Our team analyzed pest control companies nationwide and found that Orkin provides the most comprehensive wildlife management services, while Terminix offers the most affordable pest control plans.
Although every pest issue is unique, full-service pest control companies are better equipped to handle problems more efficiently than a DIY approach, which can take almost 40 days to resolve.
Our top choices for pest control companies
Here are the five best pest control companies to help you get rid of mice, ants, roaches and more:
Compare top pest control companies
We chose Orkin as our top pest control company due to its long list of pest treatments, nationwide availability, and certifications with the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) and the Environmental Protection Agency’s Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program (PESP).
Our other top choices include Terminix and Ehrlich Pest Control. Terminix also holds certifications with the NPMA and PESP and provides residential and commercial pest control. Ehrlich provides a comprehensive pest control plan and a 30-day service guarantee if your pest issue persists.
The table below highlights key factors to consider when shopping for a pest control company.
Our team used a 1,652-square-foot, single-family home in Sacramento, California, with a 7,000-square-foot lot size to obtain pricing information for all providers except Ehrlich. For our Ehrlich quote, we used a 1,521-square-foot, single-family home with a 6,000-square-foot lot in Hamden, Connecticut. Your pricing will vary based on location, home and lot size, pest issue and service requests.
Best pest control companies
We rated the following pest control companies by analyzing their service plans, pricing structure, treatment frequency, service guarantees and customer service.
Our thoughts
What we like
Orkin offers a large variety of pest control treatments and nationwide availability — it services all states except Alaska. Alongside its general pest treatment plans, Orkin provides additional services such as wildlife management and home improvement services.
In addition, Orkin has a 24/7 phone line. According to the representative we spoke with, you can call any time a pest issue arises, and Orkin will send a technician to your door within 24–48 hours.
What we don’t like
Although Orkin’s list of treatable pests is extensive, it doesn’t treat certain uncommon pests such as bats. Also, Orkin doesn’t disclose pricing online. You must call and speak with a sales representative to obtain pricing.
Services and pricing
Orkin has general pest control and termite treatment plans. We contacted Orkin and requested a quote for a rodent treatment plan. The representative said that treatment costs vary based on the pest. He added that Orkin will tailor your treatment plan depending on your pest control needs. In addition, Orkin has a 30-day money-back guarantee for in-between services.
Below is a pricing and service overview of Orkin’s pest plans:
- General pest control plan — Rodent ($347 for initial visit; $103 per subsequent visit): Orkin’s general pest plan treats various types of pests, such as ants, bed bugs, beetles, carpenters ants, centipedes, cockroaches, flies, fleas, mice and silverfish. Orkin will perform an initial setup and then treat your home within the next 30 days. After these initial treatments, Orkin will service your home every other month.
- Termite control plan: The Orkin representative mentioned that a termite inspection is required before providing pricing to assess the severity of the issue. Based on your termite situation, Orkin will customize its treatment frequency to most efficiently remove them.
Additional services
Orkin provides various additional products and services aside from pest control. They consist of the following:
- Attic insulation
- Leaf stopper gutter inserts
- Moisture control
- Wildlife management
- VitalClean cleaning services
Customer thoughts
Orkin holds a solid A+ rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB). However, its customer rating is 1.7 out of 5 stars, which is much lower than ratings from other pest companies we’ve reviewed. In some recent positive reviews, several customers praised Orkin’s technicians’ thorough and helpful manner. That said, multiple customers complained about Orkin’s ineffective treatments for certain pests.
Our thoughts
What we like
Terminix offers the most variety of pest control plans compared with other providers. Its plans handle many common household pests, such as termites and wasps. Its PestFree365 plans protect your home from up to 25 pests for less than the cost of a single service. Additionally, its pest plans are more affordable than those from the other providers we featured in this article.
Terminix also offers a dedicated online chat tool that connects you to a representative within minutes. We used this tool during our secret shopping and experienced a quick connection with a Terminix representative, who helpfully answered all our questions.
What we don’t like
Terminix doesn’t provide treatments for some insects, such as flies and lawn grubs. Through our brand comparisons, we found that Terminix charges higher prices for single services than other providers we’ve reviewed. In addition, Terminix isn’t available nationwide — it excludes Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Vermont.
Services and pricing
Terminix offers two general pest plans and three termite control plans. We could not obtain pricing figures for its termite control plans in our quote. The company must inspect your home and determine the severity of your termite problem before disclosing pricing.
Below is a pricing and service overview of Terminix’s pest and termite plans:
- PestFree365 Plan ($50 per month): The entry-level PestFree 365 plan includes a multipoint inspection, two service guarantees and treatments for up to 25 pests. Terminix will adjust its service frequency based on the type of pest issue you have.
- PestFree365 + Plan ($60 per month): The PestFree 365 + plan includes all the features in the regular PestFree plan and adds specialized treatments for an additional 14 pests.
- One-time pest treatment ($266 per treatment): Terminix provides a multipoint home inspection and treatment for your pest issue. It also provides a 30-day service guarantee that states it will retreat your home free of charge if the pest problem returns within 30 days.
- Termite + Retreat Guarantee: This plan includes an annual termite inspection, Terminix’s proprietary OnGuard Termite Protection System and a service guarantee.
- Termite + Repair Guarantee: This plan builds on the Termite + Retreat Guarantee plan. In addition to reservicing your home if needed, Terminix will repair any termite damage for up to $250,000 per plan term.
- Termite + Repair Guarantee + Pest: This plan features termite protection, a comprehensive service guarantee and coverage for 13 common household pests.
Additional services
Terminix provides additional services such as wildlife control and crawl space services. Below is the list of additional services it offers:
- Attic insulation
- Crawl space
- Gutter protection
- Rodent control
- Wildlife removal
Customer thoughts
Terminix also holds a solid A+ rating with BBB. That said, its customer rating on the site is a poor 1.1 out of 5 stars. The most recent complaints on BBB center on Terminix pest technicians arriving late or showing up for unauthorized treatments. For every negative review we read on the site, we found that Terminix responded to each one to attempt a resolution.
However, Terminix’s local branches generally have more positive customer reviews. The Terminix branch in Merced, California, holds a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. These customers report that Terminix’s technicians arrive on time and provide professional service during their visits.
Our thoughts
What we like
Ehrlich Pest Control features the most in-depth pest control treatments of all the pest companies we’ve reviewed via its PestFree365+ plan. 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.
Additionally, Ehrlich has a solid service guarantee if you purchase its pest program. It’ll reservice in between visits free of charge if the pest issue returns during your plan term. Ehrlich provides a 30-day service guarantee for single-service treatments.
What we don’t like
Ehrlich charges higher prices for its single treatments and dedicated pest control plan than others. Ehrlich only services 20 states — fewer than Orkin and Terminix. It excludes Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wisconsin.
Services and pricing
Ehrlich Pest Control treats a large number of household and specialty pests via single-service treatments or its PestFree365+ plan. Below is a pricing and service overview of Ehrlich’s plans:
- PestFree365+ — Rodent ($492 for initial visit; $62 monthly after): The PestFree 365+ plan is a custom pest treatment and maintenance plan. According to our quote, Ehrlich treats your primary issue, which in our case was rodents, and up to 36 pests, ranging from crickets to earwigs. Each treatment includes three service visits to control and eradicate the pest problem. In addition, this plan includes its reservice guarantee if you have a recurring pest issue.
- Single pest treatment — Rodent ($567 per treatment): Ehrlich’s single pest treatments involve two service visits only. It provides a 30-day service guarantee if pests return within 30 days of the treatment completion.
- Termite Home Protection Plan: Ehrlich’s termite control plan implements one of four treatment procedures depending on your termite problem’s severity. It also features a comprehensive service warranty that protects your home from future termite damage.
Additional services
Ehrlich Pest Control provides six additional pest and home improvement services. They consist of the following:
- Drain line bioremediation
- Fumigation
- Heat treatments
- Moisture control services
- Thermal Acoustic Pest Control insulation
- Vegetation management
Customer thoughts
Ehrlich Pest Control holds an A+ rating on BBB. Similar to Orkin and Terminix, Ehrlich has a poor customer rating on the site. This is due to customers generally using BBB to submit complaints, although customers also rate Ehrlich poorly on other third-party review sites such as Trustpilot. Complaints center on technician no-shows and billing frustrations. We found customers scored Ehrlich’s local branches higher on Google Reviews — the Novi, Michigan, branch holds a rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars.
Best of the rest
The following companies didn’t make our list of the top pest control companies due to a lack of QualityPro and GreenPro certifications, fewer states serviced and less comprehensive pest control solutions. However, they are worth considering if you are on a budget or require treatment for common pest issues.
Our thoughts
What we like
Aptive Environmental offers a wide variety of pest control services, ranging from millipede treatment to mosquito control. Aptive will treat all corners of your property, such as your home’s eaves, foundation and basement. In addition, Aptive will customize your service plan based on the frequency of your pest problem and adjust accordingly.
What we don’t like
According to a BBB alert on its profile page, Aptive entered a consent order with the Pennsylvania attorney general’s office in May 2023 due to the company violating its 2019 settlement agreement. Pennsylvania’s attorney general alleged that Aptive failed to honor cancellation requests and obtain solicitation permits for door-to-door sales. However, Aptive settled the consent order by paying a fee.
Aptive doesn’t offer wildlife management services outside of rodent control. Aptive also doesn’t service the following states: Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia and Wyoming.
Services and pricing
Aptive offers two pest control service plans. It doesn’t offer additional services, unlike other pest control companies we’ve analyzed. Here is a pricing and treatment overview of Aptive’s plans:
- Pro+ ($399 for initial treatment; $219 every subsequent visit): The Pro+ plan includes treatments for general and pantry pests, fleas, ticks, rodents, snails, slugs and aphids. Aptive will treat your home’s foundation, eaves and basement. In addition, Aptive provides a reservice guarantee that lasts the length of your plan. Aptive will treat your home every 30–60 days in the warmer months. During the fall and winter, Aptive will provide treatments every 50–80 days.
- Premium ($399 for initial treatment; $259 every subsequent visit): The Premium plan includes all the features listed in the Pro+ plan and adds mosquito treatment. In addition, it services your home more frequently during the spring and summer — every 20–40 days.
Customer thoughts
Aptive holds an A- rating on BBB. However, BBB states that it revoked Aptive’s accreditation due to its failure to maintain a positive track record. That said, customers give Aptive fairly positive ratings — it holds a customer rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars. Upon further digging, we found that most of Aptive’s recent customer reviews are negative, with many complaining about persistent sales tactics and mediocre treatments.
However, we did find many positive reviews on Aptive’s Sacramento, California, branch; it has 4.7 out of 5 stars. Customers praise the quality of Aptive’s pest control methods, with many noting a specific technician’s professionalism.
Our thoughts
What we like
Hawx provides affordable pest control services and treatment plans. Our team spoke with a representative, who mentioned that Hawx offers several discounts when you request an initial service over the phone. She added that you can schedule treatment frequency based on your preference, depending on the pest problem. Hawx also provides a plan-length service guarantee and a convenient online chat tool.
What we don’t like
Like Aptive, Hawx doesn’t offer wildlife management services other than mice and rat control. Through our secret shopping, we found that Hawx services the fewest states out of all the providers we reviewed. It excludes Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wyoming.
Services and pricing
Hawx offers a tailored pest control plan that targets specific and common household pests. The company doesn’t offer additional services. Below is a pricing and service overview of Hawx’s custom plan:
- Custom plan — Rodent ($260 for first month; $65 per month after): The quote we requested for the custom plan centered on rodent control. It includes sealing and barricading services, with Hawx technicians installing barricades alongside areas where rodents typically appear. This plan also includes treatments for ants, spiders, cockroaches, wasps, hornets, bees and bed bugs.
Customer thoughts
Hawx has a B rating and a low customer rating of 2.2 out of 5 stars on BBB. However, its most recent customer reviews rate the company 1 star, with many experiencing high cancellation fees and inconsistent service from customer service representatives and pest technicians. While reading these reviews, we found that Hawx responds to each positive and negative review.
Its local branches have higher customer ratings on Google Reviews — it holds at least 4.3 out of 5 stars across multiple California branches we checked. These customers experienced more positive customer service, with several mentioning the same Hawx technician by name.
Making an informed choice: A guide to pest control services
You should consider multiple factors before choosing a pest control company that can tackle your specific issue. According to Craig Sansig, a Viking Pest Control service director and Entomological Society of America-certified entomologist, you should ask if the pest company you’re considering is licensed and insured, has certifications with national associations such as the NPMA and has experience dealing with your specific pest. “If they’re able to speak to that on a highly educated level, you could feel confident that you’re getting somebody that’s going to control your pest problem and do it in a way that’s safe for you and the environment,” he added.
If they’re able to speak to that on a highly educated level, you could feel confident that you’re getting somebody that’s going to control your pest problem and do it in a way that’s safe for you and the environment
Craig Sansig
Below are additional key factors to consider when shopping for a pest control professional.
DIY vs. full-service pest control
By far, DIY pest control was the most popular method the homeowners we surveyed chose to use for their most recent pest infestation — 46% of the 1,000. The next most popular method was hiring a full-service pest control company; 34% of respondents chose this method. However, how do you know which method is best for your situation?
The pest type and infestation size are key factors in determining whether to handle the pest issue yourself or hire a professional, Sansig said. “Any new infestation is easier to control and requires less pesticide and generally less knowledge of the pest because it’s localized,” he added.
However, Sansig cautioned handling pests with pesticide products since many pesticides you purchase in retail stores have strict application requirements. “Improper use could have negative environmental impacts,” he said.
Sansig further emphasized that understanding what you’re doing while performing pest control is the difference between hiring a professional and doing it yourself.
How much does pest control cost?
According to our survey results, an annual plan from a full-service pest control company costs an average of $465. Respondents reported paying an average of $234 for a single treatment from pest control companies.
The cost of a single pest treatment or a comprehensive plan depends on several factors, such as your home’s location, its square footage and lot size, the pests involved and the infestation’s severity. Below is a pricing breakdown of the average cost pest control companies charge per pest type based on our survey respondents’ reported costs. Your cost may vary.
| Pest Types | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Ants | $185 |
| Bed bugs | $375 |
| Cockroaches | $206 |
| Fleas | $221 |
| Mosquitoes | $149 |
| Rodents (such as mice and rats) | $329 |
| Silverfish | $208 |
| Stinging insects (such as bees and wasps) | $193 |
| Termites | $299 |
| Wildlife (such as moles and raccoons) | $204 |
What are service guarantees?
Generally, pest control companies offer service guarantees for the pest treatments they apply. These service guarantees stipulate that the company will reservice your home free of charge if its pest treatments don’t eliminate your unwanted pests within a certain period. Many companies take this guarantee further and offer a money-back guarantee if you’re unsatisfied with the service — usually within 30 days.
However, we recommend reading the pest company’s terms and conditions to confirm if its service guarantee applies to your treatment type. Some companies only provide a reservice guarantee for treatments performed under a dedicated treatment plan rather than a single service. Knowing where you stand can help you avoid an issue in the future.
How do you choose the best pest control company?
Pest control services are an investment that requires some thought before hiring a professional. Below are some tips on what to consider when choosing the best pest control company for your needs.
Assess your pest situation
First, figure out the type of pest and the severity of the pest problem you have. For example, if you have a rodent problem, you should inspect areas around your home where rodents may frequent, such as your attic or garage. Telltale signs that you have a rodent problem include gnaw and rub marks around your walls, as well as rodent droppings, according to Pestworld, the consumer education division of the NPMA.
Next, determine if your pest issue is manageable. Try sealing off areas in your home that can let your pest enter, or leave traps that can capture them. If you still have a pest problem after performing multiple pest control techniques, it is likely time to hire a professional.
Look for red flags
Before hiring a pest control company, we highly recommend verifying if the company has any reputation issues. Generally speaking, common red flags are a lack of insurance or state licensing to perform pest control treatments, poor customer reviews across three or more third-party websites and little to no certifications. You can check your state’s Department of Agriculture’s license database to verify if the company you’re considering has the required licensing.
In addition, we suggest determining the service guarantee offered by the company. Avoid companies that don’t list a service guarantee or place unnecessary stipulations. For example, watch out for companies that only treat the outside of your home unless you specify you need interior treatment.
Ask questions
Many homeowners overlook the importance of asking pest control companies specific questions. For instance, inquire about the treatment methodology to get insight into whether or not the company can meet your expectations.
Here’s a list of additional questions to ask a pest control company before hiring them:
- Are you licensed and insured? Confirming that the company has the required licensing and insurance policies in place ensures that it has additional expertise and protection should something go wrong.
- What type of service guarantee do you offer? Many companies offer a service guarantee, but what does it entail? Ask what steps the company takes to re-treat your home if its initial treatment was ineffective.
- What type of experience do you have treating this pest? Confirm that the company has expertise and experience in eliminating your pest issue. Ask them to provide examples of how they classify pests and apply treatments.
- How do you perform your treatments? Understanding how the company applies the various treatments can help you gauge whether the treatments will succeed. Ask about their treatment philosophy. Do they rely heavily on pesticides? Do they focus on bait and trap methods?
- Are your treatments safe? This question is especially important if you have pets or small children since many pest treatments can harm humans. Understand the treatment application methods and whether they are safe if children and pets come into contact with the treatment or are in close proximity.
- How long is the service agreement? Confirming the time period of a pest control plan can minimize the headache of having to cancel before the contract expires. Many companies have an automatic billing function that’ll charge the card on file once a service is completed or annual renewal occurs.
How often do you need pest control services?
Generally speaking, the number of pest control services you need largely depends on the pest type and infestation size. Most companies offer treatment plans to continuously treat your pest issue until it’s eradicated. Small ant infestations may only require a single treatment, whereas a flea outbreak may require a multistep application plan with multiple visits.
Final take: Keep out unwanted critters and prevent future outbreaks with a professional pest control company
Orkin and Terminix are our top choices for pest control due to their expansive pest expertise and comprehensive treatment plans. Orkin makes sense if you need specialized pest control services; Terminix is a great choice if you’re on a budget.
You can always attempt to remove pests yourself. However, our survey results indicate that pest control companies are more successful in eliminating pests, with 98% of respondents who hired a pest control company reporting that their issue was resolved successfully, compared with an 88% success rate for homeowners who eliminated pests themselves. However, you’ll likely spend more money hiring a pest control company.
Therefore, we recommend requesting quotes from three pest control providers to compare services, plan options and costs.
Our rating methodology for pest control companies
We research and score pest control companies using our proprietary rating system. In addition, we supplement our provider research with insights from industry experts and customer sentiments. We gather this information to help you choose the best brand for your budget and pest issues.
We score providers out of 100 points based on categories that are important to the company selection process. We then divide scores by 20 to arrive at the 5-star ratings you see in our reviews.
We assess professional pest control companies based on the following categories:
- Cost (25 points)
- Customer service and reputation (25 points)
- Available services (20 points)
- Safety and certifications (20 points)
- Service guarantees and availability (10 points)
Read our pest control methodology for a detailed breakdown of our rating criteria.
BBB, Trustpilot and Google Reviews are accurate as of November 2024.
Find the best local pest control pros in your city
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics.
Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.
Go Back to Top
Terminix is one of our top pest control choices because of its coverage, safety and certifications, and service guarantee, earning the company a rating of 4.6 out of 5 based on our rating methodology. The company stands out for its multiple pest control plans and single treatment options, in addition to the most comprehensive service…
Few pest control companies feature pest and termite control as comprehensive as Orkin’s. The company is one of the longest-serving pest control providers and has built a reputation as an industry leader. It offers standard pest control services, such as bed bug and cockroach removal, alongside specialized services, including attic insulation. However, you’ll pay a…
Removing termites from your home typically requires involved procedures, such as termiticide and fumigation. However, there are actions you can take to reduce your infestation and prevent a future problem before you need to hire a professional. We talked to pest control experts Michael Bentley, Ph.D., vice president of training and technical services for the…
Bats are generally beneficial, though they may carry rabies and their droppings (called guano) can damage your home. Additionally, many bat species are federally protected, so learning how to get rid of bats safely — and without causing injury — can protect you from fines. The most effective way to get rid of bats is…