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One of the most frustrating experiences is when pests like roaches invade the home. Home is supposed to be a safe space where friends and family can get together or residents recover from a long day at work. But when roaches take up residence in the floors, ceilings, and walls, the home can become incredibly stressful with worries of unavoidable, unwelcome guests.
DIYers can attempt to get rid of roach infestations with homemade or store-bought solutions, but cockroaches are notoriously resilient and tough to kill. Researching a pool of top exterminators in the area is recommended to find the best cockroach exterminator company to handle the ongoing infestation quickly and effectively.
- BEST OVERALL: Orkin
- RUNNER-UP: Terminix
- BEST FOR PREVENTION: Ehrlich Pest Control
- ALSO CONSIDER: Aptive Environmental
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Cockroach Exterminator for You
It’s not wise to make a hasty decision when selecting a roach extermination company. Instead of going with the first result that comes up after searching for “exterminator near me,” it’s good to take some time to properly research a company’s service area, quote process, scheduling means, and any benefits to the customer, such as annual maintenance plans or promotions. It’s also important to look into the pest control company’s insurance, certifications, and licensing to ensure the customer entrusts their home to a qualified crew of extermination professionals.
Service Area
Before looking too deeply into a company’s qualifications, it’s necessary to determine whether the customer’s home or business falls within the company’s service area. A company’s service area can be limited to a single city or stretch across the nation, depending on the number of locations the company has throughout the country. Larger extermination companies tend to have multiple locations, allowing the service area to stretch through more ZIP codes.
Customers who live in relatively remote areas may or may not be within a company’s service area or may fall between various locations. Therefore, it’s a good idea to speak with a company representative to determine whether a home falls within the service region and if there are any additional fees for homes outside of this area.
Quote Process
Extermination companies typically require an initial inspection appointment before providing an accurate quote. This is because a roach infestation can be isolated to a small nest or widespread throughout the entire home. Exterminators attending the inspection appointment may even be able to take care of the infestation simultaneously.
Typically, the inspection appointment is free, but it’s a good idea to double-check when scheduling an appointment. After the professional exterminator has inspected the home, they can devise a plan and provide the homeowner with a quote. Customers will want to ask for a detailed breakdown of the costs and services to ensure there aren’t any hidden fees.
Scheduling and Recurring Visits
In most cases, roach infestations are not considered an emergency, so very few extermination companies offer 24/7 appointment availability. Before booking, customers can check the company website for scheduling details or speak to the customer service department to understand the options clearly.
Customers will likely need to be home to let the exterminator in, but depending on the eradication methods, it may not be safe for residents or pets to remain on the premises while the treatment is going on. Residents may have to leave and return a few hours later. Additionally, roach infestations can recur even after the original problem has been handled. Customers can speak to the extermination company to discuss recurring visits to ensure the infestation is completely eradicated.
Insurance, Certification, and Licensing
Researching various companies before deciding on the best cockroach exterminator to handle the problem is necessary to ensure that the exterminators are trained, insured, and licensed. General liability insurance is designed to cover the worker and the company for any claims involving bodily injuries or property damage resulting from their services or operations.
According to the EPA, federal law requires extermination professionals to be certified following EPA regulations, state laws, territorial laws, and tribal laws in each state where they will be using restricted pesticides. This process differs depending on the location, though most states require the extermination professional to pass a proctored test before receiving their certification or pesticide license.
Some third-party organizations provide certifications to professional exterminators and extermination companies that have high training standards and a proven track record of using environmentally responsible products.
Guarantees
A common problem when dealing with cockroaches and other pests is that the extermination can appear to be successful for several days or even a few weeks. During this time, remnants of the initial nest may be repopulating as they spread throughout the home. For this reason, it’s recommended to speak to the customer support staff about any guarantees on the work.
A guarantee can help improve customer confidence in the company. Still, it should also ensure that the customer won’t be held responsible for the exterminator’s error if they did not handle the problem correctly the first time. It’s important to point out, however, that not every company offers guarantees due to the potential for infestations to recur in areas with a high roach population.
Customer Support
One of the most important aspects of a top cockroach extermination company is having an experienced, knowledgeable customer service department that can answer most customer questions. Customer service reps should have at least a basic understanding of the extermination process and the chemicals used to get the job done.
Additionally, customer support personnel need to be consistent with their answers. They should be a reliable resource the customer feels comfortable contacting if any problems arise with the scheduling, pricing, or appointment. Many companies will offer 24/7 phone or live-chat support so that customers don’t need to worry about working around their schedules just to set up an inspection appointment or ask for a quote.
Our Top Picks
The list of top cockroach exterminators was chosen based on a series of factors, including the service area, quote process, scheduling convenience, customer service availability, technician training, and overall quality.
Best Overall
Orkin
- Service area: Nationwide
- Scheduling: Online, phone
- Certifications: National Pest Management Association QualityPro, state and locally certified
- Guarantee: 30-day money-back guarantee
- Customer support: 24/7 by phone
Pros
- More than 400 locations nationwide
- Technicians receive 160 hours of award-winning training
- National Pest Management Association QualityPro accreditation
- Technicians receive annual education from the CDC on pest-related diseases
Cons
- Customer support only available by phone
Why It Made the Cut: Orkin exterminators undergo 160 hours of award-winning training to provide top-quality service to their customers. People turn to professional exterminators because they don’t have the knowledge, experience, and equipment to handle rapidly spreading roach populations. Orkin exterminators step in to fulfill this need through its more than 400 locations nationwide. The company also provides 24/7 support over the phone, so customers can ask any pressing questions, get a breakdown of the pricing quote, or schedule an appointment. Orkin requires its technicians to go through at least 160 hours of training, and the company has been consistently featured as an Editor’s Choice in Training magazine’s Top 125 list, signaling a high standard of employee preparation. Along with this training, Orkin exterminators receive ongoing education from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on pest-related diseases, so technicians know the risks pests like cockroaches can pose and can eradicate those pests as efficiently as possible. The company holds the National Pest Management Association QualityPro accreditation, which is a third-party credential that signifies a high standard of training and technician expertise.
Runner-Up
Terminix
- Service area: Nationwide
- Scheduling: Online, phone
- Certifications: State and locally certified
- Guarantee: 30-day money-back guarantee
- Customer support: 24/7 by phone and live chat
Pros
- Annual maintenance plans available
- Readily available discounts and promotions
- Comprehensive pest management resources and blog
Cons
- Online scheduling can be difficult
Why It Made the Cut: Terminix takes care of roaches while offering various discounts, promotions, and flexible service plans. Recurring roach infestations are a common problem in many homes and apartments, and paying professionals to exterminate the pests repeatedly can add up. Terminix recognizes this issue and provides customers with a range of discounts, promotions, and service plan options, including an annual maintenance plan so that customers can get regular pest control treatments at a more affordable rate. Terminix stands out with its comprehensive pest management resources and a readily available blog that on-staff entomologists regularly update. This bulk of reliable resources indicates expertise and dedication to the field. Customers can schedule an appointment for cockroach extermination online by navigating to the cockroach web page from the main drop-down menu, then adding the service to their cart. Potential customers can learn more about this pest control company by reading our Terminix review.
Best for Prevention
Ehrlich Pest Control
- Service area: 20 states
- Scheduling: Phone
- Certifications: National Pest Management Association GreenPro, state and locally certified
- Guarantee: Customer satisfaction guarantee
- Customer support: 24/7 by phone and live chat
Pros
- PestFree365+ plan treats and prevents 36 of the most common household pests year-round
- Additional services include moisture control and vegetation management
- National Pest Management Association GreenPro accreditation
Cons
- Online pricing tool is somewhat misleading
Why It Made the Cut: Customers can rely on Ehrlich Pest Control to kill roaches and prevent them from coming back with the PestFree365+ plan. There are many steps homeowners and renters can take to help mitigate pest problems and prevent infestations from recurring. Ehrlich Pest Control doesn’t just treat the initial infestation; it also offers services and various treatment plans that work to stop roaches and other pests from returning. Customers can take advantage of the proprietary PestFree365+ plan, which continuously manages infestations of roaches and 35 other common household pests. Additional services outside of extermination that Ehrlich Pest Control offers include moisture control and vegetation management, which are intended to make a home less appealing to roach populations. In addition, Ehrlich Pest Control has earned the National Pest Management Association GreenPro accreditation, signifying high training standards and the use of environmentally responsible products. Customers can contact customer service by phone to receive the most accurate information about pricing and the quote process.
Also Consider
Aptive Environmental
- Service area: 32 states and Washington, D.C.
- Scheduling: Online, phone
- Certifications: Not specified
- Guarantee: Reservice guarantee
- Customer support: 24/7 by phone and live chat
Pros
- Straightforward online quote process and scheduling
- Member of EPA Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program
- Portion of company profits go to United Nations Foundation’s Nothing But Nets campaign to help stop the spread of malaria
Cons
- Limited information available online
Why It Made the Cut: Aptive Environmental takes care of the ecosystem while ridding homes and businesses of roaches with its eco-friendly approach to extermination. Cockroaches pose a significant problem to many homes and businesses, but in treating that problem, it’s entirely possible to create new issues that can affect the local ecosystem. Aptive Environmental is a member of the EPA Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program and is committed to maintaining strict environmental safety standards concerning pesticide use by using eco-friendly pest control options. The company also donates a portion of profits to the United Nations Foundation’s Nothing But Nets campaign to help stop the spread of malaria. It’s easy to schedule an appointment through Aptive’s intuitive user interface, and customers can reach out to a support representative 24/7 with any specific questions regarding Aptive’s treatments or processes. S
Our Verdict
Orkin is known for having highly trained staff with years of experience and knowledge that allows them to handle light to heavy roach infestations quickly and effectively. If excellent customer service, annual maintenance plans, and regular discounts sound appealing, then another excellent option for roach control is Terminix.
How We Chose the Best Cockroach Exterminators
The selection process for this list of the best cockroach exterminators started with a broad pool of potential options, then we narrowed the list down through extensive research into the methods, certifications, customer support quality, and technician qualifications. It was essential to ensure that the selected companies met or exceeded the minimum standards for local and state licensing and that the companies maintained a high level of transparency in their practices.
The size of the service area and appointment availability also factored into the final selection of the top roach exterminators. Companies with a variety of treatment plans were an attractive option because the needs of individual customers typically vary. Other factors, including quotes, industry expertise, and eco-friendly extermination solutions, were also considered when putting together this list of the top roach exterminators.
Before You Hire the Best Cockroach Exterminator for You
It’s critical to act quickly to prevent the spread of a roach infestation. Still, before hiring an exterminator, a few factors must be considered. Those renting a home or apartment need to figure out whether the tenant or the landlord is responsible for handling pest control efforts. In most situations, the responsibility to pay for the appropriate pest control treatment falls to the landlord. However, if the actions or inactions of the tenant are determined to be the cause of the pest infestation, such as collecting trash in the basement instead of disposing of it properly, the cost may fall to the tenant. Some landlords or property management companies may have restrictions on which companies tenants can hire, so it’s always wise for renters to reach out to their landlord before hiring a pest control company.
Another aspect to keep in mind is the type of pesticide the exterminators are using. These substances can pose a risk to public health and the environment. However, cockroaches can pose health risks, especially to homes with young children, those with asthma, or immunocompromised individuals. Customers will want to balance the pros and cons of using harsh chemicals with the importance of effectively eradicating a cockroach population.
Cost of Hiring the Best Cockroach Exterminator for You
Roaches are one of the more problematic pests that people need to deal with regularly because they are ruthless survivors. These pests can withstand a wide range of toxins that would wreak havoc on more fragile species. They even engage in cannibalism and feed on their own feces, so getting rid of them can prove challenging. Customers will want to call in exterminators at the first sign of a roach infestation. The longer someone waits, the more likely they will have a high extermination bill to pay.
On average, customers will typically pay about $100 to $400 for a one-time extermination treatment. However, larger infestations may require alternative pesticides or more invasive treatment procedures that may increase the cost to $6,000 or more before the roach population is eliminated.
The Advantages of Using the Best Cockroach Exterminator for You
There are several reasons many people turn to top cockroach exterminators to get rid of roach infestations in their homes. One of the most obvious advantages of hiring a professional exterminator is that they are trained and licensed to use pesticides to eliminate roaches safely and effectively. They can also provide customers with detailed information on combating small nests and preventing recurring infestations.
However, the main advantage of using the best cockroach exterminator to handle a roach infestation is that most DIY methods like diatomaceous earth, borax, or off-the-shelf sprays are only effective against isolated insects or small nests. Roaches are known for resilience, so when dealing with a large infestation, it’s better to call in the pros to properly exterminate the pests before they can spread throughout the walls, ceilings, and floors.
- Exterminators are trained and licensed to use the most suitable pesticides for the job.
- Customers can get detailed information from trained pros to prevent infestations.
- DIY methods are ineffective against large infestations.
FAQs
Having more information about the extermination process and hiring one of the best pest control companies is important for a customer’s understanding and is necessary for deciding how to get rid of cockroaches. Find out more about the best cockroach exterminator and how to get rid of roaches in the home by checking out the answers to these frequently asked questions.
Q. Is an exterminator worth it for roaches?
Roaches tend to lurk in spots that are difficult to reach. There, they quickly build nests and begin to reproduce. Cockroaches are hard to kill and often resort to feeding on roach feces or cannibalizing dead roaches in the nest if there isn’t available food. You can go days without seeing one, despite the infestation slowly working through your floors, ceilings, and walls. It’s possible to handle small cockroach infestations on your own. However, it’s almost impossible to know how big a cockroach infestation is, and it’s worth it to call in professional exterminators to regain your home.
Q. How much does it cost to get rid of cockroaches?
On average, you can expect to pay about $100 to $400 for a one-time cockroach treatment. However, larger infestations may require repeat visits, alternative cockroach killer products, or more costly strategies that can reach up to $6,000, so it’s important to take action quickly before the roach population can get out of control.
Q. How often should an exterminator spray for roaches?
It’s recommended to have an exterminator spray for cockroaches about twice a year. You may need more- or less-frequent treatment depending on the age of the building, current building condition, infestation history, and any high-risk conditions, such as neighboring buildings with infestations. It’s a good idea to inspect recurring infestation sites regularly to spot signs of roach activity.
Q. What kills roaches permanently?
For small infestations, trying to kill the roaches with one of the best roach killers on your own may be worth it before looking up “exterminators near me.” You can mix equal parts borax with white table sugar to create toxic dust that will attract roaches and kill them by dehydrating the roaches. Diatomaceous earth is another great option that can be sprinkled on any surface where you have noticed roach activity.
However, these methods are helpful for one or two rogue roaches. If roach infestations are not handled quickly, they can grow beyond your control. When you spot a roach, it’s wise to call in trained professionals to handle the infestation before it spreads to all corners of your home.
Q. What do professionals use to exterminate roaches?
Professional exterminators use many products to deal with roaches, including foggers, sprays, and gel-bait insecticides. Most extermination products rely on a few powerful active ingredients that have been proven effective against roaches, such as boric acid, hydramethylnon, and fipronil.
Q. What smells keep roaches away?
Essential oils are commonly used to repel cockroaches and other pests. Some options that keep roaches away and make the home smell great include lavender, citrus, and eucalyptus.
Sources: This Old House