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We contacted Mark Conrad, Sales Inspector with Orkin in Madison because we had bed bugs in our rental house. He came out and gave an estimate to spray two bedrooms for $1,000.00.

He made us sign an agreement the Orkin did not guarantee killing the bedbugs for $1K but assured us that they would die because they used strong chemicals. Two weeks later, the bed bugs were still coming out. We called Mark Conrad to remedy the situation. He wanted an additional $600 to come back and spray the 2 bedrooms.

The chemicals that Orkin uses are weak and do not kill the bed bugs. It was disappointing that we paid $1K and still had bed bugs in the house. We refused to pay an additional $600.00. My husband went to a pest control store and purchased the strongest chemicals for $35.00 and we killed the bed bugs ourselves.

Orkin is a rip-off and does a lousy job. Do not call them to take care of any bed bug problems because they do not guarantee their work!

We were disappointed and will never recommend Orkin's services to our friends or relatives. Beware!

Location: Madison, Wisconsin

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Guest

I have used Orkin for bed bug treatment in an apartment. The technician was fantastic he sprayed all four units that were adjoined then came back one week later to treat them again.

It has been 3 years now and the bed bugs have never returned.

My pest control technician is friendly and extremely knowledgeable he has even taken phone calls from me after hours and on weekends when I have any concerns. I would highly recommend Orkin

Guest

They forget to tell you that chemical treatment no longer works. The o lying way to kill bedbugs is with heat treatment.

Don't ask the service manager in mobile Alabama because he has about 6 months on the job and will lie to you just like everyone else at orkin. They don't care about you our its employed. Tour just a number. They show growth to its stock holders by buying out smaller local company's that care.

Also mobile al.

Branch treated termites with water in 2010-**** because there injector was broken. Just ask frank goodwin or mike Jones.

Guest

I agree. Orkin bed bug treatments are a scam.

They even state that they can do preventative spraying along baseboards and in the outlets to prevent bed bugs from moving from apartment to apartment. I called the EPA, Cornell University, Virginia Tech, and the attorney generals office and the ALL state that as of March 2012 there is NO chemical PREVENTIVE on the market that bed bugs are prone to. All those Alpine dusts etc, do NOT keep bed bugs from going from apartment to apartment, and that when tested the bugs just walk right over all the chemicals on the market. The ONLY method of treatment according to the EPA is for residences to be vigilant with washing new sheets and towels, checking suitcases after travel, and washing all clothing IMMEDIATELY after travelling, putting encasements around mattresses, and basically being vigilant.

Also dogs certified by some national entymology group is 99% effective at finding the bugs during inspections, but inspections by the "eye" are only at best 50% accurate. There is NO preventive treatment for bed bugs, and the only thing that eradicates them is high heat treatments. There are high heat treatments for houses and rooms that universities use and is the only sure fire way to eradicate them. DONT BE FOOLED people.

This came straight from the EPA, Cornell, and Virginia Tech...the leaders in bed bugs!

One more thing...Orkin will tell you that their chemicals are safe b/c they are registered with the EPA. What I found out was that ALL pesticides must be registered at the EPA and registration does not mean they are safe. I was told that certain populations should not be exposed such as the elderly or disabled, and that dogs and heat applications are the safe applications for those populations.

Bottom line...there is NO preventive treatment for bed bugs...not around baseboards, not in walls, not in outlets...NOTHING. If they try to claim this report them for fraud claims as they are marketing on bed bug hysteria.

Don't become hysterical...become informed! Good luck people.

Guest

Same here! Just found out after living in my apartment for 6 months, that it had bed bugs before.

They are back! Orkin claims they were eradicated (they never were and that's why the neighbor moved out). Now that he's gone, they have decided to come feast on me. This is all information I have gathered in the last 3 days.

Landlord said they are supposed to be spraying once a month. Never has my Orkin tech sprayed a chemical! Also found out the initial infestation occured in my apartment and it was only sprayed for them once!

Not to mention I have been waiting here for 2 days for someone to come verify I have these so we can start treatment. It's fine though, really..I enjoy the constant itching and the thought of them feasting on me as I sleep.

Guest

Sorry to hear about the bad experience with bed bugs. Bed bugs are difficult to combat and can require multiple visits from a pest management professional.

These bugs are very good at hiding in small crevices throughout the home. Even though the mattress and box spring are the primary hiding place for bed bugs, they can find hiding places behind nightstands, in drawers, behind pictures, inside sockets and many other locations. Usually with bed bugs one treatment isn't enough to find them all.

If you are in a multi unit building they could even return from neighboring units.

Sorry you had a bad experience. Usually Orkin implements a thourough Integrated Pest management solution - Basically that means they are using multiple techniques to solve the problem - with bed bugs this also usually means more than one visit.

I don't work for Orkin, but am in the bed bug industry, and have learned just how difficult these pests can be. I would hate for someone suffering with a similar problem think that several cans of store bought bug spray, can replace the knowledge and vigilance required to combat these pests.

Several websites exist for consumers to educate themselves on the topic of bed bugs. I reccomend learning about these pests first if you encounter a problem, and always get the advise and assistance of a professional.

Guest

I am the vice president of public relations and corporate communications for Rollins, Inc. - Orkin's parent company.

I was concerned to read of your dissatisfying bed bug experience. We would like to work with you to resolve this issue. I have forwarded your complaint to the region manager in the Madison area in the hopes that he can get in contact with you. If you would rather, you can contact me directly at 404-888-****, and I will get your service information and escalate your concern.

Alternately, you can email me at mcraft@***.com. Again, I am sorry for your dissatisfaction, but I am certain that we can resolve it.

I look forward to speaking with you soon.

Best regards,

Martha Craft

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-385778

I live in the Deforest WI senior housing. We have been dealing with infestations for 3 months & prepared for treatment 2 weeks ago.

One couple , in their 90`s are covered in bites. Many of our people are not only elderly but are in walkers & wheelchairs & have been expected to do all the preparations themselves. Yesterday was cancelled over an hour after your people were supposed to be here. They are now late for today`s appointment.

The circumstances we are having to live with are unbearable. The amount of physical labor overwhelming & the mental stress impossible to deal with. We have been living out of plastic bags for two weeks.

The financial strain on all of us has ruined our holiday season. Perhaps a local news channel can get the word out as to how seniors & disabled people are treated by your company!

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