Once a Year Pest Control - Any Experience?

[EdV]

There are a number of companys in the area offering a Once a Year insect and pest control.

Seems like it might be "If it sounds too good to be true, it prbably isn't"

Have any of you used such a service, and how has it worked out for you?

[chuckinca]

We use the one called "Once A Year" for termite only. They have a whole list of services.

For termite they treat once and it is good for ten years and costs about $650 but they have to make an annual inspection that costs $125. In the inspection, they go thru the whole house and check all the baseboards, windows and doors, cabinets etc. - seemed pretty thorough.

[withease23]

We've been using Once A Year for the last 6 years. We are very happy with the service. We do not use the inside pest control nor the flower bed fertilization/weed control programs they offer. We do, however, use the lawn pest and fertilization program and are very satisfied with the service. Last year when, it seemed like the entire Villages was attacked by chinch bugs, they were right on target with control and when needed, replaced portions of the lawn that were destroyed.

[barb1191]

We also have used Once A Year for six years and are very pleased with their service. Last year they were very deligent in attending to our cinch bug problem. Would highly recommend them.

[garsha]

We have used Massey for 2 1/2 years for the annual termite inspection, and house and yard pest and fertilization. Very pleased. Runs about $650 a year

[Ooper]

There are a number of companys in the area offering a Once a Year insect and pest control.

Seems like it might be "If it sounds too good to be true, it prbably isn't"

Have any of you used such a service, and how has it worked out for you?

1st of all. whe you speak of Once A Year, this is a company name, not a service. We used Once A Year for a while. Started off OK but later on it seemed like we always seemed to have roaches in the garage and in the house. We also lost part of our lawn and had to replace it. We called them on their guarantee for the lawn and found out it wasn't worth the paper it was printed on. All they were willing to do was offer us a 10% discount for an estimate of over $1k. We hired Massey... a little more money, but after 12 months, have never seen another bug in the house and the lawn is doing fine. We might be that 1 customer in 100, and I am sure every company has, but we will never go back to Once-a-Year.

[inda50]

We used Once A Year. Started off OK but later on it seemed like we always seemed to have roaches in the garage and in the house. We also lost a large part of our lawn and had to replace it. I asked to speak to the owner a number of times to no avail, no response. We called them on their guarantee for the lawn and found out it wasn't worth the paper it was printed on. We hired another company and the lawn is doing fine. Two of my neighbors have had the same problem, avoid Once a year. I will never go back to Once-a-Year. There are better and more responsive companies. The people that work for Once are very nice, but the owner ??? out to lunch????

[ijusluvit]

We have used Massey for 2 1/2 years for the annual termite inspection, and house and yard pest and fertilization. Very pleased. Runs about $650 a year

IMHO this is almost twice as much as you need to pay for full indoor and outdoor pest control. This includes annual exterior termite inspection and treatment, whole-house interior pest treatment and quarterly lawn pest and weed control. Full treatment plans like these also carry guarantees which provide same or next day treatment of ant hills, cinch bugs and other problems whenever reported by the homeowner. Regal Pest Control of Ocala has had my contract for about four years and delivered all of the above consistently.

[Xavier]

We use "Once A Year" for termite, pest control in and out, lawn, palm and scrub fertilization, mowing and landscaping maintenance which includes trimming the scrubs, palms, and weed control. I'm pretty sure that the only thing we don't have them do is the Sprinkler Service. At least half of the people on our street buy services from them.

I think the "Once A Year" name is dumb and comes from the fact that during the first year of your contract with them you pay it just once a year. In subsequent years you can pay it monthly.

[GERALDINE]

We've used Once A Year for 4 years now and have no complaints at all. They are extremely conscientous, do what they say they'll do and are always on time. If we need to call them for anything, they are here the next day. Our yard is the best looking one in the neighborhood!! Nuff said!!

[mfp509]

I use Once-a-Year and am very happy. They are reasonable and I know exactly when they will be here every month. I have lawn fertilize/pest control and house pest control with them. If you ask them to look at something that is of concern to you, they respond immediately and are very courteous.

[jazzy48]

We used them for a couple of years, but now have Massey. When our current Massey contract ends, we plan to keep Massey for termites, but go back to Once a Year for pest control and lawn treatments. They are reasonably priced and always did a good job.

[LaJolla]

:shrug::shrug::shrug:We are having some problems with once a year. We use their pest control and lawn and plant fertilization and bug control. When we got back in December we had little or no lawn left. Didn't hear a word from them. After several calls they have diagnosed a fungus problem. I am trying to get them to replace the grass. Will let you know what the outcome is

[GERALDINE]

We used them for 4 years in Liberty Park and had NO problems with them whatsoever. We're doing our own now to save a little $$$

[alemorkam]

Have had once a year since june 2004. We have both outside, inside, insect lawn shrub, etc. Always respond quickly to any requests. Very happy
chilout

[mrdills]

I have use Superior out of Ocala for 14 years now, I pay 365.00 a year and they come out any time I have a pest problem. They control Ants Roaches, Spider and anything in your house and Subterranean Termites Very good people.

[TomW]

Based on IJUSLYVIT's comments I signed up with Regal this morning for the termite and the household pest control for $364 per year.

[bogart]

:shrug::shrug::shrug:We are having some problems with once a year. We use their pest control and lawn and plant fertilization and bug control. When we got back in December we had little or no lawn left. Didn't hear a word from them. After several calls they have diagnosed a fungus problem. I am trying to get them to replace the grass. Will let you know what the outcome is

Your post sounds much like our experiences with Once a Year.......some good, some not so good (same fungus problem) and not much communication.
Will be watching for your post RE outcome.

[Bryan]

Pest control for both homes and lawns is a big business here in TV. There are some very good companies doing that work as well as a lot of rip-off artists. Before signing a long term contract or paying big bucks up front, check out the company with the Better Business Bureau and both offices of Seniors Vs Crime here in TV - see what kind of record they have. Then get references (well, you are already doing that in this forum, to some extent), talk to several services and get estimates for costs, and then make your decision. Initially try to stay out of long term commitments so you can easily change services if the service is not up to your standards. One other thing, every person and every company in this state that applies pesticides or chemicals of any type to your yard or home has to be licensed by the State of Florida, Department of Agriculture - ask for their license number. You can check it's validity on line at the Dept. of Agriculture web site.

[nancyuber]

We have had once a year for 2 years. Our entire lawn is gone!!! Little patches of good here and there. They said it was fungus and they would "out of the goodness of their heart" replace the damaged areas. We were in Maine during the summer and the service we use for watching the house, "Village Watch Dog", informed us what was going on with our lawn. We called "once a Year" repeatedly asking for a supervisor or manager to call us. They never did. When we returned they came while we were out and left a paper saying they would replace the sod. Areas were chalked off. That was over a month ago. We call......office worker says we are on the list....work backed up because of cold weather. Never a return phone call. Called again the other day because we are planning a trip north and want to be here to water after sod is replaced. Won't be here till end of March. My husband is thinking of putting a sign outside since we are on a corner lot that says "Lawn by Once a Year".

[Xavier]

"Once a Year" is an enigma. The owner has the business savvy to develop an idea of combining a bunch of much needed services into one package for a very reasonable price. He has provided the customer with the choice of
buying any of the services separately and the price remains reasonable. These are services that most of us in The Villages need and want. I've been a supporter of his business and, in general, am a happy customer. We too have had a problem with our grass dying. We are also told that they will replace the sod. We too were given a date and then had it moved back four weeks. That's not making us happy, but we are reasonable people and know that weather plays a factor. Not a big deal. BUT, I have asked to talk with the owner several times recently and cannot get him to return a call. I've even told the person who answers the phone that I'm a relatively happy customer and would appreciate a call back. After several such requests I've said that I feel that he is being disrespectful to a customer who wishes to continue buying his services. Still nothing. Just for clarification, I buy mowing services, pest indoor and outdoor, termite service, fertilization of lawn, scrubs and palms, weed control, hedge and palm trimming, etc. I guess just about everything except the Sprinkler service. So we aren't talking chump change. What would cause an obviously intelligent man to refuse to talk with any customer? According to the Better Business Bureau, he does not readily respond to their inquiries either. Maybe he's one of those cowardly types who just waits for his problems to go away on their own. I'm beginning to question how he has remained in business for 17 years. Wake up Kenny Smith, people want to use your services. Show them the respect they deserve.

[Xavier]

"Once a Year" is an enigma. The owner has the business savvy to develop an idea of combining a bunch of much needed services into one package for a very reasonable price. He has provided the customer with the choice of
buying any of the services separately and the price remains reasonable. These are services that most of us in The Villages need and want. I've been a supporter of his business and, in general, am a happy customer. We too have had a problem with our grass dying. We are also told that they will replace the sod. We too were given a date and then had it moved back four weeks. That's not making us happy, but we are reasonable people and know that weather plays a factor. Not a big deal. BUT, I have asked to talk with the owner several times recently and cannot get him to return a call. I've even told the person who answers the phone that I'm a relatively happy customer and would appreciate a call back. After several such requests I've said that I feel that he is being disrespectful to a customer who wishes to continue buying his services. Still nothing. Just for clarification, I buy mowing services, pest indoor and outdoor, termite service, fertilization of lawn, scrubs and palms, weed control, hedge and palm trimming, etc. I guess just about everything except the Sprinkler service. So we aren't talking chump change. What would cause an obviously intelligent man to refuse to talk with any customer? According to the Better Business Bureau, he does not readily respond to their inquiries either. Maybe he's one of those cowardly types who just waits for his problems to go away on their own. I'm beginning to question how he has remained in business for 17 years. Wake up Kenny Smith, people want to use your services. Show them the respect they deserve.

The above quoted post is one of mine from February 21st of 2011. I thought I'd give an update as fair warning to members who may be considering "Once A Year Termite and Pest Control." This is merely my actual experience with this company.

Since I last wrote, as of last Friday I still had not gotten my sod replaced. Every time I called I was told we are three weeks out or you're close to the top of the pile, etc., etc. Keep in mind that my lawn started to die in July of 2010. My neighbors notified me and I notified "Once A Year." By the time I returned to my home in the late Fall, I had no front yard. I was promised that they would replace the sod, initially in three weeks. ... and the saga continues.

On Friday I called and very politely discontinued all services with "Once A Year." At that time I was again told that they had trouble getting sod, yada, yada, yada. On Saturday I contracted with a local landscaping company and my yard was installed three days later. THE BEST IS YET TO COME ...

Today, a vehicle with "Service Smart" pulls up in front of the house and a gentleman comes to the door. It seems that he is contacting former "Once A Year" customers to offer them a better service. He was a nice young man and I said I wish he had been here a couple days earlier as I had already contracted with Massey for Pest Control and their Lawn program. He stated that "Service Smart" also does the hedge trimming and tree service. I asked the price and was told that it would be the same price as what "Once A Year" charged. I told him I was interested and would get back to him in a week or so.

My wife and I were talking and I said I wondered how he knew we had quit "Once A Year." I decided to do a little homework on the computer to get information on "Service Smart." GUESS who owns them! The same person that owns "Once A Year" - Kenneth Smith. He owns "Once A Year," "Service Smart", and a another company with the name of "Service of Champions."

CLICK HERE (http://www.corporationwiki.com/Florida/Ocala/service-smart-inc/66103586.aspx)

THE (almost) PERFECT CON. They keep putting me off on the re-sodding of my yard until I get fed up enough to pay to have it done myself and then he sends a representative of one of his other companies to sell me another contract. Talk about slime. Beware of Kenny Smith. Buyer beware!

[Bryan]

Just a slight correction - it is not 'Service of Champions' but rather 'Service Champions of Florida LLC'. According to the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations, that company was administratively dissolved on 09/24/2010 for failure to file an annual report. Still, the warning is well worth noting.

[jojo]

We have used Once a Year for three years and are pleased. No pests, no lawn problems. They fertilize the palms etc. Sounds like if you use them you need to call them at the first sign of a lawn problem.

[Xavier]

We have used Once a Year for three years and are pleased. No pests, no lawn problems. They fertilize the palms etc. Sounds like if you use them you need to call them at the first sign of a lawn problem.

We did that. Obviously it didn't help.

[michaeleleven]

We also had Once a Year for a couple of years and it is correct that the lawn replacement guarantee is worthless, the President would not even answer my calls because he knew that they were responsible for not properly treating the sod webworms that destroyed part of our lawn, cost $1200 to get the dead lawn replaced. Massey found the problem and fixed it and now the lawn looks great, you get what you pay for and for paying Once a Year you get nothing.