Orkin and Terminix rank among the largest pest control companies in the country. While Orkin serves a wider geographic area, Terminix earns our top recommendation for its competitive pricing and convenient online chat support. Both companies bring decades of industry experience and offer comprehensive pest management plans, but key differences can influence which provider best fits your needs.
To help you compare your options, we researched the best pest control companies nationwide and evaluated Orkin and Terminix side by side. Our guide compares each company’s services, treatment plans, pricing, customer reviews, and overall value.
Our Take on Orkin vs. Terminix
Both Orkin and Terminix offer comprehensive pest control services, decades of industry expertise, and satisfaction guarantees. Through our research and secret shopping experience, we found that Terminix has cheaper annual pest control plans than Orkin. You can also communicate more easily with Terminix representatives using the company’s online chat feature. However, Orkin serves more states than Terminix and advertises same- or next-day pest control services, depending on the branch location.
| Provider | Terminix | Orkin |
|---|---|---|
| Our score (out of 5) | 4.7 | 4.7 |
| Superlative | Best overall | Best for urgent service |
| State availability | 45 | 49 |
| Annual cost for general pest control | $645 | $810 |
| Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating | A+ | A+ |
| Online chat feature | Yes | No |
| Website | Terminix.com | Orkin.com |
Pro Tip
- Vincent Errante, a professional exterminator featured in This Old House Magazine, cautions homeowners to set realistic expectations when hiring any pest control company. “[Removing pests effectively] takes at least two months, and for a bad infestation, six months. That’s why it’s called pest management,” he adds.
Comparing Orkin vs. Terminix Side-by-Side
Orkin and Terminix stand out for their staying power in the pest control industry, having served customers since 1901 and 1927, respectively. Below, we’ve highlighted key facts about Orkin and Terminix, including several pros and cons of either service.
Orkin Overview
Orkin has been in business for more than 100 years, serving more than 1.7 million residential and commercial customers, according to its website. Orkin pest control specialists complete a 160-hour targeted training program to ensure quality service. The company is transparent about its services online, outlining each step and noting specific products and treatment methods.
Orkin stands out for its online resources, including a pest library, a bug-bite photo gallery, and a straightforward section for each service. Customers can browse Orkin’s blog posts to learn about controlling specific pests, pest behaviors, and treatment processes.
Pros and Cons of Orkin
Here are some of Orkin’s key pros and cons:
Pros
- Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee
- Has more than a century of experience
- Provides an extensive online pest library
Cons
- Doesn’t have an online chat feature
- Charges for most inspections, excluding its free initial termite inspection
Terminix Overview
Terminix has more than 90 years of experience and was the first company to obtain a termite control patent. It serves more than 2.9 million customers worldwide and claims to provide pest control treatment to 50,000 homes and businesses daily. Terminix offers many services targeting specific pests, including separate specialized treatments for drywood and subterranean termites.
Terminix stands out among competitors for its dedicated customer service. It offers an online chat function that allows customers to communicate with Terminix representatives in real-time. We chatted with Terminix several times and found the representatives to be prompt, informative, and not pushy about sales.
Pros and Cons of Terminix
Here are some of Terminix’s key pros and cons:
Pros
- Has an easy three-step process for transferring a pest control plan when moving homes
- Offers free first-time inspections for termites, bed bugs, rodents, and more
- Has more than 90 years of experience
Cons
- Not available in every U.S. state
- Upcharges for flea and tick control in its general pest control plan
Pro Tip
- Bill Siegel, a pest control expert featured on the This Old House television series, stresses the importance of using preventive maintenance to reduce the likelihood of insect infestations. “Go around the house every year and change [your soil’s] grade. Pull the soil away so there’s good separation between the wood and the earth. Otherwise, you’re just making a trail for the insects,” he adds.
What Plans Do Orkin and Terminix Offer?
Both Orkin and Terminix offer general pest control services, termite control, and bed bug removal. Each company also offers specific plans for mosquitoes, ticks, and several other common household pests. Orkin and Terminix’s respective treatment plans start with an initial visit and inspection. You can schedule free termite inspections with Orkin and Terminix, but Orkin will charge for most other types of pest inspections that Terminix offers at no additional cost.
Both companies provide free additional treatments between scheduled visits if a pest infestation persists. Terminix and Orkin also mirror one another’s refund policies and will reimburse unsatisfied customers within 30 days of treatment. Orkin will refund your last service payment if it cannot resolve your issue.
Orkin Plans
Orkin offers coverage for various pests, which we listed below. The company may also treat pests not mentioned in its marketing resources, so you should call to ask about your specific issue.
Pest covered: Ants, beetles, centipedes, cockroaches, crickets, earwigs, fleas, flies, hornets, mice, mites, moths, scorpions, silverfish, stink bugs, and spiders
Here’s an overview of Orkin’s specific pest coverage:
Orkin uses Termidor liquid treatments, dry foam, and bait and monitoring stations to combat termite infestations. The Re-Treatment Program guarantees free retreatment if termites return between scheduled appointments.
Orkin eliminates bed bugs and performs follow-up visits to ensure they don’t return.
Orkin helps protect against viruses such as Zika, Chikungunya, and West Nile by implementing several mosquito treatments in either monthly or one-time applications.
Orkin inspects ideal tick hiding spaces, such as tall grass and heavily wooded areas, before creating a treatment plan and performing follow-up visits.
Terminix Plans
Terminix addresses several pest problems, but its plans may vary by location. Call and confirm Terminix covers your pest issue if you don’t see it on our list below. Terminix will treat any covered pest in its general plan, but some pests, such as fleas and ticks, will require additional payment.
Pest covered: Centipedes, clothes moths, cockroaches, crickets, earwigs, house ants, house crickets, mice, millipedes, moths, paper wasps, rats, scorpions, silverfish, and spiders
Terminix offers the following services:
Terminix offers Basic, Advanced, and Premium termite plans that use bait systems and other curative solutions. The Advanced and Premium plans include the Nix and Fix Termite Guarantee that covers repair work and costs for new termite damage. The advanced plan also protects against 13 other pests.
A technician starts by inspecting your home. They remove visible and hidden bed bugs plus eggs before they hatch. Treatment methods include steam, encasements, monitoring devices, and the company’s nontoxic RapidFreeze solution that lowers bed bug body temperatures to minus 60 degrees Fahrenheit or lower for instant extermination.
This treatment includes an insect growth regulator and a key active ingredient with a special water-resistant polymer layer that provides weeks of protection.
A Terminix technician inspects your yard and provides recommendations to make it less appealing to ticks. They apply liquid and granular treatments to eliminate existing ticks and create a protective barrier.
Pro Tip
- Siegel explains why non-repellent insecticides are often the preferred approach: “We don’t want them [the pests] to know it’s there. We want it to be business as normal for them—they’re gonna go out and bring it right back to their colony.” This transfer effect means the treatment reaches pests you can’t see, eliminating the entire colony rather than just the ones on the surface.
Where Is Orkin and Terminix Available?
Orkin and Terminix each have widespread availability throughout the U.S. Orkin has branches in 49 states, and Terminix serves 45 states.
Orkin Locations
Orkin is available in every U.S. state except for Alaska.
Terminix Locations
Terminix is available in every U.S. state except for Alaska, North Dakota, Montana, South Dakota, and Vermont.
How Much Does Orkin vs. Terminix Cost?
Regardless of the company you choose, extermination costs depend on the type of pest you’re dealing with, the degree of infestation, the size and location of your home, and how many individual treatments you need. The cost of professional pest control is worth it if you are unable to manage an infestation through do-it-yourself (DIY) pest control. Orkin and Terminix will need to inspect your home to give an accurate quote.
Orkin Cost
We requested a quote for Orkin’s general pest control plan. This plan costs approximately $810 annually for a 2,000-square-foot home in Nashville, Tennessee.
Terminix Cost
Terminix’s general pest control plan for the same home costs $645 annually, based on our quotes.
Customer Reviews for Orkin vs. Terminix
Orkin and Terminix both have mixed reviews online. Each has multiple pages with the BBB for different branch locations, but we’ve selected customer reviews for each company’s headquarters page to better understand the overall customer experience.
Orkin Reviews
While Orkin has some inconsistencies, the company’s headquarters is BBB-accredited with an A+ rating. Here’s a sampling of Orkin reviews.
“I’ve been with this company since 2020 and have not had problems with them. They’ve explained their pricing and services clearly, and possibly increased pricing once in all the time I’ve been with them (nothing significant). I’ve asked questions if I did not understand what they [were] covering and always got clear answers. They will treat anything extra within my plan if I see something that needs addressing.”—Sarah M. via the BBB, May 2026
“I advise people to avoid Orkin. … I’ve been trying to cancel my Orkin account to end service with them, despite not being on a contract anymore, and of course, they haven’t processed anything.”—Celia J. via the BBB, April 2026
Terminix Reviews
Terminix is not accredited by the BBB but holds an A+ rating. Here’s a selection of customer reviews:
“I had an outstanding experience with Terminix! From the moment [the technician] arrived, he was professional, courteous, and extremely knowledgeable about pest control. He took the time to thoroughly inspect my property, explain the problem areas, and offer clear solutions tailored to my needs. What impressed me most was his attention to detail and willingness to answer all my questions. He didn’t rush through the service and made sure everything was done properly. Since his visit, I’ve noticed a significant improvement pests are no longer a problem!”—Akram G. via the BBB, June 2025
“We hired Terminix to treat a house we were selling. When asked if we could cancel before a year was up (anticipating selling the property quickly), they said yes. Technically, they are correct, but what they don’t tell you is that you will be assessed a ‘cancellation charge’ equal to the amount still pending on the contract. I’m not sure if this falls under predatory conduct, but it comes awfully close.”—El W. via the BBB, May 2026
Our Conclusion
Terminix earns the nod in our team’s matchup of the top two pest control companies in the country. Terminix and Orkin each offer comprehensive pest control services, decades of experience, and satisfaction guarantees. The companies have similar general pest control plans and specific treatments for pests such as termites, bed bugs, mosquitoes, and ticks.
Terminix has lower pricing and an efficient online chat function. It also serves more customers and offers complimentary inspections for several pest types. Orkin has more experience and customer resources, such as detailed frequently asked questions (FAQs) sections on its website for each type of pest it treats.
Pro Tip
- When evaluating either provider, ask detailed questions upfront, advised Siegel. “Good exterminators won’t give an estimate over the phone; they should insist on an in-person inspection first,” he added. He also recommended requesting a list of chemicals they plan to use and asking about their long-term strategy, since pests can grow resistant to treatments and chemicals should be rotated regularly.
FAQs About Orkin vs. Terminix
Can I do pest control myself?
Yes, you can handle certain pest control on your own if it’s a small problem. DIY pest control is less expensive and works best for minor infestations. However, hiring a professional exterminator is best if you have a recurring or major pest issue, such as a termite infestation.
Is it worth it to spray for pests?
Yes, it is worth it to have a professional exterminator spray for pests. Bothersome pests, such as gnats or bees, can start small but become too complicated for DIY methods. A professional pest control company can evaluate the problem early on and continue regular treatments until the pest issue has been resolved.
When is the best time of year for pest control?
Early spring is the best time of year for pest control. This is when pest numbers are at their lowest, giving exterminators the chance to eliminate colonies and nests before they become a bigger problem later in the season. This process requires less work and provides effective, long-lasting results.
Our Rating Methodology
We back 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.
