Dealing with a pest infestation can be a frustrating and unpleasant experience, especially if you’ve spent time and money trying to fix it yourself. Since pests can spread disease, cause physical damage to your home, and trigger health issues, it’s important to address the infestation as soon as possible.
Hiring a professional pest control company can take care of current issues and prevent future infestations from occurring. Below, we’ve reviewed the four best pest control companies and explain how to choose the right company for you and your home.
The 4 best pest control companies of 2021
- Terminix: Most Reputable
- Orkin: Most Comprehensive Coverage
- Rentokil: Best for Regional Expertise
- Aptive Environmental: Best for the Environment
MOST REPUTABLE
Terminix
- Best termite treatment company
- With the Terminix Promise™†, Terminix will do whatever it takes to make sure termites and pests are gone—and stay gone
- Online chat
- Available in 47 states
Terminix review VISIT SITE866-783-3517
Why we chose Terminix
The Terminix team is made up of certified graduate and PhD-level entomologists who have developed pest control products for the government, authored scientific publications, and lectured to scientific and community groups around the world. Additionally, customers can take advantage of an easy online chat function to get real-time solutions.
The company offers general pest control plans quarterly or bi-monthly, as well as mosquito and tick services. It is generally one of the more affordable companies in the industry and provides a Terminix Promise™ to ensure complete customer satisfaction.
To get started with Terminix, fill out this form or call 866-783-3517.
Terminix score breakdown
| Criteria | Score |
| Plan options | 35 / 35 |
| State availability | 5 / 5 |
| Trustworthiness | 10 /10 |
| Customer service | 30 / 30 |
| Additional benefits | 12 / 20 |
| Overall score | 92 / 100 |
As one of the oldest and highest-rated pest control companies, Terminix earned a score of 92 out of 100 points. Due to its trustworthiness and great customer service, we deemed Terminix as the most reputable pest control company.
† Treatments and Covered Pests defined in your Plan. Limitations apply. See Plan for details.MOST COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE
Orkin
- Treats 51 different types of pests
- Offers a 60-day work guarantee
- Provides free re-treatment services
- Available in 46 states
Orkin Pest Control review VISIT SITE877-871-4752
Why we chose Orkin
Orkin specializes in residential and commercial pest control across the United States and uses an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach to control pests. The company offers a general plan to control roughly 20 common household pests including ants, roaches, mice, and spiders. Additional targeted plans are available for other critters such as termites and bed bugs.
With over 1.7 million customers and 100 years of experience, customers can rest easy knowing they are protected by qualified technicians. Orkin’s service is backed by an exceptional quality assurance program, a team of experts, and comprehensive documentation of their findings and service.
To get a free quote from Orkin, fill out this form or call 877-544-4104.
Orkin score breakdown
| Criteria | Score |
| Plan options | 35 / 35 |
| State availability | 5 / 5 |
| Trustworthiness | 9 /10 |
| Customer service | 27 / 30 |
| Additional benefits | 18 / 20 |
| Overall score | 94 / 100 |
Orkin earned 94 points out of a 100—the highest score of the companies we reviewed. We believe this company has the most comprehensive coverage due to its variety and flexibility of plan offerings.BEST FOR REGIONAL EXPERTISE
Rentokil
- Four regional brands for localized expertise
- GreenPro certified
- Comprehensive general pest control which includes bed bug treatment
Why We Chose Rentokil
Rentokil specializes in servicing both residential and commercial properties. It provides energy-efficient and sustainable pest control solutions designed to both get rid of existing pests and prevent future infestations.
The global brand owns four regional pest control companies in the United States—Ehrlich, Western Exterminator, Presto-X, and Anderson Pest Solutions. This means that unlike many companies with global call centers, representatives are local to your region and can provide tailored advice.
Get a quote from Rentokil by calling 844-334-1157.
Rentokil Score Breakdown
| Criteria | Score |
| Plan options | 35 / 35 |
| State availability | 5 / 5 |
| Trustworthiness | 6 /10 |
| Customer service | 27 / 30 |
| Additional benefits | 12 / 20 |
| Overall score | 85 / 100 |
Rentokil is ranked as our third best pest control company, earning an overall score of 85 out of 100. We named Rentokil the best for regional expertise, as the company owns four brands that specialize in pest control for their specific location. BEST FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
Aptive
- Environmentally responsible solutions
- Free quotes online or over the phone
- Treats your home’s hotspots and top three target areas
Aptive Environmental review VISIT SITE855-904-0143
Why we chose Aptive
Aptive is known for using an environmentally friendly approach with all treatments and services. Its mission is to keep both your home and the environment protected throughout their process. The products used are child- and pet-friendly and naturally created, reducing toxicity levels.
While the company does not offer solutions for termites or bed bugs, it protects against most household pests including ants, rodents, fleas, and crickets in its basic plan.
Start with a free Aptive quote by filling out this form or calling 855-904-0143.
Aptive score breakdown
| Criteria | Score |
| Plan options | 25.5 / 35 |
| State availability | 3 / 5 |
| Trustworthiness | 7 /10 |
| Customer service | 30 / 30 |
| Additional benefits | 17 / 20 |
| Overall score | 81.5 / 100 |
Aptive scored an 81.5 out of 100. While the company is limited in its plans and geographic availability, its responsible treatment tactics earned it the title of best for the environment.
How to choose the best pest control company
With multiple pest control companies available, it can be challenging to determine which one is best for you and your pest control needs. To narrow down your decision, ask yourself the following questions when hiring a professional exterminator:
- What kind of pests are you dealing with? Determine the type of pest that’s affecting your home and double check that the pest control company you’re considering hiring treats that type of pest. You’re likely dealing with rodents, insects like mosquitoes or fruit flies, or less common pests such as scorpions and bed bugs. Some companies may have experience removing rodents from your home but not specialized solutions for getting rid of insects.
- Does the pest control company service your area? Some pest control providers service a wide range or the United States while others service select areas.
- Does the company offer commercial services? Some pest control providers serve homes and businesses while others just serve one or the other.
- Does the company offer a free quote? The best way to know how much pest control services cost is to get a quote from a professional before starting treatment. Since prices can change based on the kind of pest, treatment methods, your property’s square footage, and treatment frequency, talk to a professional before treatment to get a better understanding of what you’ll be paying for.
- What are my treatment options? The best pest control companies will offer a variety of natural and chemical solutions for a more targeted and integrated pest management approach. Having the option to use green pest solutions is especially important if you have young children or pets.
- What does the remediation process look like? Most pest control providers will come to your house before starting treatment to determine the severity of the problem. This preliminary visit will also shape what remediation processes will be employed and how much the treatment will cost.
- Is the company efficient? If it’s difficult to contact an exterminator, chances are you don’t want them servicing your home. Look for providers that deliver fast, reliable, and efficient service. Pest control companies that offer 24/7 customer service support or an app that helps you manage treatments and visits are preferred.
- Is there a treatment guarantee? Trusted pest control companies will typically offer a satisfaction or money-back guarantee if your pest problem is not solved during their first visit. Having this type of guarantee ensures that you and your home are protected in the event of future infestations.
- How is the company’s payment process structured? As with any service, it’s important for homeowners to know how they’ll be billed. Companies will either charge a one-time service fee, regular payments based on seasonal service, or customized billing plans that help customers over the long-term. Read the service contract before treatment to understand how payment works.
- Can you read reviews about the company? The answer should always be, “yes.” Whether positive or negative, authentic customer reviews can help you determine if the company is worth hiring.
Are pest control companies worth it?
Pest control companies are worth it to handle ongoing and future pest infestations. Professional service provides homeowners with experienced technicians and commercial-grade products delivering solutions that are nearly impossible to replicate.
Buying a pest control plan gives you access to the extensive knowledge of the company’s pest control experts. They know exactly how to identify and treat pest problems, and can provide advice and treatment options to stop future problems before they arise. This saves you the time and energy of performing your own research and allows peace of mind knowing you have quality protection.
A general pest control plan is worth it for coverage against the majority of household pests. These plans are designed to protect your property from the most common problems and save homeowners the headache of dealing with it on their own. More specific coverage for pests such as termites, bed bugs, or mosquitoes is worth it for the homeowners facing current or recurring infestations.
Orkin | Terminix | Rentokil | Aptive | |
| Score | 94 / 100 | 92 / 100 | 85 / 100 | 81.5 / 100 |
| Award | Most comprehensive plans | Most reputable | Best for regional expertise | Best for the environment |
| States Available | 47 | 47 | 46 | 23 |
| Annual Cost Range | $790– $980 | $550– $700 | $600– $1,220 | $560– $620 |
| BBB Rating | N/a | A- | N/a | A- |
| Online Chat? | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Website | Visit Site | Visit Site | Rentokil.com | Visit Site |
| Phone # | 877-544-4104 | 866-783-3517 | 844-334-1157 | 855-904-0143 |
FAQs about pest control
What is pest control?
Pest control is the professional management of pests that invade the interior and exterior of your home. Pest control professionals look for short- and long-term solutions while exterminators tend to focus on getting rid of pests in the short term.
How can I identify a pest infestation?
The most common way to identify an infestation is by physically noticing pests (think: ants marching in a trail, cockroaches scurrying across your floor, mice in and around your kitchen, etc.) inside and outside your home. If you don’t physically see any pests, look for the following signs:
- Noise—If you hear scurrying, chirping, fluttering, or other abnormal noises within the home, you may be dealing with some sort of pest. Try to pinpoint where the noise is coming from so you can have a pest control professional inspect the space.
- Smell—Oftentimes, if you’re dealing with rodents, you’ll be able to smell urine or fecal matter.
- Physical manifestations—If you see droppings or teeth marks in and around your home, you’re likely dealing with a pest infestation.
Can I use DIY solutions to treat a pest infestation?
Though there are some DIY solutions you can apply to temporarily treat a pest infestation, they might not hold up against larger infestations.
How much does a pest control plan cost?
The cost of a pest control plan will vary based on your property and needs. For a 2,000 square-foot home, you can expect to pay between $550–$1,200 annually. Across all plans and companies, pest control costs roughly $750 each year, though you should receive an individual inspection for a more accurate estimate. The price will depend on the following:
- Degree of infestation: The more serious the infestation, the more you may have to pay.
- Pest type: Some pests cost more to treat and require additional fees.
- Treatment process: Dependent on the pests, the service may require more intensive treatment.
- Property size: Your cost will be based on the size of your home.
What’s included in a pest control plan?
Most pest control companies offer multiple coverage options. Basic plans typically protect against the most common household pests such as ants, spiders, earwigs, roaches, mice, and more. Additionally, there may be separate plans for termites, ticks, mosquitoes, and bed bugs for customers in need of more targeted treatment.
How can I prevent a pest infestation?
The preventative methods you use to avoid an infestation will depend on the type of pest you’re dealing with. However, there are certain strategies you can employ to make it more difficult to prevent pests from entering and damaging your house. Here are a few:
- Caulk and seal all holes in your walls and foundation.
- Fix damaged window screens and doors.
- Take out the trash as soon as it’s full.
- Sweep your floors every night to remove crumbs and other food debris.
- Declutter your house on a monthly basis.
How long does pest control last for?
It should last for years. Depending on the type of infestation you’re dealing with, you may need to opt in for routine pest remediation visits.
What are my pest control options in Alaska?
Most national pest control companies don’t actually do business in Alaska. However, there are a few candidates that can help Alaskans with their pest problems:
- Pied Piper Pest Control
- Eagle Pest Control Services
- American Pest Management
Types of pest control
There are three main methods: preventative, chemical, and biological.
- Preventative methods. Some pest control companies will treat your house to prevent infestations from happening in the first place. These methods could include caulking holes in your wall or foundation, removing trash from the property, and spraying chemical solutions to repel pests.
- Chemical methods. Pesticides are one of the most common forms of chemical pest control. Though chemical methods are not typically preferred because of their effects on the environment and human health, they tend to be used in cases of severe pest infestation.
- Biological methods. These methods include fumigation, sterilization, electronic and ultrasonic devices, traps, and bait.
Common pests treated by professionals
- Cockroaches
- Spiders
- Termites
- Ants
- Bed bugs
- Rats
- Mice
- Flies
- Mosquitoes
- Stinging pests
- Centipedes
- Moths
- Fleas
- Crickets
- Ticks
- Wildlife
How much does it cost?
The cost of pest control services will depend on the type of pest you’re dealing with, where you live, and the severity of the issue. In general, the average cost is between $125 and $200. You’ll typically get a more accurate quote from a professional after they’ve inspected your home and assessed your pest problem.
Average Pest Control Pricing
- Ants: $125–$200
- Bed bugs: $250–$400 (depending on house size)
- Bees: $95
- Cockroaches: $100
- Fleas: $125
- Mosquitos: $75
- Rodents: $150–$200
- Spiders: $88
- Termite inspection: $150–$300
- Termite treatment: $1,000–$2,500
- Wildlife removal: $475–$575
Note: One-time visits generally cost more than scheduled maintenance visits. Consider signing up for ongoing pest treatments (on a quarterly, semi-annually, or annual basis) if you regularly deal with termites, roaches, rodents, and ants, or if you live in a climate conducive to pest infestations.
What to expect with a professional exterminator
When you hire a pest control professional, here’s what you can expect:
1. Initial inspection. When an exterminator first visits your house, they’ll inspect the interior and exterior for pest problems. They’ll create a personal plan of action that addresses existing problems and future pest issues. The best companies will work with you to create a plan that addresses the current issue and prevents future infestations from occurring.
2. Application. After the initial inspection, your exterminator will schedule a follow-up appointment to apply treatments that are customized to your home’s specific needs. For internal treatments, a service representative might spray products along your baseboards and inspect areas of entry. For external treatments, a professional will likely get rid of any physical nests or webs and spray pesticides to kill bugs and prevent them from coming into your house. The treatment frequency will likely depend on the pest plan you select, the type of pest you’re dealing with, and where you live. If you have any questions at all during the treatment process, ask your exterminator to walk you through each step of the process and explain the “why” of what they’re doing.
3. Report. You can expect an appoint summary from your exterminator that explains what treatments were applied, suggestions for preventing future pest problems, and when you can expect a follow-up treatment visit.
How we chose the best pest control companies
At House Method, our goal is to save homeowners time and money, so we’ve done all the research for you when it comes to pest control and remediation efforts. When comparing the best pest control companies, we considered availability, pricing, treatment plans, company experience, customer service, and third-party reviews. Through this methodology, we highly recommend only the best exterminators that our team would use in our own homes.
Our research process involves a multi-step process to get real insights into the customer experience for each company. We contacted each pest control company directly, spoke to representatives via phone and online chat (if available). This helps us better understand the company’s treatment offerings and customer service. We also take into account BBB accreditation and what customer reviews say about each company. Additionally, we fact-check and update company data regularly to ensure accurate and up-to-date information.
We developed a 100-point rating system to numerically compare the companies to each other.
- Plan options (35 points): Companies that offer more plans and flexibility on services to address specific issues were given a higher score.
- State Availability (5 points): Those that offer coverage in fewer than 45 states were deducted points for availability.
- Trustworthiness (10 points): This is based on whether companies have money-back guarantees, service guarantees, and additional satisfaction assurance measures.
- Customer Service (30 points): We considered accessibility (including on weekends and holidays) of technicians and customer support.
- Additional Benefits (20 points): Companies that offer further conveniences such as an app, comprehensive resources, and other benefits were rated higher.
Final thoughts
Our team believes that pest control is best left to the experts. It’s best to hire a professional before an issue gets out of hand. The best pest control companies are Orkin, Terminix, Rentokil, and Aptive Environmental. Each of these companies offers quality service and expertise and provides customers with peace of mind that their property is protected from unwanted pests.
Orkin is a great option for flexibility, as its basic plan covers 51 common pests and offers multiple add-ons. On the basis of reputation, Terminix has nearly a century’s worth of experience to back its services. It’s also accredited by the BBB and earned an A- rating. With several regional divisions, you can trust you’re getting local, tailored service from Rentokil. Finally, Aptive’s eco-friendly products make it a safe option for your home and the environment.
We recommend receiving quotes from all of these companies before making your final decision.
