PINCKNEY, Mich. – It was their dream home, but little did they know, it was more of a nightmare.
Aaron Kroh, a former U.S. Marine who also was a combat instructor, bought his first home with his wife, Kirsten Soulliere, and their daughter.
After being cleared for a Veterans Affairs loan, they settled down on a few acres of land in Pinckney.
The loan required them to get a pest inspection of the home. The inspection was done by Absolute Pest Control in Howell two months before they closed on the house in October 2015. The documents from the test state no evidence of termite damage was found.
As the couple started to remodel and move things around in their basement’s laundry room, they found evidence of termites.
Months later, a different inspector issued a report to the couple stating a professional pest control company should not have missed the termite damage.
The report also said the level of infestation in the home took three to five years to reach that point.
Help Me Hank did some digging and learned, according to state records, Absolute Pest Control was automatically dissolved on July 15, 2015, for failing to file the proper documents to the state. The inspection took place after that date.
We also learned the owner of the business, Jeffrey Willhite, has not been licensed with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development since 2009. He also declined to renew his pesticide license in 2010.
So what can you do to insure this doesn't happen to you?
Choosing a termite inspector who works for a licensed pest management company is key. A licensed termite inspector should have experience identifying different types of termites and detecting signs of activity.
He or she should also know about local, state and federal pest control regulations for treatment products.
A true expert has experience using a variety of methods and can advise you on the best method to treat termites.
He or she will also provide an inspection report that offers advice on prevention techniques for the future, not just treatment.
When it comes to the company behind the inspector, you should choose one that has a long-standing service record for effective control.
Usually, it will provide a free, on-site inspection before quoting a price for treatment. This ensures the recommended treatment is customized to your home’s needs. Companies usually have a long-term guarantee to protect your home as well.
Termite treatment should come with a service guarantee. Make sure you understand the guarantee and any exceptions it might include.
You can help Aaron and Kirsten their termite treatment expenses by clicking here.