HOUSTON — A couple claims a wildlife control company they hired left an infestation of raccoons in their attic.
Jacob and Laura Thomas filed a complaint April 4 in Harris County District Court against X Team Inc., alleging fraud, negligent misrepresentation, breach of contract and violation of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act.
According to their complaint, the plaintiffs hired X Team in July of 2020, to fix a rodent and other animal infestation problem at a residence they were under contract to purchase on Riedel Drive in Houston. They allege X Team gave them an estimate of $10,611.75 and informed them that the house had a "colony of over '200 rats' throughout the attic."
They further allege the estimate included new insulation, disinfecting/deodorizing, sealing holes and the placement and removal of rat bait boxes and old insulation. The plaintiffs claim that after closing on the home in August of 2020, they heard activity in the attic and smelled a strong odor in the living room. They also claim that after having a third party inspection, they discovered less than an inch thick insulation which was soiled with animal droppings and urine and discovered a raccoon infestation which cost them $4,000 to correct by another contractor.
The plaintiffs seek monetary relief of less than $50,000, interest, trial by jury and all other just relief. They are represented by attorney J. Steven Stewart in Houston.
Harris County District Court case number 2022-20148