After reviewing pest control companies nationwide, we chose Terminix as the best pest control provider because of its comprehensive pest management plans, widespread availability, and solid customer support. Terminix covers a wide range of pests and related issues, including termites, bed bugs, cockroaches, and more. Plus, the company provides a money-back guarantee for most of its services.
We also like that Terminix holds certifications from industry associations like the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), which shows the company’s commitment to upholding industry best practices. Read on for our complete break down of the best pest control companies and why we think professional pest control is worth the investment.
Key Takeaways
- Terminix is our top recommended pest control company because of its extensive treatment of different types of pests. It offers customized treatment plans and covers the widest array of pests out of the 11 companies we reviewed.
- Our research shows that pest control costs between $300 and $550 for a one-time visit. This range can run higher or lower depending on the pests in your home and the severity of the infestation.
- Professional pest control companies can safely and effectively remove household pests like rodents, cockroaches, and termites and perform prevention methods to keep them out. This often makes professional pest control worth it for severe infestations.
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Our Top Picks for Pest Control Providers
We used our in-depth methodology to rate each pest control company we reviewed based on several key factors that affect the overall value of their services. For example, we gave additional points to providers that offer specialty treatments for less common pests, such as lawn grubs and bats. Below is our list of the best pest control providers:
- Terminix: Best for Termite Control
- Orkin: Best General Pest Control
- Rentokil: Best for Businesses
- Ehrlich: Best Supplementary Services
- Aptive: Best for the Environment
- Hawx: Best for Mosquito Control
Comparing the Best Pest Control Companies
Our team also compared our picks for pest control companies based on Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings, which can offer insights about customer satisfaction, and average annual costs. Compare our top picks side-by-side using the table below.
| Provider | Our Score | BBB Rating | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
A+ | $576 | ||
A+ | $527 | ||
A- | $660–$1,220 | ||
A+ | $397 | ||
A+ | $315 | ||
B | $550 |
Our Reviews of the Best Pest Control Services
A pest control company can help you maintain a pest-free home and prevent damage to your property. Professional exterminators can also remove pests before they pose associated health risks. The companies below offer a variety of services to keep your home safe from pests like rodents, termites, and bed bugs.
Terminix
Company Overview
- Provides the most comprehensive termite removal services
- Pairs its termite plans with a comprehensive service guarantee that will cover damages to your home if it doesn’t fully remove your termite infestation
- Has an online chat tool that quickly connects you to a customer service representative
Keep in Mind
- Doesn’t offer pest treatments for some pest types, such as lawn grubs and flies
- Doesn’t service Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Vermont
Our Review
After reviewing 11 providers, we found that Terminix is the best pest control company, largely due to its fully customizable pest removal plans. Terminix has streamlined customer service with an efficient real-time chat function. According to our research, is generally more affordable than the other pest control companies we reviewed. We also like that its all-inclusive plans cover more than 25 pests, including centipedes and spiders. However, Terminix doesn’t provide treatments for certain common pests, such as flies and lice.
Services and Pricing
Terminix offers pest-specific treatements and general pest control plans. The company’s PestFree365 plans provide treatments for various types of pests year-round. These plans make sense if you wish to protect your home proactively rather than wait for an infestation to occur. The company offers a standard PestFree365 plan, which treats up to 25 pests, while the PestFree365+ plan treats up to 39 pests.
Our team requested a quote for Terminix’s pest plans, which we outlined below:
- PestFree365: $50 per month
- PestFree365+: $60 per month
Customer Experiences
Terminix has an A+ rating on BBB. However, its average customer rating is 1.1 out of 5 stars, and customers gave mostly negative reviews. Note that BBB customer ratings tend to skew negative because customers use the site to file complaints. One customer reported being satisfied with Terminix’s quick response and course of action while addressing her termite problem. Unfavorable reviews mentioned that Terminix failed to respond to their inquiries or provided ineffective treatments.
Orkin
Company Overview
- Has provided pest control services since 1901
- Offers tailored pest control plans and removal services, similar to Terminix
- Provides a 30-day money-back guarantee if you aren’t happy with the treatment
Keep in Mind
- Can be costly due to its comprehensive approach
- Doesn’t provide online pricing for its plans or services
Our Review
Orkin is another top-rated provider because of its extensive customer resources and pest control plans. During our secret shopping process, we found that Orkin has a knowledge base for dozens of pest types. We also like that it uses an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach, which aims to treat pests economically with the least harm to people, property, and the environment. The company has reservice and money-back guarantees and offers 24/7 customer support.
Similar to Terminix, Orkin provides an online chat tool to quickly answer general questions about their services, reschedule service treatments, and more. However, we found it didn’t connect you to a live customer service agent as quickly as Terminix did.
Services and Pricing
Orkin offers targeted pest control plans that it customizes based on your pest removal needs. In addition to its general pest plans, Orkin offers a termite-specific plan that uses liquid and dry foam treatments to remove termites and prevent future infestations. Orkin offers additional home services, such as attic insulation, gutter protection, and wildlife control.
We contacted Orkin for a general pest inspection and targeted pest control on a 1,652-square-foot home with an average-sized lot. Our team member requested mouse extermination services. The Orkin representative gave us an estimate of $347 over the phone.
Factors such as location, climate, infestation level, home size, and pest type can all affect treatment costs. Orkin provides free over-the-phone estimates, but it determines the final price after an in-person inspection.
Customer Experiences
Orkin holds an A+ rating on BBB, but its customer rating is 1.5 out of 5 stars. Customers on BBB complained about Orkin’s aggressive sales tactics and high prices. We found more recent positive reviews on Trustpilot, although the company still has an unfavorable customer rating of 1.4 out of 5 stars. We saw several reviews mentioning appreciation for the knowledge and effectiveness of Orkin’s technicians.
Rentokil
Company Overview
- Has national and regional pest control expertise
- Offers treatments for various uncommon pest types
- Provides services for commercial properties, such as hotels, restaurants, and more
Keep in Mind
- Focuses on commercial pest management rather than residential
- Requires a phone call to obtain a quote
Our Review
Rentokil is our third-choice for a general pest control company. It provides a wide range of treatments for many common pests, such as bees, flies, cockroaches, rodents, and snakes. In addition, Rentokil provides treatments against specialty pests, including bats and woodworms. The company services nearly every state in the U.S. except for Alaska, Hawaii, Montana, or North Dakota.
Although Rentokil offers residential pest treatments, we found that it largely focuses on commercial pest control. Terminix and Orkin have more robust pest control services for your home, while Rentokil makes more sense if you own a business with a physical establishment.
Services and Pricing
Rentokil offers one-time treatments for more than 36 pests and a yearly PestFree365+ plan, depending on your region. You can customize your PestFree365+ plan based on your treatment needs.
Our team had to call Rentokil to obtain a quote. The representative we spoke with said the PestFree365+ plan ranged from $660 to $1,220 per year. The type of pest you have, your home size, and the severity of the issue will affect your plan price.
Customer Experiences
Similar to Terminix and Orkin, Rentokil has a high BBB score and relatively unfavorable customer reviews. It has an A- rating and a 1.9 out of 5-star customer rating. We found that consumers mostly complained about receiving mixed customer service from Rentokil’s pest technicians.
On Trustpilot, we didn’t find customer reviews for the company’s U.S. branches, so we searched on Google Reviews. We found that customers left mostly positive reviews for Rentokil’s Irving, Texas, branch. This branch currently holds a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Customers praised Rentokil’s customer service, with several noting that account managers ensured the company always met their pest control needs.
Ehrlich
Company Overview
- Offers a comprehensive pest plan that treats over 25 pests, such as clover mites and ticks
- Provides unique additional services, including moisture control and vegetation management
- Will re-service your home free of charge if you have issues in between treatments
Keep in Mind
- Charges the highest per plan and service compared to other brands we’ve reviewed
- Is only available in 18 states, with most locations on the eastern side of the U.S.
Our Review
Ehrlich is another pest control company worth considering due to its comprehensive general pest control plan and online convenience features. For example, the company has an online chat tool that allows you to communicate with representatives in real-time. Our team used the tool and found that it connected us with a representative within one minute.
While chatting with the Ehrlich representative, we learned that the company offers a treatment guarantee in case treatments prove ineffective. This guarantee stipulates that a technician will treat your home for free if your pest problem returns between scheduled visits.
Services and Pricing
Ehrlich Pest Control treats a large number of household and specialty pests via single-service treatments or its PestFree365 plans. According to the representative we spoke with, Ehrlich provides three service visits within the first 30 days. One of those service visits involves a detailed inspection to ensure the treatments are safe and effective. After the initial 30 days, Ehrlich will continue to service your home every four months.
Although we inquired about pricing via Ehrlich’s online chat tool, we had to call and speak with a representative to get a quote. The representative quoted us $567 for its PestFree365+ plan, which is more than double that of some of the providers we’ve reviewed.
Customer Experiences
Like the other pest control companies we’ve reviewed, Ehrlich has a solid BBB rating but poor average customer ratings. On BBB, it has an A+ rating but a 1 out of 5-star customer rating, although the rating is due to a single review on the profile. We also looked on Trustpilot to uncover more customer sentiments and found it has a 1.6 out of 5 rating. Customer sentiments are generally unfavorable on these sites, with several customers reporting technician no-shows after scheduling an appointment.
We also checked Google Reviews and found more favorable ratings for the company. Most branches have 4.5 out of 5 stars or higher. Multiple customers from the Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, branch reported that their service technicians were friendly and knowledgeable and performed their treatments well.
Aptive
Company Overview
- Develops a treatment frequency based on your pest needs
- Has a comprehensive pest library to help you learn more about your pest issue
- Provides 24/7 customer support to help you whenever an issue arises
Keep in Mind
- Doesn’t offer wildlife removal services
- Only serves 36 states
Our Review
Aptive Environmental is another pest control company worth considering. The company offers a wide variety of pest control services, including cricket treatment and stinkbug control. Aptive will treat all parts of your property, such as your home’s eaves, foundation, and basement. In addition, it will customize your service plan based on the frequency of your pest problem and adjust it accordingly. While secret shopping on its website, we found that you must call to get a quote for the service.
Services and Pricing
Aptive offers customized pest treatment plans based on your location. Its specialists conduct treatment services quarterly and perform free additional treatments as necessary. When we spoke to an Aptive representative, he noted that Aptive technicians will adjust the treatment frequency based on the severity of your pest problem.
As mentioned above, Aptive doesn’t provide online pricing information. The provider requires you to undergo the inspection process with a specialist who will tailor a plan to your home’s needs.
Customer Experiences
When we checked Aptive’s third-party reviews, we found it has poor customer ratings on the BBB. The company has a star rating of 1.3 out of 5 and an A+ BBB rating. Several customers reported hidden cancellation fees and aggressive sales tactics. We did see some positive reviews from customers who liked the attentiveness of Aptive’s technicians. Others stated that Aptive’s treatments were effective.
Hawx
Company Overview
- Has comprehensive stinging insect protection plans against stinging insects
- Offers regular discounts online and over the phone, making it a budget-friendly option
- Provides additional treatments at no extra cost if your pest problem returns
Keep in Mind
- Is only available in 14 states
- Charges an early termination fee if you decide to cancel your plan or service
Our Review
Hawx is the final pest control company we recommend. It offers comprehensive protection against a wide variety of pests, but we considered it our fourth choice because of its limited availability nationwide. While Hawx lost points in our rating due to its state availability, the company scored highly for its plan options, guarantees, and user-friendly website. If Hawx offers services in your area, we recommend considering it for hornets, wasps, and mosquitoes.
Services and Pricing
Similar to Rentokil, Hawx provides residential and commercial pest control services. The treatment process starts at the foundation of your home and extends to the eaves, lawn, and perimeter of your property. However, we found that Hawx only offers treatment plans for specific pests, which is less comprehensive than other brand offerings. Hawx can service your home quarterly or bi-monthly.
We called Hawx to request a quote for mouse removal services. The representative quoted us $260 for the first month and $65 for the remaining 11 months of the calendar year. When we asked, she added several discounts to our quote. We suggest speaking with a representative to get the best rate.
Customer Experiences
Hawx has a B rating and holds accreditation with the BBB. However, the company has a 1.1 out of 5-star customer rating, with generally mixed reviews. Positive feedback highlights the company’s effective pest control treatments and professional service. However, some customers have expressed concerns regarding service scheduling and communication issues.
We didn’t find any Trustpilot customer reviews for Hawx, so we turned to Google Reviews of individual branches. These branches have higher customer ratings on Google Reviews; across multiple California branches we checked, they have at least 4.5 out of 5 stars. These customers experienced fewer communication issues.
Do-It-Yourself (DIY) vs. Professional Pest Control
Deciding whether to handle a pest problem yourself or hire a professional pest control company depends on various factors, including the type of pest, the extent of the infestation, and your level of expertise in handling them. Here are a few factors to consider before choosing to handle your pest issue yourself or hire an expert.
When Should You DIY Pest Control?
For minor pest problems, such as a few ants in the kitchen or the occasional spider in the corner, you can often resolve the issue with store-bought products or natural remedies. DIY solutions like using traps and sprays or sealing entry points are typically sufficient for these low-level infestations.
In addition, you can often implement preventative pest control by maintaining cleanliness, sealing cracks, and reducing standing water around your property. Regular DIY maintenance can help ward off pests without needing professional intervention. These steps are relatively inexpensive and easy to incorporate into your routine.
When Should You Hire a Pest Control Professional?
We recommend calling an expert when an infestation has grown beyond your control, such as a widespread termite infestation or a large colony of rodents. Professionals have access to specialized tools and treatments that are far more effective at addressing severe infestations. They can also identify the root causes of the problem, ensuring it doesn’t recur.
Another reason a professional pest control company may be a better solution is safety. Some pests, such as wasps, venomous spiders, or wildlife—such as raccoons or bats—can pose a threat to your and your loved ones’ well-being. Pest control companies train their professionals to handle these situations safely, minimizing risks to you, your family, and your pets. They also understand the behaviors of these pests and can use targeted approaches for removal.
Finally, pest control companies also offer monitoring and prevention services. These services ensure that pests don’t return, which can save you time, money, and effort in the long run.
How Do You Choose the Right Pest Control Company?
Once you’re decided to hire a professional pest control company, you must now find a provider that can handle your issue at a price you can afford. Below, we highlight the main factors to consider when choosing the right pest control provider:
- Availability and customer service: Look for a company that responds quickly, offers flexible scheduling, and communicates clearly from the start. Companies that prioritize customer support tend to handle issues more efficiently throughout the service process.
- Experience and reputation: Prioritize providers with years of hands-on experience and strong local reviews or referrals. A company with a proven track record has likely handled a wide variety of pest problems and knows how to implement effective pest control methods.
- Licensing and certifications: Choose a company with up-to-date licenses and certified technicians who follow safe, regulated practices. Verifying credentials with your state agency ensures the provider meets industry and legal standards.
- Safety practices: Ask about the company’s chemical use, safety protocols, and eco-friendly treatment options to protect your household and the environment. Reputable providers explain their process clearly and use products that align with your safety concerns.
- Transparent pricing: Request detailed quotes, compare providers, and avoid companies that rush you into contracts without clear cost breakdowns. A thorough estimate should include service frequency, treatment types, and any guarantees.
How Much Do Pest Control Services Cost?
Pest control services cost between $300 and $550 on average for a one-time visit, depending on your needs. Infestations caused by difficult-to-remove pests will cost more because of the increased materials, techniques, and labor needed to complete the job. The size of your house also determines how much you pay for pest control. Larger homes typically cost more to service than smaller ones.
Another factor influencing pest control costs is inspection fees, which can range from $125–$450. While the companies we featured in this article all offer free inspections, other companies and local providers typically charge to inspect your home.
Below, we highlight several common pest control services and their associated costs.
| Pest | Average Extermination Cost |
|---|---|
| Ants | $100–$500 |
| Bed bugs | $1,000–$4,000 |
| Bees/wasps | $150–$700 |
| Cockroaches | $100–$600 |
| Fleas | $100–$400 |
| Mosquitoes | $350–$500 |
| Rodents | $180–$600 |
| Spiders | $100–$500 |
| Snakes | $130–$600 |
| Termites | $250–$1,000 |
We describe more about rates and what you typically get for each type of pest service below.
Ant Service
Pest control companies charge based on the severity of your ant infestation and the size of your home. Professionals also typically include ant control services within standard pest control plans since ant problems are so common.
Bed Bug Service
Bed bug services are more specialized and labor-intensive than other pest treatments, which is why they cost more on average. Pest control companies usually have to use several treatment techniques, such as heat and chemical treatments, to remove bed bugs effectively.
Bee and Wasp Service
Similar to ant problems, prices largely range depending on the severity of a bee or wasp infestation. Common treatments used by professionals include insecticides and nest removal.
Cockroach Service
Pest control companies will charge based on how bad a cockroach infestation is. Certain species that are harder to eliminate, such as German cockroaches, may cost more to remove. Professionals typically use sprays and bait stations to kill cockroaches.
Flea Service
Since fleas tend to reproduce and spread through your property quickly, pest control companies may charge more to remove these bugs if you have a large infestation. Common techniques used for flea removal include insecticide foggers and residual sprays.
Mosquito Service
Generally, pest control companies offer mosquito treatments as a standalone or seasonal treatment plan. Seasonal treatments, which typically occur in the summer, include more frequent technician visits. Expect to pay more for seasonal treatments since your pest control provider must perform more work on your home.
Rodent Service
Companies will bill you depending on the severity of the rodent infestation and the cleanup needed. Pest professionals will typically use several techniques to remove mice or rats, such as trapping and exclusion.
Spiders
To get rid of a spider infestation, professional pest control companies inspect your home to identify the species, locate entry points, and assess infestation levels. Exterminators then apply targeted treatments—usually in the form of sprays, dusts, or traps—in the identified entry points and areas where spiders tend to hide, like attics, basements, and storage rooms. Many providers also remove webs and apply sealant to gaps or cracks to prevent future infestations.
Snakes
When treating a home for snakes, professional pest control companies start by identifying the type of snake and locating entry points or hiding spots. Next, exterminators use traps or one-way exclusion devices to safely remove the snakes, then recommend sealing access points like gaps under doors or cracks in the foundation. Technicians may also address underlying issues, like excess moisture or rodent activity, that attract snakes in the first place.
Termite Service
The cost of termite treatment varies significantly based on the size of the problem. Small, localized infestations cost less than an infestation covering multiple rooms in your home. Common treatments include sprays and fumigation.
Is Professional Pest Control Worth It?
The best pest control companies employ highly trained technicians who use commercial-grade products that the average homeowner doesn’t have access to. These experts know where and when to apply products, and how to monitor your home for long-term pest prevention. Instead of spending time and money trying to tackle pest issues yourself, you can hire a professional with proven results.
In our research, we found that Terminix is the best pest control company because of its variety of pest control plans and extensive knowledge base for homeowners. The company also offers a guarantee that its technicians will come out to your home as needed for 30 days after service if a pest outbreak persists between scheduled treatments.
Before signing up with a pest control provider, you should request quotes from at least three companies to compare their plan costs, pest control solutions, and service guarantees.
FAQs About the Best Pest Control Companies
What is the most effective pest control?
The most effective pest control depends on the pest type, the size of the infestation, and your experience level. For small infestations of common household pests like flies or mosquitoes, applying pesticides or natural remedies to the area may be enough to remove them. However, larger issues may require professional help.
What does a pest control company do?
Pest control companies inspect your home, develop treatment plans, treat infestations, help protect against future infestations, and monitor your home. Pest control companies use top-of-the-line equipment and products and can make recommendations on how to ensure your home isn’t susceptible to an infestation.
How long does it take for a pest control company to get rid of pests?
Getting rid of pests largely depends on the type and extent of the infestation. For example, your pest control specialist can get rid of roaches in approximately two weeks. If a second treatment is needed, it will take longer.
What do companies include in pest control plans?
Pest control companies offer protection against different pests, depending on the plan you choose and the treatment you need. Most general pest control plans cover pests such as ants, roaches, mice, stinging insects, and earwigs. Other plans target mosquitoes, ticks, termites, and bed bugs. Pest control companies start with an inspection before developing a treatment plan and monitoring your home routinely in quarterly or bi-monthly intervals.
How We Evaluated Pest Control Companies
The This Old House Reviews Team backs up our pest control recommendations with a detailed rating methodology that we use to objectively score each provider. We review pest control plans, navigate the provider website, speak with customer service representatives by phone and online chat (if available), request quotes, and analyze customer reviews for each provider. We then score the provider against our review standards for plans and services, reputation and customer responses, customer service offerings, workmanship guarantees, financing, and availability to arrive at a final score on a 5-point rating scale.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.
