A local couple is speaking out after what they describe as a troubling experience with a pest control inspection at their new home.
The homeowners, who asked not to be publicly identified, said they initially scheduled a routine preventative spray service after moving into their home about a month ago. According to them, several hours before the scheduled appointment, a man identifying himself as Clay Ashbrook, a supervisor, called and offered to perform a complimentary attic inspection, stating the area was known for rat problems.
The couple agreed.
During the inspection, the employee allegedly told the homeowner that the attic contained dozens of rat nests and multiple litters of baby rats. Within minutes, they say he presented a quote of approximately $22,000 for insulation removal, rodent remediation, insulation replacement, and sealing gaps near roof ventilation. The proposal included financing options.
The homeowners state they had not seen, heard, or smelled any signs of rodent activity in the month they had lived in the house.
The situation raised additional concerns when the couple later learned the employee was not a supervisor, but a termite inspector. They allege he referenced their baby’s health during the inspection and used terms such as “hazardous waste removal.” They further claim that photographs included in the quote did not match their attic. According to the couple, they have photographic evidence comparing their attic to the images used in the estimate.
After returning home, one of the homeowners says he personally inspected the entire attic and found no nests, rodents, or structural gaps consistent with what had been described.
Since sharing their experience publicly, the couple says multiple individuals have contacted them with similar concerns about the same employee. Some commenters alleged that women and elderly homeowners appear to be disproportionately targeted, though those claims remain unverified.
The homeowners emphasized that their concern is not with Orkin as a whole, but with the actions of one employee. However, they say they are discouraged that no corrective action has been taken despite prior complaints they were made aware of.
Orkin has been contacted for comment regarding the allegations. This story will be updated if a response is received.
Consumers who believe they have experienced misleading sales practices are encouraged to report concerns to the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office or the Better Business Bureau.
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