NEWARK – The Terminix International Company, L.P. (“Terminix”) has agreed to pay New Jersey $81,900, reform its business practices and resolve consumer complaints under a settlement stemming from a Division of Consumer Affairs investigation, Attorney General Zulima V. Farber and Consumer Affairs Director Kimberly Ricketts announced.

Terminix agreed, among other things, to change the wording in its contracts about the company’s obligation to repair damage from termites after service has been performed.

“Consumers deserve clear and concise disclosure of all terms and conditions before signing a contract,” Attorney General Farber said. “This settlement provides for resolution of pending complaints, and requires reforms from the company to protect future customers.”

Consumer Affairs has identified 31 consumers who filed complaints against Terminix. Under the settlement, the company must work with each complainant to resolve the pending complaints, with each complainant having the option to submit the matter to binding arbitration if the company’s offer is not accepted. Terminix also agreed to report to the state on how it resolves future consumer complaints received by Consumer Affairs and referred to the company during the next 12 months.

“We’ve worked the bugs out of Terminix’s business practices so consumers get the termite control services they expect,” said Consumer Affairs Director Ricketts.

As part of the settlement, Terminix also agreed to:

Honor all consumer requests for cancellation of a contract no later than 72 hours after receiving a cancellation request;

Provide a refund no later than 30 days after telling a consumer that a refund is owed;

Honor the terms of any warranty; and

Respond to a consumer’s telephone call, email or letter no later than 72 hours after receipt.

Deputy Attorney General Nicholas Armstrong represented the state in this matter.

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