Orkin to Reapply Termite Treatment to Missouri Homes
November 8, 1995
Attorney General Jay Nixon announced Orkin Exterminating Co. Inc was ordered to reinspect thousands of homes in Missouri and reapply termite treatment where needed as part of a settlement worth an estimated $7 million dollars. It was alleged that in many of the estimated 7000 homes, the company failed to apply the original termite treatment according to the correct label instructions, resulting in a higher than normal risk of infestation.
The settlement covers homes with basements where Orkin applied an organophosphate termiticide, including Dursban and Pryfon, between Jan. 1, 1987, and May 15, 1993. Most of the homes are in the St. Louis and Columbia metropolitan areas; others are in Kansas City, Springfield, and Poplar Bluff.
During the announcement, Nixon states: “Thousands of homeowners mistakenly thought they had an ‘impenetrable barrier’ against termites, as Orkin put it, after they paid for the original treatment…This agreement is going to require Orkin to go in again and make certain the job is done right.”
After the eligible homeowners were mailed a notice of the settlement, Orkin was ordered to contact the homeowners and set up appointments, during which a thorough re-inspection and reapplication of termite treatment took place. In addition to this, Orkin was ordered to reinspect for signs of any new termite damage since the original treatment.
The Attorney General’s Office estimate of the value of re-inspection, re-treatment and repair of the 7,000 homes to be approximately $7 million.
As part of the agreement, Orkin was ordered to pay $700,000 to the Missouri Merchandising Practices Revolving Fund, which is used to cover the costs of investigation in consumer protection cases.
References:
“Orkin Settlement with Missouri Attorney General: Orkin to reapply termite treatment to Missouri homes under terms of record consumer settlement with Nixon” Campbell law. Campbell law. 10 Oct. 2010. Web. 13 July. 2014. <http://campbelllitigation.com/index.php/component/content/article/1-latest-news/51–orkin-settlement-with-missouri-attorney-general->
“Article:Orkin to reapply termite treatment to Missouri homes under terms of record consumer settlement with Nixon” CMissouri Attorney General’s Office. Missouri Attorney Generals Office. 5 Jan. 2005. Web. 13 July. 2014.<http://archive.today/TQ7UL#selection-381.0-381.105>