Should I let the pest control contract lapse?

[Anonymous]

I'm paying about $400 a year for a quarterly treatment outside the house (and another $400 for the house next door which we also own) and then additional services are free as needed. The technician who comes to our house is nice -- it's always nice to see him -- but I can't say that he does all that much more than we can do ourselves. For example, I spend a lot of time figuring out where the ants get in the house and calk the holes and pour boiling water over the nests. He just sprays where I tell him to. Also it's really more of a pain in the neck to schedule to have him come out and put mouse traps around when I can just as easily buy them and put them out myself (which we've done a few times).

But what is really bothering me is that this business was sold to a large corporation some years back and I've found that I can't get through to an operator and so I have to leave a message. I did that 2 weeks ago and they didn't call back. I left another message today but I've had it and am ready to get bids from new pest control companies.

The thing is, checkbook.org says to be cautious about signing onto long-term contracts. They recommend having the company come out as needed. So, I'm looking to learn from others' experience. Do you think a long-term contract is necessary or is it better to only call when you need it? (BTW I live in an end rowhouse in Capitol Hill, if that makes a difference.)

[Anonymous]

bump

[Anonymous]

Do it yourself. Save the money. If you have a new problem develop that you can't deal with you can always call out a good company.
400/year is a lot of money.

[Anonymous]

These large companies will get you. I called a company and they came out and never disclosed that we had to sign a contract. My husband and I decided not to use them. Flash forward a week later for 3 nights my front porch and garage was covered with cockroaches- a problem I never had. Company called a few days after that to "follow up" to see if I was still interested in using them and if the problem or any other new problems had occurred~ very suspicious...

[Anonymous]

They usually don't lapse, and you have to call and cancel.

[Anonymous]

OP here -- interesting story 17:56!

18:59 -- I'm assuming I don't have to call and cancel because I pay every year with a check for the year, but that's a good point. If I decide not to renew the contract, I guess I can call and LEAVE THEM A MESSAGE since they don't seem to have real people there to take calls anymore. I haven't gotten a call back from the message I left this afternoon. They are now 0 for 2.

[Anonymous]

I had terminix, and discovered that the contract renews every year, unless I called and cancelled it.

[Anonymous]

bump -- one more try!

[Anonymous]

Have you shopped around? We use a smaller company (Holiday Termite & Pest Control) and really like them.

[Anonymous]

We also use a somewhat smaller company -- Superior Pest Control. I have a quarterly service with them but no ongoing contract -- they charge me for each of the 4 times a year they come out and not one price at the beginning of the year. They'll come back whenever you need them for no charge in between the visits which is what I like -- I just called yesterday about an issue and they answered the phone immediately (it was almost 6pm so I didn't expect them to still be there) and they always have time quickly to come out. I am bug-phobic so a pest control service is an absolute must for me : )

[Anonymous]

OP here -- thanks for the recommendations -- I'll look into those companies -- and thanks everyone for the advice. Am considering not going with a yearly contract.