Table of Contents
- Orkin at a Glance
- Terminix at a Glance
- Key Differences Between Orkin and Terminix
- Key Similarities Between Orkin and Terminix
- Orkin vs. Terminix Comparison
- Orkin vs. Terminix Pricing
- Orkin vs. Terminix: Plan Differences
- Orkin vs. Terminix Customer Support
- Orkin vs. Terminix Customer Reviews
- Orkin vs. Terminix Verdict
- Methodology - How We Selected Pest Control Companies
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If you’re deciding between Orkin and Terminix, here are the key differences as well as the pros and cons.
It’s a pesky business trying to eliminate unwanted house pests like ants, cockroaches or termites. Doing it on your own is no easy task. Thankfully, there is no shortage of pest control companies to choose from to get the job done. But which company will provide the best services at an affordable cost? Orkin and Terminix are two of the country’s most reputable and recognizable pest control companies. If you’re stuck deciding who to call between these two industry giants, we’re examining cost, customer service, effectiveness and much more to help you decide between Orkin and Terminix.
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Terminix
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Orkin at a Glance
Orkin has been helping Americans solve their pest problems for over 120 years. Having built a strong reputation in the industry, Orkin offers a vast array of pest and termite treatment services, alongside several additional home services like attic insulation installation or gutter guards.
Orkin’s plans are customized and comprehensive. The company has Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
certification, so the products used are practical and safe. Also, Orkin’s pest control technicians undergo 160 hours of training, so the specialists are highly knowledgeable.
However, Orkin doesn’t list any price points online, as quotes depend on the customer’s situation, the service and the location. Quotes are cost-free, but most inspections, except for termites, do have a fee. Ultimately, if you’re unsatisfied with the result, Orkin offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pests Orkin Treats
Orkin has an extensive list of pests it treats. It can handle anything from ants, bed bugs, centipedes, cockroaches, fleas, silverfish, spiders, termites, wasps, rodents and more, which are listed on its website. If the pest you need to take care of is not listed, try calling your local Orkin office to see if the company can handle it.
Orkin Plans
Because Orkin understands every customer’s pest situation is unique, it doesn’t offer generic pricing or plans on its website. Instead, Orkin creates customized plans to handle different needs. Orkin offers Pest and Termite Control services, as well as Prevent and Protect services to treat pests that return after they’ve been removed. These services tackle the root cause of pests getting into the home in the first place. For example, the company offers moisture control services to prevent the humidity and moisture build-up in homes that, if left untreated, could eventually lead to mold or attract termites.
Orkin State Availability
Orkin is available in 400+ locations worldwide, covering 49 states, excluding Alaska.
Terminix at a Glance
Terminix was founded in 1927 by E.L. Bruce to protect his hardwood flooring company from termites. Since then, it has expanded nationally and internationally. Now, it offers termite and other pest treatment services in over 380 locations.
Terminix offers different plans, including quarterly pest control starting at $99, one-time pest control, and bundle options for households with multiple pests to treat. Terminix also offers protection services and has the Nix Pest Guarantee, which means customers won’t pay extra if the company needs to come in to handle returning pests between treatments. Unlike Orkin, Terminix offers free inspections but doesn’t treat as many pests as Orkin does.
Pests Terminix Treats
While Terminix made a name for itself by treating termites, it also treats many other pests like ants, bed bugs, moths, rodents, spiders and ticks. You can contact Terminix directly if you’re unsure if the company treats the specific pests in your place.
Terminix Plans
Terminix offers many different service plans, depending on your pest control needs and location.
For termites, Terminix offers three different plan levels.
- Termite + Retreat Guarantee includes an annual inspection and continuous protection.
- Termite + Repair Guarantee includes the basic services plus the Nix & Fix Guarantee, which will handle the termite problem as long as you keep the plan. The company will return to fix damages up to $250,000.
- Termite + Repair Guarantee + Pest includes advanced services plus ongoing pest control against 13 common household pests.
For pest control, Terminix offers two main plans.
- Quarterly Pest Control, which includes a comprehensive inspection and ongoing treatments, starts at $99.
- One-time Pest Control includes an inspection and one-time service. But, if the pest returns within 30 days of the initial treatment, a pest control technician will return at no extra fee.
Terminix also recently began offering bundle deals for households with multiple pests to treat. Customers can bundle termite + pest + mosquito, termite + pest, pest + mosquito and termite + mosquito ongoing services to save money.
Terminix says the cost of its pest and termite treatment services will vary depending on the location, property size and infestation amount. Its technicians customize a plan and determine a price point for treatment.
Terminix State Availability
Terminix is available in 380 locations, but not all 50 states. While it covers the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, it isn’t available in Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota or Vermont.
Key Differences Between Orkin and Terminix
- Terminix offers free inspections for customers, while Orkin charges for inspections aside from termite inspections.
- Terminix is typically more affordable than Orkin, but situations will vary based on the pest and issues.
- Orkin has more positive reviews than Terminix does, as Terminix’s reviews tend to be a mix of positive and negative.
Key Similarities Between Orkin and Terminix
- Both companies have century-long track records of expertise and experience.
- They each offer both customizable one-time treatment options or ongoing treatment plans.
- Both companies treat a wide range of pest control issues (very similar services).
Orkin vs. Terminix Comparison
When determining which company to choose, it helps to compare them head-to-head. Here’s how the two compare based on availability, our scores and warranties.
Orkin vs. Terminix Pricing
Pest control companies determine prices based on several factors, such as location, property size and severity of infestation. So, prices for both Orkin and Terminix will vary depending on the situation. Still, we provide a basic rundown below.
| ORKIN | TERMINIX | |
|---|---|---|
| Pest Control Plan (monthly and annually) | Around $42.50 each month, or $700 annually (with service free) | $550 - $700 annually |
| Inspection | Free termite inspection, variable cost for other pests | Free |
| Pest Services (monthly and annually) | Around $40.67 per termite service, plus a $62.00 deposit | Around $80 each month |
Orkin vs. Terminix Pest Control Plan
A quote from Orkin’s annual plan for typical household protection comes out to $42.50 monthly, with a $187.50 service fee. Terminix could range from $550 to $700 annually for common household pest protection. Remember, these can vary by location, infestation and other factors.
Orkin vs. Terminix Inspection
Terminix offers free inspections, with an offer to start its quarterly pest control plan after inspection for $99. Orkin, on the other hand, charges for all inspections except for termite inspections.
Orkin vs. Terminix Pest Services
Additional pest services with Terminix start at around $80 a month, while services with Orkin, like mosquito control, cost an additional $40.67 a month, bringing the deposit to $62.00.
Orkin vs. Terminix: Plan Differences
Orkin treats 20 different pests, while Terminix covers 13. Both treat pests and termites with variable plans that depend on location and the degree of infestation. Where Terminix has a bit more structure by offering different treatment plans based on the number of visits, Orkin’s plans are customized case-by-case rather than generalized and tiered services.
Pest Treatment
Orkin’s treatment will depend on the pest. Still, technicians typically install pest monitors in target areas, seal any gaps and cracks, and treat the area with the appropriate material for the situation.
Terminix uses integrated management techniques for pest control, combining chemical and non-chemical treatments.
Termite Treatment
Depending on the infestation, Orkin uses a combination of liquid treatments, dry foam, and Sentricon bait and monitoring.
Termite treatment also depends on what kind of termites you have, but Terminix uses a combination of bait stations, spray treatments and liquid treatments. The Drywood Defend System offers additional protection services.
Orkin vs. Terminix Customer Support
When it comes to customer support, both companies are very similar. Both sites have a customer contact page to help service users get in touch with a representative. Both companies list phone numbers to call or contact forms to fill out. Chat is also available for both.
But, there are at least a couple of differences. For one, Orkin’s customer service is 24 hour, while Terminix’s customer service operates between 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CST Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. Also, Terminix customers can text a customer service rep, while Orkin customers cannot.
Orkin vs. Terminix Customer Reviews
All cards on the table, one company barely edges out the other on most consumer trust websites. Both companies’ negative reviews make mention of no-shows and poor communication. Some customers also complained about these companies not being able to resolve their stubborn pest issues.
Orkin edges Terminix out slightly, having more positive reviews than its competitor. Many of the positive reviews express admiration for specific technicians and mention how effective the treatment was. Many of these reviews were also left by customers who have used services for several years, ensuring these are established, long-term customers.
Orkin vs. Terminix Verdict
Orkin and Terminix are similar in many ways. They handle the same pest control issues, offer similar plans, and are generally available in the same areas. However, in our opinion, Orkin is a slightly better option than Terminix. It’s more widely available than Terminix, and its customer reviews are stronger, helping prospective customers feel a bit better about their decision.
Yes, customers will pay a little bit more for Orkin, including paying for an inspection, but we think that customer satisfaction matters more than slightly higher pest control rates. That said, we do believe Terminix is an excellent company and would also recommend it, especially for budget-minded shoppers.
What We Like About Orkin
- Orkin’s customer ratings are better than most of the competition.
- There is a 30-day money-back guarantee to reduce risk.
- Additional home services such as insulation, moisture control, disinfection and more are available.
Learn more in our Orkin review
What We Like About Terminix
- The company will provide customers with a free inspection.
- It garnered high ratings for customer service.
- Certain plans offer coverage between treatments.
Learn more in our Terminix review
Best Pest Control Companies By Cities
Methodology - How We Selected 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 on our detailed methodology page.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I do pest control myself?
It’s possible to exterminate pests at home independently. However, it will usually depend on the pest and the severity of the infestation. DIY pest control prevents pests from entering the home in small numbers. However, it might be best to hire a pest control company for more significant issues and when there is a greater risk of damage or disease spread.
Is it hard to cancel Orkin?
It’s not hard to get out of your Orkin contract, but it does take a while. Customers need to provide 60 days written notice to cancel their contracts before their one- or three-year contract expires.
How often should Terminix spray?
Terminix will spray quarterly, bi-monthly or monthly. However, the correct timing depends on whether there is an active issue or if the technician is performing preventive maintenance.
Is Orkin worth the money?
In our opinion, Orkin is worth the money. It’s only slightly more expensive than its competition, and it offers a money-back guarantee if customers aren’t satisfied with their service. Also, it does hold slightly better review ratings than its competition.
