Best Pest Control Companies | 2024 Guide
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Hiring a reputable pest control company to treat your home is the best option for successful short- and long-term pest management. Whether you discover a severe termite infestation or simply want peace of mind knowing general pest repellents are in place, a trained pest specialist can help.
To create this guide, we researched popular brands nationwide and compiled a list of the best pest control companies. Our process included secret-shopping for pest control plans, evaluating customer reviews, and comparing the scope of each company’s services and customer guarantees. We break down our top-ranked picks below.
Top Pest Control Companies
Here are our four top pest control companies to consider:
- Terminix: Best Termite Removal Plans
- Orkin: Best Plan Options
- Bulwark Exterminating: Best Customer Service
- Hawx Pest Control: Best for Small Businesses
| Company | Logo | Star Rating | Monthly Cost | BB Rating | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | $45 | A- | GET ESTIMATE | ||
 | $59 | A+ | GET ESTIMATE | ||
 | $50 | A- | GET ESTIMATE |
Our Recommendation
Terminix scored the highest in our review for its combination of impressive customer service availability, convenient online pricing details, and versatile plans. Other reputable providers may make more sense based on your pest control needs. We like Orkin for its long tenure in the industry and nearly nationwide coverage, and Bulwark stands out for its service guarantees.
Regardless of which company you’re leaning toward for your pest control service, we recommend getting quotes from at least three providers. Pest control plans, scheduling, and pricing can vary depending on your location and home’s size, and it’s important to see how each company aligns with your needs.
How We Chose the Top Pest Control Companies
Our pest control research process starts with analyzing customer reviews on third-party websites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Trustpilot, and Google Reviews. We then do a deep dive into each company’s website, service plans, and available cost information. We also secret shop the companies we review, reach out to representatives, and request quotes.
From there, we compile the information we’ve gathered and compare each company using our in-depth pest control methodology and review criteria. This process uses a series of factors that are important to our readers, and we score each company depending on how well they perform in each factor. For instance, companies that offer more guarantees for their service earned more points than others, and pest control plans with a larger range of covered pests earned more points than ones with fewer.
After analyzing dozens of residential and commercial pest control businesses through this process, we were able to determine the best pest control companies on the market.
How Much Does it Cost?
The cost of pest control can vary depending on your home’s size, location, and level of infestation. When we secret-shopped for pest control plans from these providers, we found that prices typically range from $600 to $750 per year, including the cost of the initial home inspection and treatment. Many companies, including Terminix and Hawx, can break up the cost into monthly payments. For specialty services such as bed bug and termite treatments, prices are highly customized based on what types of treatments are required and usually require in-person inspections for quotes or estimates.
Professional Pest Control Service
Hiring a pest control company for the first time can feel like a daunting process,, but knowing what to expect can keep the experience stress-free. Be prepared to discuss the following topics when you call for a quote:
- Cost and pricing: When you speak with a representative on the phone, they may offer a free quote with estimated pricing for general pest control services. They may also discuss payment options, such as monthly or annual billing. However, in some cases, pricing can change depending on your home’s size and level of infestation, but the technician should inform you of any additional charges during their initial inspection.
- Types of pests and treatments: Many pest control companies offer both general pest control plans and stand-alone services that target specific pests. For a severe infestation, such as a termite, wasp or bed bug problem, ask the sales representative about the targeted treatments available to ensure the company can effectively address your issue.
- Scheduling your first appointment: When you call for a quote, prepare to discuss your preferred dates and times for the initial inspection and treatment. If you’re looking to have a technician out to your property as quickly as possible, they may be able to provide same-day service upon request, so let the company know if your issue is urgent.
- Initial inspection and treatment: A pest control local technician will visit your home during the allotted time frame for a full inspection of your property and comprehensive initial treatment. The technician will explain your home’s level of infestation, the specific treatment types available and recommended, and any necessary pricing changes.
- Service guarantees: Before choosing a professional pest control specialist, ask about the company’s service and satisfaction guarantees. Each provider in this guide offers provide a free reservice guarantee, meaning your technician will return to your home for additional service between scheduled visits if pests come back after treatment. Some providers, such as Orkin and Bulwark, also offer money-back guarantees if you’re dissatisfied.
Is Professional Pest Control Worth It?
If you have a pest problem growing into an infestation, you’ll need to act quickly to eradicate it. While there are potential do-it-yourself (DIY) solutions, hiring a professional exterminator may be your best option.
Some invading pests, such as cockroaches or flies, can often be handled with a thorough cleaning of your kitchen or DIY traps. But other pests, such as bed bugs and termites, can cause severe damage to your health or your property. These stubborn pests may need specialty treatments to effectively manage the infestation, including bed bug steam treatments and termite baiting and monitoring stations.
Additionally, some DIY solutions such as foggers, fumigations, and chemical sprays can be dangerous to you, your family, and your pets if not used with the proper safety precautions. Professional exterminators use their knowledge of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to identify chemical-free treatment methods whenever possible, and they know how to safely apply pest control products to your home when necessary.
Even if you don’t currently have a pest problem in your home, hiring a pest control service for preventive service and maintenance can be a worthwhile investment for your peace of mind.
Pest Control Company Reviews
Terminix
Best Termite Removal Plans Reservice guarantee: Yes
State availability: 45 (all but Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Vermont)
Get a quick quote: Visit Terminix site
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Provides follow-up treatment as necessary with its annual pest plan
- Offers both annual plan options and one-time pest control treatment
- Offers attic insulation and crawl space services in addition to pest control
Cons
- Many have different refund policies among its franchise locations.
- Doesn't always provide a free inspection, depending on the service you need
What Terminix Covers
Terminix offers a general pest control plan that includes quarterly on-site treatments, starting with an initial inspection of your home’s interior and exterior. Free reservice is available between scheduled visits if pests return. You can also schedule a one-time pest control visit in lieu of an annual plan.
If you have a termite infestation, Terminix offers these three plan options:
- Basic Termite Plan: You will get an annual termite inspection, ongoing protection for your property, and Terminix’s reservice guarantee.
- Advanced Termite Plan: You will get everything in the Basic Termite Plan, plus a repair guarantee that will address repairs and their costs for new termite damage.
- Premium Termite Plan: You will get everything in the Advanced Termite Plan, plus extended pest control for 13 other pests.
You can also get specialized treatments for bed bugs, mosquitoes, cockroaches, wasps, ticks, mice, rats, and the following:
- Centipedes and millipedes
- Crickets
- Earwigs
- House ants
- Moths
- Scorpions
- Silverfish
- Spiders
- Wildlife
What Homeowner Reviews Say
We read 100 recent customer reviews on Google Reviews for multiple Terminix locations, and we found that a majority of customers were satisfied with the service. Many homeowners mentioned positive experiences with their local technician’s communication and thoroughness. On the other hand, a small number of negative experiences referenced no-shows and scheduling conflicts.
Read More: Terminix Review
Orkin
Best Plan Options Reservice guarantee: Yes
State availability: 49 (all but Alaska)
Get a quick quote: Visit Orkin site
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Has a 30-day money-back guarantee
- Has an online quote function for a rough estimate on general pest control pricing specific to your home
- Uses integrated Pest Management (IPM) to help minimize the use of chemicals
Cons
- Doesn't have a live chat customer service feature on its website
- Doesn't offer free inspection for pest control
What Orkin Covers
Orkin provides preventive and targeted treatments against common household pests, such as rodents, ants, beetles, and cockroaches. Its general pest control plan starts with an initial home visit and inspection and includes treatments approximately every 60 days. The plan comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and free off-schedule return visits as necessary.
Orkin also offers comprehensive termite treatments. It uses liquid treatments to build a protective barrier around your home and a proprietary dry foam to control termites in inaccessible areas. It also installs baiting and monitoring systems that can help exterminate entire colonies. Annual termite plans also come with Orkin’s money-back and reservice guarantees.
- Ants
- Bed bugs
- Beetles
- Centipedes
- Cockroaches
- Crickets
- Earwigs
- Fleas
- Flies
- Millipedes
- Mites
- Mosquitoes
- Moths
- Rodents
- Silverfish
- Spiders
- Stinging insects
- Termites
- Ticks
- Wildlife
What Homeowner Reviews Say
After analyzing more than 100 recent reviews for multiple Orkin locations on Google Reviews, we found the overall feedback was positive with existing customers. Positive reviews mentioned Orkin’s experienced and knowledgeable technicians and good communication. Satisfied customers also praised Orkin for its timely services. Some mixed and negative reviews reflected an opposite experience with timeliness, mentioning that technicians arrived later than scheduled.
Read More: Orkin Review
Bulwark Exterminating
Best Customer Service
Reservice guarantee: Yes
State availability: 14 (view a full list of Bulwark locations)
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Has a unique no-show policy for many locations, guaranteeing that if the technician doesn't show up during the allotted time window, your next service is free
- prioritizes eco-friendly solutions when possible, before using pesticides
- Is family-owned and operated
Cons
- Will not provide pest treatments on Sundays
- Isn't available in 36 states
What Bulwark Covers
Bulwark is a family-owned and -operated business that treats household pest infestations with its general pest control plan and one-time treatments. Its general pest control plan includes bimonthly treatments to your home’s interior and exterior that eliminate and repel many common pests, including ants, cockroaches, and spiders. Bulwark backs its annual plans with a 100% money-back guarantee, free return visits, and a no-show policy that promises a free follow-up service if your technician is late to a scheduled appointment.
Additionally, Bulwark offers a mosquito treatment plan and specialized termite control. The initial mosquito treatment uses a larvicide that the company claims will be effective for the duration of the mosquito season. It then provides monthly follow-up treatments with a specialized spray to keep mosquitoes at bay. Bulwark’s termite plan starts with an inspection and includes bimonthly treatments to apply bait and monitoring stations.
- Ants
- Beetles
- Centipedes
- Cockroaches
- Crickets
- Earwigs
- Fire ants
- Fleas
- Grasshoppers
- Millipedes
- Mites
- Mosquitoes
- Pill bugs
- Rodents
- Silverfish
- Spiders
- Springtails
- Termites
- Wasps
What Homeowner Reviews Say
Based on the 100 most recent customer service reviews we read on Bulwark’s Google Reviews pages for multiple locations, most homeowners expressed satisfaction with their home’s pest control service. While most reviews we analyzed were positive, often praising individual technicians on their knowledge and care for the homes they service, a few negative comments did mention ineffective initial treatments.
Hawx
Best for Small Businesses Reservice guarantee: Yes
State availability: 16 (view a full list of Hawx locations)
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Features an online chat for easy communication with your local technician
- Offers bimonthly or quarterly treatments depending on your needs and scheduling preferences
- Offers for targeted mosquito control that includes free reservices and monthly treatment during peak season
Cons
- Requires a fee to terminate your contract early
- Doesn't include German cockroaches in its general pest control plan
What Hawx Covers
Hawx offers its Home Service Plan for ongoing, general pest control treatments. You can customize your Home Service Plan by choosing between quarterly or bimonthly pest treatment schedules. The quarterly plan comes with four treatments per year, plus an initial service visit. The bimonthly plan comes with six treatments, plus an initial service visit. Both plans include free reservice between scheduled appointments if pests return.
Hawx also offers the Mosquito Abatement Plan, which includes monthly treatments during peak season, free reservice, and a satisfaction guarantee. You can hire Hawx for specialized termite control treatments that include the placement of bait and monitoring stations to eliminate and prevent termite activity. Your Hawx technician may also recommend other methods customized to your home.
- Ants
- Bed bugs
- Beetles
- Cockroaches
- Hornets
- Mosquitoes
- Rodents
- Spiders
- Termites
- Ticks
- Wasps
- Wood-destroying insects
- and many more
What Homeowner Reviews Say
We analyzed 100 recent reviews on multiple Hawx locations’ Google Reviews pages to get a sense of common likes and dislikes about the service. We found many positive reviews, highlighting the company’s same-day service, informative technicians, and effective pest control solutions. However, some complaints express dissatisfaction with cancellation costs and having to pay extra for German cockroaches, which are usually included in other companies’ plans.
Read More: Hawx Review
Pest Control FAQ
Can I treat my home for termites myself?
If you want to try your hand at pest control methods yourself, you can purchase termite-killer pesticides to spray around your home or set up baiting stations with termite baits. However, since termite infestations can cause severe damage to your home’s structure if not dealt with quickly and effectively, we recommend hiring a professional to eliminate the pests. Plus, many providers, such as Terminix and Orkin, offer guarantees to ensure your problem stays eradicated while you live on the property.
How often do I need pest control services?
It’s a good idea to have a pest control specialist visit your home at least once per quarter, even during the winter, to provide preventative treatments and control any existing infestations before they get worse. Some homes may require more frequent visits than others if they’re in areas that are susceptible to more infestations.
How long does it take for pest control to work?
You can typically notice the effects of your pest control treatment on your infestation within two days, but it depends on the type and level of the infestation. For the most accurate information about how long it will take for pest control work, we recommend asking your technician after they perform the treatment. Each company in this review offers reservice guarantees that provide free off-schedule services if you ever see pests return after the technician treats your property.
Should I hire a national or local pest control company?
Choosing between a national or local exterminator to service your home is a decision you’ll have to make when picking a pest control company. Nationwide companies such as Terminix and Orkin have proven methods of success eliminating pests in a wide range of environments and have thoroughly trained technicians based on those methods. However, local companies are often family-owned and -operated, providing a personal level of communication and customer service that you may be looking for in your provider. Ultimately, your decision between national or local comes down to your personal preferences. Either way, we recommend speaking to a few different companies to see which one offers you the best coverage and price.