Current Alerts For This Business
In May 2024, BBB began contacting White Knight Pest Control to address the underlying issues of disputes regarding sales practice issues, cancellation, and service concerns. BBB requested that the business respond with an outline of the policies/procedures, actions they are taking, and other efforts they have in place to help address and eliminate the underlying issues regarding these patterns.
BBB files indicate that this business has a pattern of complaints wherein consumers allege they were sold with promises of no obligations and acknowledgement of signing a contract alleging they did not sign one but received acknowledgment of a contract.
On May 31, 2024, BBB submitted a written request to White Knight Pest Control, encouraging them to address these patterns of complaints. Based on the evaluation of the consumer complaints, BBB files indicated that this business has a pattern of complaints in the last 90 days alleging:
- Sold with promises of no obligation agreements.
- Receipt of acknowledgment of a contract without signing one.
- Failure to receive contracted services.
On June 10, 2024, the business responded by stating that they have put a policy in place where their technician does not service a consumer’s home unless there is a signed agreement and a payment account on file. White Knight Pest Control included in their response their uptick in complaints is due to growth in adding 7 new offices in the last 3 to 4 months, Blitz sales teams selling in a specific area for a short time, and seasonal growth between April through September due to an increase of pest activity.
White Knight Pest Control responded to BBB’s cancellation concerns stating only one complainant provided a 30 days’ notice. White Knight provides the option for consumers to receive their last service and are advised to immediately call to ensure that the 30-day written notice is given or to close their account immediately and pay the 30-day notice fee.
Regarding the pattern of complaints from consumers alleging non-receipt of services contracted White Knight Pest Control outlined they have four options for the customer.
1) 30 days to make payment to allow time to fix the problem.
2) A Manager’s Visit – White Knight Pest Control will send a manager out to talk to the customer to get a full picture of the pest issue and to service the home.
3) Cameras on all service trucks.
4) 3 full-time auditors to review the camera footage and the service provided by White Knight Pest Control’s technicians.
White Knight Pest Control responded they have also implemented:
1) Conducting a welcome call to ensure that customers know and understand what they have signed up for expectations, and clear communication lines are open.
2) Continue to conduct service audits with cameras on their technicians daily.
3) Continue to improve training with their technicians twice a week in person at White Knight’s office.
4) Continue to train in the field increasing this to 3x weekly with technicians with management supervision.
5) White Knight Pest Control has purchased communication software for their employees and sales teams can better communicate policies, procedures, updates, as well as any service or sales concerns that are general for the masses.
6) 1x1 weekly meetings with technicians and office staff.
7) Scheduled executive meetings to discuss improvements.
8) Sales concierge meetings with managers that deal directly with sales reps.
BBB will continue to monitor incoming complaints and review the file again to evaluate the outcome of the actions and steps White Knight Pest Control is taking to address the pattern of complaints.
Need to file a complaint?
BBB is here to help. We'll guide you through the process.
Complaint Details
Note that complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. See details.
Initial Complaint
08/12/2024
- Complaint Type:
- Service or Repair Issues
- Status:
- Answered
On July 25, 2024 ****** the technician from White Knight came to service our home for an issue we have which at that time we ***orted 3 wasps nest. ****** knocked off the nest from the ***** of the home on the front right corner. He did not even tell us what to expect. Later we found that he threw the panel of the wasps nest on the roof of my front porch.About 2 to 3 days later I contacted White Knight and told them the wasps were still there and they were rebuilding the nest. I was told that I should allow some time for the treatment to take effective.July 30th, I called again and told them that the wasps were still there. I spoke with ****** and she told me to send an e-mail with pictures to ******************************************************* and that someone would come out r the next day on July 31st. No one came. When I called the *** told me some one came and knocked on my door. I was home all day and I have a ring door **** and no record of any one showing up. Also, I didn't get the usual text asking me to tip their technician.August 1st, I called again and spoke with ********* and he assured me some one would come to the home to retreat. Of course, again no one came. I called and spoke with ****** and asked her to cancel my service. ****** mentioned I would need to speak with their advocacy **** first and put me on hold. Later ****** came back and said there was no one available to speak with **** sent an e-mail on August 1st to ******************************************************* asking them to cancel my service immediately. Then I received a response that my account would remain active until they had a chance to speak with me. As of today, August 10th no one has contacted me and I want to cancel my service. Since waiting on White Knight to return to my home and do the job right I have more wasp nest developing. They should not be in business if they cannot address pest control problems.
Business response
09/04/2024
Called and left voicemail for ***. Waiting for a call back.Customer response
09/17/2024
Complaint: 22123119
I am rejecting this response because:Unable to update. I spoke with White Knight Pest Control and they addressed the issue and removed the wasp nests. We agreed that I would not renew the contract in October 2024.
Please update response.
Thank you for all your assistance in helping me resolve this issue.
Regards,
*******************Initial Complaint
08/06/2024
- Complaint Type:
- Customer Service Issues
- Status:
- Answered
I have tried to cancel service multiple times. We were moving to a new location and initially was going to transfer service but there was an issue with the property we were moving to so we needed to cancel service since white Knight didn't offer an account hold for an extended period. I explained the situation to customer service and was told that they would cancel my service. Over the past 2-3 months, I kept getting emails and text with new dates of service. I have to call in and explain the situation over again multiple times and request cancelation. I finally was able to speak with a guy today that said he could cancel the service but it would be a $100 charge because they did not have a 30 day notice. I am not under any contract and I have tried to cancel multiple times over the past few months. Mostl importantly, we moved from the home that was previously being serviced therefore I have NO ADDRESS for them to spray as we are staying with family due to storm damage to the home we were supposed to be going to. I would like a full refund! This seems to be very bad business practice considering we were long time customers prior to moving.Business response
08/29/2024
We did discover, while researching this account, that the ******************* did contact our office prior to 30 days, in accordance with her signed agreement. We have refunded the fee for less than 30 days notice, the account has been closed with a zero balance. ******************* can expect to see the refund to her bank card within 5-7 business days.Initial Complaint
08/05/2024
- Complaint Type:
- Service or Repair Issues
- Status:
- Answered
On July ******* a representative walking neighborhood came to door to sell product started at $150 & I kept refusing until they basically offered a free service only charge $1 just to try service which after I see way more insects. I within not even week requested cancellation now company is saying i signed a contract. I was not told I was signing contract it was to set up first time appt. They are not allowing me to get out of contract & due $200. This company is fraudulent & getting ppl to sign for free services then trapping in contract.Business response
08/29/2024
In researching this account we did find a few discrepancies. The Welcome Call was never completed and changes were made by the door to door representative after the agreement was signed. This is NOT indicative of how WKPC does business and necessary actions have been taken to make sure this does not happen in the future. We would like to apologize for ********************** experience and have waived the discount on the initial that she was charged when closing her account.Initial Complaint
08/05/2024
- Complaint Type:
- Service or Repair Issues
- Status:
- Answered
Signed up for bi-monthly pest control. After the initial visit, white knight failed to return for 4 months, rescheduling my appt twice and still failing to show up. Due to this, and an increasing pest problem (were in a new development and are surrounded by new lots; thus, ants scorpions and spiders are plentiful) I called to effectively cancel my contract with them and find another provider. I was told that my initial service was billed at a promotional rate and that I would owe them another $80, even though I was cancelling due to their failure to uphold the contract. Speaking with the man on the phone, I was told to email their appeals office. The day I sent my appeal, my credit card was billed for the amount. I never received an email back. I cancelled my service due to their own failure to uphold their contract and provide service. The fact that I had to apply pesticide granules in-around my house AT MY OWN EXPENSE is inexcusable. Maybe if you cannot meet the demand for pest control in my area, you shouldnt be sending sales people door-to-door picking up new clients. My experience with you has been horrible and I would not recommend you to anyone after having my account billed. I want a refund for the amount of the initial service plus the amount that I was billed when I cancelled my account. This is ridiculous.Business response
08/29/2024
In researching this account we did find that there were 2 cancelations due to no fault of **************. We would like to sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and we have refunded the discount on the initial service that was charged when ************ tried to cancel his service. Please note, the refund has been made to the original form of payment and can take 5-7 business days for it to post to **************** bank card. The account has been closed with a zero balance due.Initial Complaint
07/29/2024
- Complaint Type:
- Service or Repair Issues
- Status:
- Resolved
The rat baiting service we used was sold to White Knight in May 2024, but we weren't notified. We assumed service continued as usual. After an emergency issue, I learned from the old service that the company had been sold and got White Knight's contact info. They couldn't come until Monday, which we accepted. They claimed we hadn't paid for May or June, but didnt have our billing email. I provided it, and our accountant paid for the missed months by credit card.On Monday, White Knight arrived for the emergency call but mistakenly performed a different began spraying for bugs inside the office. When I stopped them, they left without addressing the rat traps. I contacted their office and learned they had us listed for monthly pest control, not rat baiting. After clarifying our contract, they updated our service to rat baiting. I also discovered they had stored our credit card info without permission. I asked how they could with no permission and was told they had to have on on file. Again, they had no permission. I called White Knight to ask why we paid for May and June if they hadn't provided rat baiting. They said they had sprayed outside, but I requested a refund since that was not covered under our contract. I was told a manager would call me back.During the call, our office dog came in and became ill with throat convulsions after drinking water. I asked the manager for the details of the poison used inside. She assured me it was pet-safe but provided information showing it isn't safe for all dogs and it's not safe unless it's dry. It must have been sprayed in or around her water bowl for this to happen. The dog had to be taken outside to vomit and eat grass, and both the employee and dog had to leave. I have video of the dog's symptoms. This situation is a nightmare: we havent received the service we requested, haven't been refunded, our dog was poisoned, and our credit card information was stored without consent.Business response
08/05/2024
We were unable to locate an acct under the name and phone number provided. Please respond with the account holder's name and service address so we can find your account.Customer response
08/05/2024
Complaint: 22059151
The name of the Company is ************************************** located at ************************************. ************. According to your manager that I spoke with last week another manager was going to call me back about our refund since the wrong service was provided. That never happened. I left a valid number on the BBB complaint. Someone could have called to check on the situation with that information. An animal was injured and that should concern you enough to pick up the phone and ask the company name.Business response
08/20/2024
This matter has been resolved to the satisfaction of the customer.Customer response
08/20/2024
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.
Regards,
***************************Initial Complaint
07/25/2024
- Complaint Type:
- Service or Repair Issues
- Status:
- Answered
1st no show for service was in March. They did reschedule. July 15, 2024 was next schedule and tech no showed. No notice provided and no reschedule. I called in on 7/16/24 and asked and accepted a reschedule for 7/18/24. Tech no showed with no notice again. I called on the 20th to cancel my service. **************** offered me free service to remain a customer. They billed me $81 for services they did not provide. They will not provide me with a refund but will put a credit for future service if I reinstate my account. Customers service also said if I dispute my payment they will charge me late fees and submit me to the credit bureau for non payment. Services were not provided therefore I should not pay.Business response
08/20/2024
Called **** and left a message apologizing for her experience with WKPC and let her know that we should be able to resolve this pretty quickly and asked that she give us a call back.Initial Complaint
07/24/2024
- Complaint Type:
- Service or Repair Issues
- Status:
- Answered
Have used there service for a couple years - no complaints until June. They did not show up for their apt and would not call us back after repeated attempts. We finally went with another service and tried to cancel. We were told that the department for cancellation was not available but would call us back. They called to reschedule the apt but we wanted to cancel; **** still not available. I made this request in writing twice and my wife and I both tried calling ; **** not available. Finally, they charged our credit card last week while we were out of state. Today I spoke to the **** (which was miraculously available today). They show us cancelled in their system but the charge was because we cancelled within 30 days of their next apt. The did not show up in June! Nothing I said mattered to them. I have disputed the charge with my credit card company already but I expect they will fight it. How can a company fail to serve and then hold you hostage like this? We will not use their service ever again and will not recommend them to anyone. It is a shame because prior to last month, I was a satisfied customer that had shared our posiitve experience with others.Business response
08/20/2024
We called and spoke with ******************* today, a refund has been issued in the amount of $114.75. WKPC considers this matter resolved.Initial Complaint
07/24/2024
- Complaint Type:
- Product Issues
- Status:
- Answered
-They continue posting payments in the web portal, even though they didn't provide the service and never showed up in my property. -They dont allow me to cancel my subscription over the phone, Plus the employer wasn't willing to cancel my account and was very disrespecful -The web portal doesn't have a way to cancel service.-they charge me for a service that never exist and even said that the service has to be cancelled less than 30 days services. This is a lie and a way to steal money from me.-Every agent/employee I spoke with was equally unhelpful and repeatedly told me the same thing "you have to speak with one of our customer advocates". I was never able to ahold of a "Customer Advocate", so you have to keep calling back over and over again.-I was charge for an appoitment that I HAD NO IDEA was scheduled. I was never notified and was never called by anyone. -They refused to refund or adjust my billing. -All my neighbors are having the same experience and are reporting this company to the BBB.Business response
08/03/2024
When ************** called into our office he stated that he was told by a gentleman the fee would be waived. The agent he spoke with told him that she would pull the call to verify that was case. When the agent came back on the line she tried to explain to ************** that the agent he spoke with did not offer to waive the fee. The agent offered to listen to the call with ************** and when she hit play, ************** asked if he was going to be charged or not. She replied that yes he would be charged and ************** said "okay" and hung up the phone. In reviewing ****************** account WKPC has determined that the less than 30 day fee is valid and no refund is due.Initial Complaint
07/23/2024
- Complaint Type:
- Service or Repair Issues
- Status:
- Answered
In May 2024, a salesman from White Knight Pest Control came to my front door, selling their pest control service. I informed the salesman that the only issue I had was spittle bugs. The salesman assured me that their service was guaranteed for spittle bugs, so I agreed to have them come out for the initial treatment. A week later, when the guy came to the house, I told him the same thing, that the only issue I was having was spittle bugs. He said that their service DID NOT guarantee for spittle bugs. At that time I told him that I DID NOT WANT THE SERVICE and he said "he would treat anyway and see what happened." Within 2 weeks, the spittle bugs were worse than they had been in 3-4 years, with my lawn turning yellow and killing several shrubs. When I called they said that they could not cancel the service because it required 6 visits and they would have a supervisor call. I did not sign a contract, so I was not bound by any agreement/contract. 3 weeks later, a supervisor call and said the same thing. The they called to schedule a treatment and we said that we did not want the service. They came anyway and treated while we were out of town (front yard only, back gate was locked). When I called back again to cancel the service, this time they told me it was because they couldn't treat the back yard. I spent $200+ to treat my lawns and finally have the spittle bugs somewhat under control. I'm not sure at this point if I will lose me lawn and have definitely lost 5 - 7 shrubs. DO NOT USE WHITE KNIGHT PEST CONTROL. They will say what they need to, to get you locked in and then not stand behind their service.Business response
08/13/2024
This is issue has been resolved.Initial Complaint
07/22/2024
- Complaint Type:
- Service or Repair Issues
- Status:
- Resolved
I have contacted White Knight Pest Control on 3 separate occasions via email (as directed by their customer service line) on 5/30/2024, 6/3/2024, and 6/11/2024 regarding their pushy, rude, and inappropriate door-to-door sales team. My wife and I live in a city with a no solicitation ordinance (Corona, CA Municipal Code 5.34.130). Each sales person disregarded the laws of the city and continued to knock on our door and ring our doorbell, despite the 'No Solicitation' signs that meet city requirements to be exempt from such interactions. We have again had another incident on 7/19/2024. I have called and requested multiple times to be removed from their marketing list, and they continue to send their sales team to our door. The sales team is unprofessional, pushy, rude, and sarcastic when I explain to them the city ordinances restricting them from knocking on our door. When asked, they do not leave the premises. I do not feel safe asking my wife to answer the door and interact with the sales team of White Knight Pest Control. I would appreciate a higher level of customer service, particularly regarding their negligence and disregard of our attempts to be removed from their sales list.Business response
08/05/2024
This issue has been resolved.Customer response
08/05/2024
Complaint: 22016967
I am rejecting this response because: I received no communication from White Knight Pest Control, yet they noted they issue is resolved. What attempt at communication did they provide? Has my address been removed from their sales list? There is no resolution to these questions.
Regards,
*************************Business response
08/07/2024
The matter has been addressed with the sales reps and any necessary disciplinary action has been taken.Customer response
08/09/2024
Better Business Bureau:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and while lacking in the true nature of customer service, I find that this resolution is as satisfactory as White Knight Pest control will provide.I appreciate your quick attention and follow-up to my grievance.
Regards,
*************************
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. ↩
BBB Business Profiles may not be reproduced for sales or promotional purposes.
BBB Business Profiles are provided solely to assist you in exercising your own best judgment. BBB asks third parties who publish complaints, reviews and/or responses on this website to affirm that the information provided is accurate. However, BBB does not verify the accuracy of information provided by third parties, and does not guarantee the accuracy of any information in Business Profiles.
When considering complaint information, please take into account the company's size and volume of transactions, and understand that the nature of complaints and a firm's responses to them are often more important than the number of complaints.
BBB Business Profiles generally cover a three-year reporting period. BBB Business Profiles are subject to change at any time. If you choose to do business with this business, please let the business know that you contacted BBB for a BBB Business Profile.
As a matter of policy, BBB does not endorse any product, service or business. Businesses are under no obligation to seek BBB accreditation, and some businesses are not accredited because they have not sought BBB accreditation.
Customer Reviews are not used in the calculation of BBB Rating
Contact Information
Want a quote from this business?
Get a QuoteCustomer Complaints Summary
266 total complaints in the last 3 years.
129 complaints closed in the last 12 months.