Terminix – Fraudulent Marketing Statement?

As I was shifting through my junk mails this evening (hey – I look at every credit card junk mails out there), I noticed one from Terminix.

It came in a nice postcard like foldable brochure. On the front page, this was what it said:

IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO PROTECT (MY ADDRESS) FROM TERMITES

It then went on to describe what a great company it was, how they are different from other pest control companies. They even tried to “educate” me on termites. What did I learn?

1. Termites infest 4 million homes in the US each year (can’t really verify)

2. Annually, they cause $5 billion in property damage (again, can’t verify)

3. On average, damage repairs cost $3,000. And home insurance does not cover it.

4. Termites will infest homes made of wood, stucco and even brick (as if we did not kow this)..

Then off course, came the

CALL US FOR A NO-OBLIGATION TERMITE INSPECTION!

And they laid out all their plans and offers, discounts etc. But then came a really annoying and in my opinion deceptive statement. Right on the last page was probably the most deceptive and false statement :

According to our experts, homes in the (my zip code) area are 5 times more likely to suffer a termite infestation that the average home nationwide!

This has to be utter bullshit! I live in the North East and there are other areas with warner weather and moisture. I bet they replace the zip code and address when they mail this out. It is very slick but simply laughable and irritatingly deceptive. I’m not against trying to make a sale, but when a false (and dare I say) fraudulent statement is made, it gets on my nerves.

Has anyone else got a junk mail from Terminix? I would like to hear if “your zip code” is 5 times more susceptible to termites!