I don't typically post negative reviews, but I'm sharing this to document our experience and to…read morehelp other homeowners make an informed decision. We live in a home built in 2021 near active construction and developed a rodent issue in the attic. After initially managing it with traps, the problem escalated when I noticed a strong odor on Monday, 4/27. We found significant droppings and urine staining in the attic, so I requested multiple estimates. Pest exclusion quotes ranged from $900-$1,850, and duct/insulation remediation ranged from $4,800-$7,800.
I found Total Pest Elimination based on strong online reviews from yelp. On Wednesday, 4/29, I contacted Juan (the owner) for a written estimate. He sent Elli to inspect the attic; he attempted to locate the source of the odor and set traps but could not find the dead animal. I repeatedly followed up for the written estimate, which was not provided until the next day.
My husband and I hired the company because they offered a single-scope solution, provided the lowest quote, and indicated they could start quickly. The total estimate was $6,600, and Juan stated the work would take a couple of days.
Communication and scheduling were inconsistent from the start. On Thursday there was no proactive update; when I called, Juan said they would begin Friday, 5/1 at 9:00 a.m., and offered to send Elli Thursday evening to set traps. Elli arrived with Andrew, brought odor eliminators, set traps, and again searched unsuccessfully for the dead rodent. They confirmed they would start work at 9:00 a.m. the next morning.
On Friday, 5/1, no one arrived at 9:00 a.m. At 9:22 a.m. I texted Juan and was told Andrew was "around the corner." Andrew arrived around 9:48 a.m. without supplies or direction and remained in the attic until about 12:30 p.m., when Juan arrived for the first time with minimal equipment (a small shop vacuum, bags, and paper to protect the entryway). Juan then requested 50% payment to purchase supplies, which had not been discussed in advance. Elli arrived after 2:00 p.m.; with limited equipment, they located and removed the dead rodent and then left. I was told they would return Saturday at 9:00 a.m. to complete the job.
By this point I had paid $3,500, and I was relieved the odor was improving after the rodent was removed. A larger crew arrived Saturday and began removal work with two shop vacs, but the job was not completed. I was later told Sunday would not work, and that they would return Monday at 9:00 a.m. and finish by Tuesday at the latest. Late Sunday night (11:35 p.m.), Juan texted that he was trying to locate a machine to rent and would update me in the morning. As of Tuesday, the work still was not finished, and the team left approximately 10 large bags of old insulation at the curb despite my request to move them (my garage has been unusable throughout this process). It is now Wednesday; I have had to cancel appointments and stay home, which has disrupted my job search and daily schedule.
I also want to clarify what was represented as included in the scope of work: closing all exclusions, setting traps, and returning weekly (four weeks) to remove any rodents caught. I was also told they could remove and replace all contaminated insulation and, once removed, sanitize the attic floor. That capability was not there. Juan arrived with only a small shop vacuum and suggested the crew shovel insulation out. He hired contract workers who said the proper machine and appropriate PPE were required, and there was no plan or containment (plastic sheeting), even though our attic access is inside the house--not in the garage--so containment is essential. The insulation "upgrade" conversation was also misleading: I was told I would need to pay an additional $1,500 to upgrade to fiberglass, but the insulation already in my attic was fiberglass (R-38). I asked for the same R-value to be replaced, but what was brought was the cheapest material available and did not match what we agreed to.
As of May 7, I am out $3,500 and left with a major mess: dust throughout my house and garage, and my garage is still unusable. The workers who were in my home worked hard over the week, but they lacked leadership, proper supplies, and clear direction. I terminated Total Pest Elimination on May 6 and now must hire someone else to clean up and complete the attic work. Juan may do well with basic pest trapping but based on my experience I would be extremely cautious about hiring this company for exclusion or insulation/remediation work.
