A hidden threat rendered this MS Coast house ‘a total loss,’ says new homeowner’s lawsuit
Only two days after closing on a home in February 2023, Pamela Eubanks discovered an active termite infestation.
Like most home buyers, she had gotten a disclosure statement on the house in Moss Point before closing on the purchase. A representative of the home’s owner, Centaur Properties LLC in Ocean Springs, indicated he was unaware of any ongoing problem with termites or any property damage caused by termites, the paperwork shows.
However, Bay Pest Control Co. Inc. found an active termite infestation in the house in October 2022 and treated the house for termites in November 2022. The October 2022 inspection also noted previous termite damage in several areas of the house and also damage to walls, studs plates, interior trim and the attic.
These details are noted in a lawsuit Eubanks has filed in Jackson County Circuit Court against Centaur, Bay Pest Control and its successor company, BPC Services LLC.
Eubanks is seeking compensation to be determined at trial, plus punitive damages against Bay Pest Control, BPC and Centaur.
Termite treatment applied at MS Coast home
The lawsuit accuses the three companies of negligence, fraudulent misrepresentation and/or omission, infliction of emotional distress, unjust enrichment, breach of contract and other wrongs.
A representative of Bay Pest Control said the company does not comment on ongoing litigation, while a Centaur representative could not be reached to comment. Neither company has filed a response to the lawsuit yet.
Before Centaur listed the house for sale, Bay Pest Control treated it for termites after an inspection revealed active infestations in the southwest corner of the home and the garage, the lawsuit says. Centaur received a copy of the inspection report.
The lawsuit alleges that the pest control company failed to properly apply the termite treatment.
The home was subsequently placed on the market in January 2023, with Centaur submitting the disclosure statement indicating the company was unaware of the termite problems.
BPC inspected the home in February 2023, concluding in its report that “there was a previous infestation and insect damage but there was no active infestation.”
The report was completed by the same employee who performed the October inspection, the lawsuit says.
Lawsuit aims to recover home restoration
The termite infestation that Eubanks found “encompassed the entire home,” the lawsuit says.
“This termite infestation had been allowed to flourish and spread throughout the home for four months while Bay Pest Control/BPC was responsible for eliminating the infestation,” the lawsuit says.
“The estimated cost of repairs exceeds the value of the home and, as such, the home is a total loss.”
Eubanks is seeking enough money to cover relocation and living expenses, repairs and restoration, diminished value, emotional distress, attorney’s fees and other expenses.
