There is nothing quite as disturbing as walking into your kitchen in the middle of the night to see a cockroach skidding across the floor, or opening your garage to find a swarm of mating termites. But you can usually avoid such a scenario by finding a pest control company to perform routine preventative service. Many people wait until there is a problem before calling an exterminator, but big infestations can be costly to treat — especially termites.
When searching for “pest control near me,” it is easy to be overwhelmed by the different options. Power Pest Control companies vary when it comes to customer service, price, and environmental practices, which makes choosing the right bug exterminator a time-consuming process for some. To help you save some time, we’ve compiled a short list of the best pest control services to try in 2021.
To compile the list, we researched the 15 leading pest control companies by revenue. We analyzed their offerings and compared geographic availability, services, policies, and prices where applicable. We also considered online reviews from valid sources such as the Better Business Bureau and Consumer Affairs. Finally, a “best of” nomination was applied to the seven companies that stood out the most based on their respective strengths and weaknesses.
Best overall: Orkin
Orkin is one of the largest pest control companies in the country, with coverage in 47 states and more than 400 locations worldwide. With a history dating back more than a hundred years, the company has built up a solid reputation as an eliminator of termites and other pests. The company has three out of five stars from reviewers on Consumer Affairs, but with locations across the country, it might be a good idea to check out local ratings as well.
Orkin is a solid choice for pest control at your home due primarily to the wide range of services it offers beyond just termite treatments and general pest control. Orkin has specific services to treat carpenter ants, bed bugs, fleas and ticks, mosquitos, and stinging insects. Other services include attic insulation, lawn treatments, and moisture control. The company offers a 30-day money-back guarantee if you aren’t satisfied with the pest control treatment results.
Average price of services
As far as pricing is concerned, you must contact Orkin directly for a quote. Prices vary depending on location and the scope of the problem.
Best for termite problems: Terminix
Termites require specialized treatment compared to other bugs that invade your home, and Terminix is one of the best at dealing with these nefarious wood-eating insects. The company was the first to obtain a patent on termite control products back in 1932, helping the company become a major force in the pest control industry. Terminix touts the strongest guarantee in the industry, which promises to cover treatments and repairs to your home for termites so long as you keep up with your annual treatment and fee.
Terminix also offers extensive general pest control options, including services that target bed bugs, ticks, and mosquitos. Terminix is widely available with locations in 45 states. Some locations offer chemical-free and natural treatments, which is a huge plus for customers with certain sensitivities or concerns about children and pets. Terminix has an average of two out of five stars from reviewers on Consumer Affairs.
Average price of services
Terminix provides online quotes for general pest control. For a house up to 3,999 square feet in Austin, Texas, Terminix quoted the price of an initial visit of $129, plus $109 for each quarterly visit after that. Quotes for termite treatment require a free on-site inspection.
Best protection plan: Ehrlich
Some pest control companies have catchy contracts or lackluster service plans, but Ehrlich offers one of the most comprehensive protection plans in the industry. The company’s Pestfree365 plan offers protection from 36 common household pests, including bed bugs, which is usually a separate service when dealing with other companies. The plan offers unlimited service calls between scheduled treatments and includes an annual termite inspection. Best of all, there is no long-term contract involved.
Ehrlich is limited geographically to 20 states in the eastern U.S. Check local reviews as some locations have better reviews than others. The company is GreenPro certified, which means it emphasizes integrated pest management strategies such as habitat reduction and eliminating food and water sources.
