In April of this year, we began hearing scratching sounds in our walls and attic. Having had rodent problems in our last house, there was no doubt about the source: we had roof rats. We called several companies out to give us estimates on an exclusion and trapping, including a company I didn't know much about: Bug Busters. I called them as my work was offering a discount on certificates for work. The representative that came to our house was seemingly knowledgable, pointed out some of the possible entry points (just as the other companies' representatives did). Then he did something else: told us that Bug Busters was a provider of TAP insulation, which he claimed was a rodent repellent. "They can't stand the smell of it, it drives them crazy, and they leave." I informed him that I was most interested in an exclusion, and he quoted me a price that included the exclusion, trapping and the TAP insulation which was competitive with some of the other exclusion/trapping-only quotes I'd gotten from other companies. You know when something sounds too good to be true...
The technicians showed up on time to that initial appointment, when the insulation was to be blown and the exclusion done. They spent approximately an hour doing the insulation. The technician spent a little more time in my attic inspecting things, then went down into my crawlspace for 10-15 minutes, and then said thanks, we'll contact you about following up and checking the traps, and left.
I've had an exclusion done before. I know the time it takes. I also know that if you do it without a ladder on the exterior of the property, you're probably not doing it right. I called the company and let them know that I was not satisfied with the exclusion. The manager of the Decatur branch returned my call, and told me he'd be out to take a look, and gave me a date and time. He never showed up. I called back, he'd forgotten the appointment. Another time was set for an 8-10am window. He didn't show up. This time, he was stuck in traffic. Finally got him out to the house on a third try, and he agreed that the work hadn't been done properly. Some more work was done, and this time a little more time was spent. I was told that technicians would check the traps four times, which was also noted on my contract. One week later, someone came to check the traps. "Someone will call you to schedule the next visit." I was also told that they wanted to put some exterior bait stations out, but they were out of stock, and would let me know as soon as they were in. This is late May. They initiated no further contact with me.
After continuing to hear activity of varying degrees through June and July, I called Bug Busters and told them I was dissatisfied with their service, felt that they did not live up to their contract, and would like my money back. I was informed that since I had paid with discount certificates (which were not free to me), I could not get a refund. But they wanted to come back and do more work. This time, they'd send their "wildlife expert" (why he wasn't dispatched in the first place went unsaid). The man who came (Court) was seemingly very knowledgable, pointed out some chew marks where they were likely gaining access. He wanted to come back out and do another exclusion on that area. They did so, doing both some exterior and interior exclusion work on one side of the house. "Someone will call you to schedule the next visit." Again, this didn't happen.
Three weeks later, the sounds are worse than ever. I call them to let them know. They send a technician to check the traps. He doesn't do any exterior inspection to find out if they've chewed a new hole, etc. Just checks the traps and goes. "Someone will call you today to schedule the next visit." Didn't happen.
By now, I've done a little more research, including going to the TAP insulation manufacturers website. You remember the TAP insulation, right? It "drives them crazy." Well, right there on their site: "Does TAP control mice, rats or squirrels? No, T*A*P has no effect on mice, rodents, or squirrels. However, it does not act as a food source for these animals."
At this point, I call Bug Busters back and demand a refund. They have misrepresented the product they've sold me. I speak with the manager of the Decatur branch on Wednesday morning. He understands my frustration, but needs to talk to the owner of the company. One of them will call me back today. This doesn't happen. I call them Wednesday night and leave a message that I would really appreciate a call back on Thursday. This doesn't happen. I call them Friday morning and tell the receptionist that I would really like a call back today. This doesn't happen. Finally, Monday morning, the manager of the Decatur branch calls me back to let me know that they can't offer me a refund, after all "we did blow the insulation in your attic." You remember, the insulation that they sold me under false pretenses? read more