Action 9: Woman finds termites week after inspection

One month after closing on her home, Zeljana Lucic discovered the baseboard in her bedroom was soft and crumbling.

“We just kind of starting poking around,” she said.

Lucic was shocked to find termites coming out of the wood and recorded video of the bugs with her cellphone. She was in disbelief because the home had been inspected for termites before she bought it.

In its report, Ivey Exterminating said they found no visible evidence of termites, but in a disclaimer said termites could be hidden in the walls.

“I feel like they should have done a more thorough inspection because I shouldn’t have to find termites right after I move in the house,” Lucic said.

The house had also been under a termite contract with Terminix before the previous owner canceled it, which was just a week before Lucic found termites.

Both companies denied liability but offered to repair the damage and retreat the home. Terminix quoted Lucic a total of $1,025 for the work. Ivey Exterminating’s quote came in at $600,

Lucic said she thought it was unfair for her to have to pay anything, and she worried about the safety of her house.

“I don’t know if the house could collapse or anything,” she said.

When Action 9 contacted the companies, Terminix offered to do the job for $321 and Ivey agreed to pay for the service.

“I feel like I have peace of mind now,” Lucic said.

WSOC