Orkin Review 2024

Our Verdict

Creepy crawlies. Spiders. Cockroaches. If you suddenly find uninvited guests at your house that just won’t leave, or worse, a whole infestation, it’s time to seek out a pest professional. Orkin has had more than a century to perfect the art of treating pest problems and keeping pesky bugs from returning.

Orkin has highly trained specialists and guarantees that they will fix your pest problem. The company also serves most of the U.S. While its services are a bit on the pricier side, Orkin specialists really are, as they say, the “best in pests” and their treatments and preventative measures aim to send those annoying pests packing.

If you suddenly notice a powdery residue that looks like sawdust inside your cabinets and can’t figure it out, you’ve likely got a termite problem. Or maybe you’ve got a steady army of ants parading on your countertop every morning. If so, it’s time to call the bug busters. Orkin is a leading pest control company that knows how to quash any pest problem and get those creepy crawlies gone for good.

We analyzed data on 18 major pest control companies, including Orkin, to inform our best pest control companies of 2024 list. Among the nearly two dozen companies researched, Orkin, which provides residential and commercial pest control services, was ranked as best overall.

Customers have the option of one-time treatments and regular pest management throughout the year, as well as home services to keep pests from coming back. Whether it’s spiders or centipedes, customers concerned about ongoing pest problems will likely appreciate Orkin’s services. Through our customer journey, we also explored Orkin’s easy quote process to give homeowners an idea of how to schedule an inspection.

Orkin stands out for its more than 120 years of experience and 160-hour technician training program. This company is best for homeowners who want to treat a current pest problem but also take a proactive approach to keep pests from ever taking residence in their homes again. The company currently has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and mostly positive customer reviews.

Pros

• Available in 49 states
• Orkin guarantee
• Uses an Integrated Pest Management system

Cons

• No live chat
• Slightly more expensive than national average
• No free inspections

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4.8

Our star ratings are based on a range of criteria and are determined solely by our editorial team.

State Availability

49 states

Effectiveness Guarantee

Yes

Orkin at a Glance

When it comes to pests, Orkin is a household name and is one of the oldest pest control companies in the industry with more than 120 years of experience. The company was founded in 1901, has more than 400 locations around the globe and has served 1.7 million customers. Orkin targets insects, termites, rodents and more and offers tailored pest management solutions.

The company provides one-time and year-round pest control services, including targeted and preventative pest control. Its bug busters have 160 hours of training, ensuring they’re experienced. Orkin also provides off-schedule return visits and a 30-day money-back guarantee. It’s also home to the Orkin Guarantee, which means complimentary service until you’re satisfied with the work provided.

Orkin topped our list of the best pest control companies of 2024. The company covers most of the U.S., except Alaska, and received a 4.8 out of 5 rating against our detailed methodology. Orkin also provides gutter guard and attic insulation installation to keep pests at bay and performs home sealing to plug holes and prevent moisture. 

Orkin does not offer a generic price but instead offers customers a customized plan that considers their home, insect problem and surrounding environment. The cost is determined according to the severity of the infestation, home size and location, pest type and treatment and number of treatments.

Customers can hire Orkin for a single visit or they can enroll in the company’s annual plan, which means an Orkin exterminator will check their home every 60 days and apply general pest treatment and sealant if necessary. Homeowners also have the option to choose this plan for preventative purposes.

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1

Terminix

BBB Rating

A

States Serviced

45

Effectiveness Guarantee

Yes

1

Terminix

888-384-1591

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Features and Benefits

Customers who choose Orkin can leave pest control to the professionals and help keep their families and homes safe from pest damage. They will also save money in the long term since the price of emergency pest treatment can far surpass the costs of regular pest management. 

Orkin uses an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach that combines non-chemical and chemical methods to control and protect against pests. The company does this through a three-step process of assessment, implementation and monitoring. Orkin provides homeowners with the option of a general pest control plan or targeted extermination and prevention service. 

General Pest Control Plan

Professionals protect your home from 20+ common household pests, like silverfish, centipedes, crickets, ants, roaches, moths, fleas, spiders, hornets, scorpions, earwigs and mice. Mosquito control is optional and can be added on.

Targeted Extermination for Specific Pests

The company offers targeted extermination for pests like termites, bed bugs and mosquitoes. In addition, Orkin targets carpenter ants and ticks. Customers can choose a one-time or seasonal appointment or enroll in an annual plan that also treats general pests.

Free Estimates

Orkin provides free estimates and a satisfaction guarantee. It also offers free termite inspections for homeowners, during which experts locate potential infestations and discuss treatment plans to best solve customers’ pest problems. Customers can also schedule a free termite inspection online, via its website form, or by calling the company.

Service Guarantees

The Orkin Guarantee means that if customers aren’t completely satisfied, the company will work with them until they are. If pests return between treatments, an Orkin pro will return at no extra charge.

24/7 Callout For Emergencies

Orkin’s customer care team is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and can be reached by phone: 877-819-5061. The company states that it will respond to a pest problem within 24 hours or faster depending on a homeowner’s needs. 

What Pests Are Treated by Orkin

Having a pest problem can be a nightmare for homeowners. Some can be handled with DIY methods but many pest infestations will require the work of an exterminator. Orkin handles all types of pests and follows a six-step treatment plan: investigate, identify, customize, eliminate, report and follow up. Here are the pests Orkin handles:

Termites

Termites are called “silent destroyers” and cost homeowners more than $5 billion in damages each year. Orkin provides termite treatment plans tailored to you: They use termite liquid treatments, dry foam and Orkinfoam and Sentricon bait and monitoring. These treatments can fill in hollow areas and prevent termites from returning.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches can survive so many different situations, it’s become common knowledge at this point, so it’s no surprise traditional insecticides don’t do much to thwart them. Orkin uses targeted treatments such as bait traps and insect growth regulators to take on cockroaches.

Rats

Rodents like rats are a nuisance because they tend to be very adaptable. They can do a lot of damage to your home and are also carriers of major diseases. Orkin uses traps, deterrents and other preventive methods to keep these critters away from your home. These include sealing of sites, interior and exterior sanitation, thinning out vegetation and removing clutter and debris.

Bed Bugs

Managing bed bugs can be difficult since they hide and quickly multiply. Orkin uses pesticides to kill bed bugs and heat treatments. It usually takes three to four rounds to get rid of the pests.

Mosquitoes

Orkin uses different treatments to interfere with the mosquitoes’ life cycle through one-time applications, as well as monthly or seasonal treatments. Orkin may use a combination of synthetic chemicals and natural insecticides in mosquito resting sites and water environments. The company uses microbial insecticides that kill mosquitoes in their water environment. 

Orkin also treats

• Ants
• Beetles
• Centipedes
• Carpenter ants
• Crickets
• Earwigs
• Fleas
• Flies
• Millipedes
• Mites
• Moths
• Silverfish
• Spiders
• Stinging pests
• Stink bugs
• Ticks

Orkin Plans and Services

General Pest Control

Like all pest control companies, Orkin offers treatment and protection against specific pests. Its online list may not be complete, so if your pest problem isn’t listed, be sure to call to verify.

Prevent and Protect Services

Prevent and Protect services help prevent pests from returning after they’ve been removed.  For example, if you have a problem with mosquitoes, in addition to treatments for the actual pests themselves, Orkin can also provide gutter guards to help prevent them from breeding in your gutters in the future.

The company also provides home services like sealing attics, cleaning and updating gutters and targeting moisture problems to keep pests from coming back.

Seasonal Pest Coverage

Some pests return year after year but aren’t a risk all year long. ORKIN provides coverage for these pests, too, according to their behavior in each season.

Orkin Plans and Pricing

Orkin does not have one generic price and instead offers customers a customized plan that considers a customer’s home, insect problem and surrounding environment. The cost is determined according to the severity of the infestation, home size and location, pest type and treatment and number of treatments. 

Orkin offers new customers a custom treatment plan to treat pests on its list of more than 20 common household pests, including exterior or interior mosquito control. Customers have the option to sign up for an annual plan wherean exterminator will visit their home every 60 days to apply a general pest treatment. They can also opt for a single visit. . 

Customers without a pest problem, who only want prevention services can also choose this type of service Orkin bills monthly and charges an initial service fee.

However, to get an idea of typical Orkin prices we surveyed some costs from experts: They range from around $215 plus the cost of any necessary inspections, to $425 for a single visit, or between about $50 and $100 per month with one of the company’s pest control plans. However, note that this is just an estimate and your quote will be customized, so it’s always best to work with the company directly to get a quote. 

Orkin Locations

Orkin serves 49 states (excluding Alaska), as well as Washington, D.C. The company can treat a variety of pests found in different states. Spiders are the most common pests found in 12 states, including Arkansas and Colorado, followed by carpenter ants which are found in nine states, including Connecticut and Maine. Termites and cockroaches are common in seven states. Termites are a significant pest problem in Louisiana and Hawaii and cockroaches are a big issue for New York and North Carolina.

Getting a Pest Control Quote: We Put Orkin to the Test

Orkin’s website is very easy to use and has several tabs at the top where you can learn about its services and what makes it different from other companies. The front page makes it very easy to find a local Orkin branch by entering your zip code or customers can call 877-734-0078. The page gives a nice overview of the company’s services as well as some of the pests it can target. To get a personalized quote customers can either call Orkin or schedule a callback by inputting their information.

To request service, customers just fill out a form on the Orkin website and include their home address, details about their home and yard size. There are also sections to learn more about each pest and how Orkin treats and prevents these pests from returning. Orkin’s pest library details all the pests Orkin covers and has photos and FAQs. 

To learn about pricing and coverage, customers are required to either fill out the form or call Orkin. The company will send a professional out to your home to evaluate your pest issue and provide a plan to address it. Once they get all the details of your home and particular pest problem they will provide a customized quote for their first inspection and what will occur on the first visit. A visit will need to be scheduled via phone.

Since they customize plans according to the customer, customers can opt for annual service with 60-day check-ups or they can just choose a one-time visit, based on their needs. The annual plan provides general pest control for the full year and customers pay monthly. Customer support is reachable 24/7 but there is no online chat feature.

What We Like About Orkin

Orkin provides full-service pest control and handles a long list of everyday pest nuisances. The company specializes in not only ridding your home of these unwanted pests but also in preventative care. This company is good for homeowners who want a professional, long-term solution to their pest problem. Plans and pricing are customizable so customers will get services tailored to their needs.

We like that Orkin technicians are highly trained and that this company has over a century of experience. We also like its 30-day money-back guarantee and the Orkin Guarantee of complimentary service until you’re satisfied with its work. We like that technicians receive annual training from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on pest-related diseases and infections.

What We Didn’t Like About Orkin

While termite inspection is free, Orkin does not offer free inspections for other pests, which is a drawback. There also is no live chat. Orkin may not be best for someone who wants a one-time service to handle a not-so-pressing pest problem. These services tend to be higher priced than competitors and homeowners may find cheaper options locally.

Orkin Customer Reviews and Ratings

Orkin is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and has an A+ rating as of this writing. Both ConsumerAffairs and Google currently give Orkin a 4.7 rating out of 5. However, the company receives a 1.3 out of 5 on Trustpilot and it gets some mixed reviews. It’s worth noting, though, that there are many more positive reviews than negative. Positive reviews mention the company’s quick and professional service and many of these come from long-time customers. Negative reviews mentioned being overcharged or having a price increase without notification.

What You Can Expect From Orkin

Orkin has been in the pest business for over a century and is a leader in pest control. Its exterminators are highly trained, professional and can get the job done. Orkin’s employees go through an award-winning training program, have experience dealing with a wide range of pests and have different treatments targeted to specific types of pests. Orkin has more than 400 locations so there is almost certainly an Orkin facility near you.

Orkin Vs. Competitors

Company	companylogo	State Availability	Guarantee Offered	Inspections	Learn More CTA text	Learn more CTA below text	Learn More
ORKIN		Available in 49 states	30-day money-back guarantee	No free inspections	Get Free Estimates	From Participating Partners
Terminix		Available in 45 states	30-day guarantee,	Free inspections	Get Free Estimates	From Participating Partners
Viking Pest Control		Available in 4 states	60-day guarantee	No free inspections	Get Free Estimates	From Participating Partners

Terminix and Orkin serve nearly the entire U.S., but Viking Pest Control is only available in four states. Orkin offers a money-back guarantee and Terminix has a 30-day guarantee that it will return if pests do. Viking Pest Control has a similar 60-day guarantee for many treatments and plans. Only Terminix offers free inspections. Only Terminix and Orkin offer additional home services; Viking does not.

All three companies offer treatment and preventative treatment. With an A+ BBB rating, Orkin is the most highly rated pest control company out of the three. Orkin customizes prices for each customer based on their pest issue and needs. Viking’s pricing depends on the pests and the chosen service type, while Terminix has base-level pricing and add-ons. Forbes rated Orkin best overall in our comparison of best pest control companies of 2024 list, making it a safe bet for many.

Bottom Line: Is Orkin Right for You?

Pests are common problems that can be very difficult for a homeowner to manage on their own, particularly if they have an infestation. Orkin may not be right for you if you just want a one-time spray treatment only, although the company does offer that option. However, Orkin can be more expensive than competitors. Orkin is best for homeowners looking for long-term annual solutions. The company has proven industry experience with over a century of experience and awards and recognition.

Orkin exterminators undergo extensive training and certification. Orkin uses the A.I.M. process to Assess your property, Implement a solution, and Monitor for ongoing issues to keep pests away. Orkin also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee to ensure your satisfaction and the Orkin Guarantee. The company stands by its reputation and can be a good option for many.

Orkin Summary

ORKIN SUMMARY
Company Name	Orkin
Year Founded	1901
CEO	Glen W. Rollins
Headquarters Address	2170 Piedmont Road, NE Atlanta, Georgia, 30324
Availability	49 states
Pests Covered	Ants, bed bugs, beetles, carpenter ants, centipedes, millipedes, cockroaches, flies, crickets, earwigs, fleas, mites, mosquitos, moths, rodents, silverfish, spiders, wasps, yellow jackets, beads, hornets, stink bugs, termites, ticks

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Methodology – How We Selected the Best Pest Control Companies

To determine the best pest control company rankings, the Forbes Home editorial team analyzed data on 18 major pest control companies and evaluated 67 various attributes. Each company’s rating is determined by these attributes and determined by the categories below:

You can find out more about how Forbes Home rates pest control companies in our detailed methodology page.