into an agreement that I don't know any information on what that entails. If it wasn't for me reaching out to inquiry the additional charges, Clarks would have never notify us of the changes in the bond agreement. They are stating that they have given us a 30 day notification of the changes, but it was only stated about the gold plan no longer being valid in the email correspondence on May 8, 2024 and our renewal fee is due on May 31, 2024. I have stated to them I would like to review the contract and have a written explanation of the changes in our bond agreement for next year renewal, due to not being aware of the change in conditions of the bond agreement. They are threating to change the terms if we don't get this Sentricon System installed.

  

  Business response

  05/22/2024

  Customer spoke with office staff - cancelled services, account has been closed, no balance due.

  Customer response

  05/22/2024

   I am rejecting this response because I have not cancelled our termite bond with Clark's just our quarterly pest control service with them. 
  
  Sincerely,
  Kimberly K***

  

  Business response

  06/11/2024

  This has been resolved and termite services activated and continue for customer.

• Initial Complaint

  04/15/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Subject: Complaint Against Clarks Termite I am writing to file a formal complaint against Clarks Termite regarding their unethical billing practices and lack of services rendered. On December 2022, I purchased my home, and since then, Clarks Termite has claimed to be conducting "bait station checks" on my property. However, upon closer inspection, I discovered through surveillance footage that Clarks Termite has not set foot on my property since November 2022, which predates my ownership of the property. Upon bringing this discrepancy to Clarks Termite's attention and expressing my concern about being billed for services not rendered, they initially denied any wrongdoing. However, after presenting them with evidence from my surveillance cameras, they reluctantly admitted that they had not serviced my property since before I became the homeowner. Despite my explicit requests for them to cease communication and billing for services they have not provided, Clarks Termite continues to send me monthly invoices. It appears evident to me that they are attempting to accumulate a debt that I do not rightfully owe, with the potential intention of sending it to collections. I have made multiple written requests for Clarks Termite to discontinue their billing and communication efforts, but they have ignored my requests and persist in sending unwarranted invoices. I am filing this complaint with the Better Business Bureau in the hopes that you can intervene and facilitate a resolution to this matter. I seek a cessation of all communication and billing from Clarks Termite and request that they rectify their billing records to reflect the absence of any services provided since my ownership of the property began. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I trust that the Better Business Bureau will take appropriate action to address this issue and ensure that Clarks Termite upholds ethical business practices. Sincerely, Joe-S H****

  

  Business response

  04/19/2024

  The balance has been written off in full in the amount of $145.00. Last service was completed in Dec of 2023- Services at this time will be cancelled until customer notifies us to resume.

  Customer response

  05/08/2024

  Subject: Follow-up Regarding Complaint Against Clarks Termite
  
  I am writing to provide a follow-up regarding my previous complaint filed against Clarks Termite, which was facilitated by the Better Business Bureau on April 22, 2024. At that time, BBB recieved a response from the company, and while I was initially satisfied with the outcome of having the $145.00 charge written off, unfortunately, it appears that Clarks Termite has failed to honor their commitment.

  Despite the resolution reached with the assistance of the Better Business Bureau, I recently received another bill from Clarks Termite dated May 1, 2024, requesting payment of $145.00. This invoice pertains to purported "bait station checks" conducted on the following dates: December 5, 2023; January 5, 2024; February 5, 2024; and April 5, 2024.

  As previously acknowledged by Clarks Termite themselves, they have not performed any services on my property since before I became the homeowner. Therefore, it is evident that these charges are unwarranted and based on services that were never rendered.
  Attached to this correspondence is a copy of the invoice in question for your reference.

  I am deeply disappointed by Clarks Termite's failure to uphold their commitments and their continued attempts to bill me for services that have not been provided. Despite my efforts to resolve this matter amicably, it is disheartening to find myself in this situation once again. I respectfully request the assistance of the Better Business Bureau in addressing this ongoing issue and ensuring that Clarks Termite ceases their unjust billing practices. I seek a reaffirmation of the previous resolution reached and request that all erroneous charges be expunged from their records.

  Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. Unfortunately, due to Clarks Termite's actions, this issue remains ongoing. 

   Sincerely,

  Joesam H**** & Stephanie B**** 

  

  Business response

  05/14/2024

  I have sent this directly to our billing department. The $145.00 is being written off and the account is closed in full.

• Initial Complaint

  04/10/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I have had constant issues with this business. In March of 2022, I started formally complaining to them as they would schedule pest services without consulting me. Not only would they not seek my approval, Clark's would show up for said appointment and perform the outdoor portion of the service and send me a bill for the full amount. I repeatedly asked Clark's to stop assuming what date would and would not work for me. Yes, I had signed up for an annual contract in which quarterly services would be provided. However, I desired that they come in my house and do the outside. Besides, WHAT BUSINESS DOES NOT CONFIRM AN APPOINTMENT BEFORE MAKING IT? I complained on 3/22/22, 10/21/22, 3/3/23, and 12/1/23. I was assured each time that they would stop scheduling services for me before confirming with me first. However, it kept happening. As a business owner, I understand their purpose is to keep people compliant to said contacts. However, they need to understand how frustrating it is to have someone show for services that were not confirmed. Another very toxic practice that Clark's implemented is billing you for services before they are performed. For example, if I call to reschedule the appointment that they set forth for me and don't give them a replacement date, they will simply send me a bill for the service. If I don't respond to the bill in 30 days, they sent notification that I will be turned into collections! WHAT BUSINESS THREATENS COLLECTIONS FOR A BILL FOR SERVICES UNRENDERED?! The last issue was recently. On 1/3/24, I texted them and asked how many more services were received thus far for my annual contract. They replied 3. On 2/16/24, I asked them when will my termite contract end and can they set up my last and final appointment for pest control. I paid the bill a couple of days later. On 3/1/24, I received another bill. I was informed by Crystal McDonald that I was due for another pest control service and would I like to go ahead and schedule this. I reminded her that I had already requested received my last service and to cancel my service. She then told me that I would still be responsible for the service due because I didn't provide 30 days notice! WHAT IN THE WORLD!? I just received a service 2 weeks ago. I felt like it was very plain. Last service means last service. Now, here we go again. I have a past due balance for services not rendered. I let Crystal McDonald know that I cancelled services and that I would not be paying the balance. She said, "Thanks for the update. The balance will remain until paid". After all I've been through with this company, the last thing I need to be harassed about is a balance for an unrendered service from a customer service person who doesn't understand what last service means. Side note, she has her job title misspelled. "repersentative". This is representative of the constant oversight that this incompetent company is having. They care for the mighty dollar, not the customer! They want to make appointments without acknowledgment and render services without consent. If you push against the system, they will bill you for services not given. BUYER BEWARE!!!!!!!!!

  

  Business response

  04/15/2024

  Voicemail was left for the customer by Branch manager Deshawn Owens. Advising customer, we have adjusted the balance and performed a write off and apologize for the inconvenience.

• Initial Complaint

  04/02/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I received a bill from Clark's for termite inspection service that was not performed, nor had I received any information about the scheduled service. According to the company the service was performed on April 1, 2024. However, I was at hime all day long, and the gates to our back yard with sentricons were locked. This is not the first time that similar problems have occurred, which made my husband and me cancel pest control service with Clark's, but leaving termite control service. In addition, they are difficult to reach, and their current recorded phone message is wishing us a happy New Year. I want this bill and this service to be cancelled, so I can switch to a more reliable and responsible company. Thank you very much for your assistance!

  

  Business response

  04/10/2024

  I spoke with customer - she is cancelling all services as of right now, I am sending confirmation email and we will write off the balance on the account for services not rendered.

• Initial Complaint

  02/23/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  Clark's Termite came to my home to perform a termite inspection without an appointment being made and no notice given by the company. After asking the technician to leave since they showed up unannounced I told them I would reschedule at a later date. Clark's Termite has continued to bill me for services that were neither scheduled nor performed since the day I asked their technician to leave my home.

  

  Business response

  02/25/2024

  Credit Memoed the Termite service in the amount of $268.50 - Office will contact customer to schedule service going forward. 

  Customer response

  02/28/2024

  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,
  Andrea *****

• Initial Complaint

  12/04/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I selected Clark’s when I purchased a house because the previous owners used them. They let me pick up the remainder of their contract and saved a couple hundred bucks. On the paperwork they sent me, it said that they would notify me when the service was about to expire to renew the contract. That never happened. About a year and a half later, I put my house on the market and contacted Clark’s to let them know I needed to go month by month instead of paying for the full year because I would be moving. They did this and I was paying a little over $100 a month for a few months. When I sold my house and called to cancel, that’s where the problems started. I was told I owe the remainder of the contract, $428.20. I explained that appeared to be an error because I changed to month to month and was told that it was not. I asked why I would pay for service I’m not going to use and I was told that they did the service at the beginning of the year and I owe the full yearly rate. Never mind the fact that I was paying for a termite bond, so there were several months of coverage I wouldn’t use and a few visits they wouldn’t have to make. When I told them I wouldn’t pay for it they immediately threatened me with collections. I ended up paying because consumers are generally powerless in these disputes for protecting their credit, Clark’s knows this. I’m not sure this is even legal, generally businesses are required to prorate contracts on early cancellation for services not used. Not to mention I told them I was moving and going month by month and they never informed me they would hit me with the full year. I never signed a contract that said I would was responsible for the full year if I canceled. Furthermore, they double dip. They told me they would try and contact the new owners when I move to have them take over the contract. For which, I would get nothing back and they get paid twice. This company and their practices are shameful, and I believe legally sketchy.

  

  Business response

  12/07/2023

  Emailed customer information - Looking to refund annual payment amount for $428.20 - need new homeowner address so we can process refund payment check.

  Customer response

  12/08/2023

  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,
  Matt *******

• Initial Complaint

  11/22/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I have a termite bond warranty with Clarks Pest control and I understand raising costs to cover expenses. However, for many years my annual bond inspection renewal cost was $200. Then in 2022 we were notified by email that across the board price increases were coming to help cover costs. The cost of my increase for someone to come out and basically bank on my floorboards and look around for any issues was 24.5% bringing my new bill to $249. Ok, I get it, we were at $200 for a long time. Now 12 months later another email saying 8% or higher price increases for everyone again citing costs. My upcoming price increase for the same situation is another 15.5%. I mean at this point I get it, I'm stuck and have to pay it in order to keep the termite bond warranty, However, within 24 months my rate rose 40% to cover costs at Clarks when my specific situation for more than 15 years has been the same. Someone comes out, bangs around with a hammer, looks around and leaves. No product is ever applied. Really a 40% increase for this, just because I can't go somewhere else without paying a small fortune for a retreatment to get a new termite warranty bond from a different company.

  

  Business response

  11/27/2023

  We have adjusted service back to $249.00 - Customer will be refunded $39.00 for over charge fee for increase. 

  Customer response

  11/27/2023

  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,
  Larry *****

• Initial Complaint

  09/08/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  Clarks Termite & Pest Control came out on 8/14/2023 to do my yearly termite bond inspection. Unbeknown to me, the Clarks representative was installing green termite bates around 3/4 of my house. It was my understanding these were already in the ground when I purchased the house in September of 2022 as there was an active bond on the house that I only had to renew the following year. I realized the bates were not in the ground when the Clarks representative knocked on my door to let me know she had to come back to finish because her drill overheated. She said the bates should have already been in the ground. She said she would be back that week. She never returned. I called Clarks to explain the issue on 8/23/23 and spoke to Brian. He was very pleasant and rescheduled them to come out on 8/29/23 to finish the Job. No one showed. As you can see by the test messages below, I reached out to one of their managers, Steve, on 9/1/2023 to see if he could help with my situation. As you can see by his text, he said he would forward it to a manager in Sumter. I never heard from the manager in Sumter. I called Clarks again on 9/7/2023 and spoke with a representative who forwarded my message to a manager. I was told I would receive a call back by the end of the day. I did NOT receive a call back. The invoice I attached below is the 2nd invoice I've received from Clarks for the renewal of a termite bond, which, was never in the ground the 1st year it was paid for. As you can see, I'm being charged for a service that doesn't even exist and they have left me with 3/4 of the job unfinished and the 1/4 of the job that was done was installed too high causing the tops to come off when the lawn is mowed. My attempts to correct the issues have failed and I'm concerned Clarks will show me diligent and effect my credit rating because I will not pay for something that does't exit and wasn't done.

  

  Business response

  09/08/2023

          After talking with our concerned Customer, we have rectified the situation and are standing behind our Commitment to Excellence in the Pest Control and Termite Industry.  We strive to maintain Our Professional Standards in All Services we provide.

          Our response is of Upmost Importance to Our Valued Customers. 

   

  Customer response

  09/14/2023

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID 20573298, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.  They are coming today, 9/14/23 to correct the problem.
  
  Sincerely,
  Helen *****

• Initial Complaint

  06/20/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I have a termite bond and quarterly pest control agreement with Clark’s and have been satisfied with service to my home. However, in October 2022 I received a past due bill in the amount of $638. I checked my bank statement and saw that the $638 I paid online through Wells Fargo had ind*** been drafted. I contacted my local Clark’s and was told they would check with corporate. A return email explained that Clark’s had not received payment. I called Wells Fargo again and they confirmed that the bill had been paid by them and told me how to access proof of payment to send to Clark’s. Proof of payment was a copy of the front of the paper check sent by Wells Fargo made out to CLARK’s TERMITE and PEST, and a copy of the back of the check showing that the check had been endorsed and signed over to an individual. After receiving another past due bill, I called Clark’s again and was told that the name of the person who endorsed the check I presented as proof of payment was not anyone they knew and that I would n*** to contact my bank. Wells Fargo had already investigated my situation as a potential fraud claim, but closed it since they had proof that the check was ind*** endorsed and paid. The main billing office in NC continues to put this back on me when it is clear that THEY n*** to be communicating with my bank to figure out what banking institution allowed someone to cash a check made out to a business without providing proof that they worked for that business. Again, I have proof that I paid the bill and my bank has proof that the check was received, endorsed, and cashed. In the meantime, I am out $638 and have had NO SERVICES since October 2022. Clark’s n***s to mark my account as PAID and provide services for a full year (from June 2023) as my payment guarantees. My next step will be to retain an attorney to bring this in front of a court.

  

  Business response

  06/27/2023

  Spoke with Meg R*** 6/27/23 at 8:15am, she confirmed that her bank had closed the fraudulent case. I explained I would send over the best person to contact to be provided to her bank so they could reach out to us so that we can support her the best we can. Confirmed email for [email protected], confirming accounting information for the best person of contact and we will proc*** from there.

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