We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More ›
As in many parts of the country, ants, roaches, mice, termites, and other pests are a reality when it comes to living in Arlington, Virginia. While people can attempt to DIY the issue by employing ant baits, mice traps, and other environmental pest control options that are available at local big-box stores, these don’t always solve the problem, especially when it comes to a full-blown insect or rodent infestation. Sometimes the best option is to hire a professional pest control service.
Finding the right pest control company among all the choices on the market can be overwhelming. Luckily, residents in Arlington have several great options to choose from. The Northern Virginia city’s pest control companies have well-trained technicians that know how to effectively and safely administer chemicals when necessary to eliminate pests and keep them from coming back. Many also offer preventive services aimed at making their customers’ homes less accessible and attractive to pests. Read on to find out about some of the best pest control companies in Arlington.
- BEST OVERALL: Orkin
- RUNNER-UP: Terminix
- BEST FOR PREVENTION: Ehrlich Pest Control
- BEST WILDLIFE CONTROL: Critter Control
- ALSO CONSIDER: MTB Pest Control
What to Consider When Choosing One of the Best Pest Control Companies in Arlington
When searching for a top pest control company, whether it’s in Northern Virginia or any other part of the country, it’s important to find one that treats the offending pest, has a transparent quote process, and is licensed and insured to offer this type of service. Ahead, learn more about these factors and other things to look for when selecting a pest control company.
Types of Pests Treated
A pest control company isn’t of much use if it doesn’t treat the specific creepy-crawlies, rodents, stinging insects, or other creatures that are causing the problem. Since pest control companies vary in the types of pests they treat, customers will want to make sure the company can take care of their pest control needs before hiring them. Luckily, most pest control companies clearly list the type of insects, rodents, and other critters they include in their services.
Customers will want to keep in mind that certain pests aren’t included in a general pest control service. For example, many pest control companies sell termite protection or mosquito control as a separate stand-alone service. And while most pest control companies include control of insect populations and rodent baiting and removal in their services, only companies that specialize in wildlife typically handle removal of larger animals such as snakes, squirrels, and raccoons. Therefore, if a customer is specifically looking for mosquito service or snake removal, they’ll want to ensure the company they choose is able to provide that.
Quote Process
Before committing to a pest control service, customers will want to know exactly what they’re getting and how much it’s going to cost. A quality pest control company will send a representative to the home to conduct an inspection to assess the home’s pest control needs, then use that information to produce a quote. The quote should clearly state how much the pest control service costs and the type of treatments it includes. If the customer is purchasing recurring treatments, the quote should state how often the pest control service will come out to treat the house and whether additional on-demand treatments are included with the service or will cost extra.
Scheduling and Recurring Visits
How pest control companies allow their clients to schedule service is crucial, especially if there are indoor treatments that require someone to be at home. While most pest control prevention treatments take place on the home’s exterior, there may be times when the technician may need to treat indoor areas.
Both treatment methods and methods of scheduling can vary from one company to another. While all pest control companies allow their customers to call to schedule service, some also give their clients the added convenience of scheduling service online.
If the customer is signing up for recurring pest treatment visits or annual inspections, they will want to consider how often the pest control company comes and how much notice the company provides before each visit.
Insurance, Certification, and Licensing
Any pest control company serving Arlington needs to have the proper insurance and licensing for providing this type of service. Since pest control companies work with chemicals that are potentially dangerous to pets and humans, having a technician that’s well trained in how to administer these products is crucial to the health and welfare of the pets and people in the home. Pest control technicians in the state of Virginia must receive 40 hours of supervised training and pass an exam before they can begin treating homes. Many of the top pest control companies require their technicians to go through training that exceeds the state’s minimum standards in order to receive additional certifications from trade associations. Customers will want to look for companies with certifications from such trade organizations as the National Pest Management Association when vetting a pest control company.
Guarantees
A reputable pest control company will stand behind its services with a customer satisfaction guarantee. Since these guarantees vary from company to company, customers will want to look carefully at the guarantee when vetting each company. Some will offer a 30-day money-back guarantee if their treatment fails to solve the problem. Others will commit to returning to re-treat the problem until it’s resolved and the customer is satisfied. Customers who are paying for regular annual treatments can usually call for extra spot treatments at no cost.
Since many pest control companies have franchises throughout the country, customers will want to be aware that guarantees can vary based on location. Any guarantee should be clearly spelled out in the contract for services.
Customer Support
As anyone who has ever discovered an active rodent infestation in their home understands, being able to reach a pest control company quickly to schedule service regardless of the day or time can sometimes be crucial. All pest control companies allow their clients to reach them via phone. Some also offer additional ways to contact them, including online via live chat. The top pest control companies make themselves available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to handle pest emergencies. While most pest control companies have a policy of having a technician at a customer’s home within 48 hours, some commit to having a technician in the home within 24 hours.
Our Top Picks
Our list of top picks includes some of the most reputable names in the business. These companies offer competitive rates and have a team of thoroughly trained technicians that know how to treat homes safely and effectively to provide the best pest control in Arlington.
Best Overall
Orkin
Why It Made the Cut:
Orkin’s technicians are among the most well educated in the business thanks to the company’s rigorous training requirements.
A measure of a pest control company’s effectiveness is its technicians, which is why Orkin tops the list of pest control companies in Arlington. The company’s technicians go through 160 hours of training—far greater than the 40 hours the state of Virginia requires—before they are allowed to begin treating homes. Orkin also requires its technicians to receive continuing education on pest-related diseases through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) annually. This commitment to quality is why the company is accredited by the National Pest Management Association and why it’s been included in Training magazine’s Top 125 list several times.
Although customer service is only available by phone, it’s available 24/7 so customers can call anytime—day or night. Orkin offers treatments for common insects and rodents, along with more specialized treatments for termites and bed bugs. Customers can schedule service online or by phone anytime, day or night, and Orkin stands behind its services with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Specs
- Types of pests treated: Insects, rodents, termites, bed bugs
- 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
- 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
Runner-Up
Terminix
Why It Made the Cut:
Terminix goes beyond chemical treatments with its nonchemical preventive services and commitment to educating its customers about pests.
Terminix understands that pest control in a home is about more than treating the problem with chemicals. The company also focuses on prevention through education on its website and related services that seek to make its customers’ homes less hospitable for pests.
The company aims to educate its customers on pest identification and prevention through blogs and other resources on its website, all of which are written and curated by its own in-house entomologists. It also offers additional services aimed at keeping pests out, including attic insulation, crawl space encapsulation, and gutter guard installation.
Terminix is one of the more affordable options on the market, thanks to the frequent promotions and discounts it offers for its services. Although online scheduling is buried in the individual pest pages and can be difficult to navigate (sometimes not finding home addresses when customers input them), customers who can overcome these potential issues can book service with Terminix 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via phone or on its website—whichever they prefer.
Specs
- Types of pests treated: Insects, rodents, termites, bed bugs
- Scheduling: Online, phone
- Certifications: State and locally certified
- Guarantee: 30-day money-back guarantee
- Customer support: 24/7 by phone and live chat
Pros
- Readily available discounts and promotions
- Additional home services include attic insulation, crawl space encapsulation, and gutter guard installation
- Comprehensive pest management resources and blog
Cons
- Online scheduling can be difficult
Best for Prevention
Ehrlich Pest Control
Why It Made the Cut:
Ehrlich is committed to preventing pest infestations from ever forming with its PestFree365+ program and other preventive services.
Ehrlich knows that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to pest control services. The company seeks to ensure that its customers won’t ever have to deal with an infestation by offering pest prevention services through its PestFree365+ program. Through this plan, the company provides periodic treatments throughout the year to provide protection from pests so they never take up residence in the home. Along with regularly scheduled treatments every few months, customers can also schedule additional services for no additional charge if they spot a budding wasp nest on their porch, ants in their kitchen, or roaches in their pantry. Other services, which include moisture control and vegetation management, can help prevent future pest infestations. Customers can use the pricing tool to start the quote process, but may need to schedule an appointment to get a pricing estimate.
Those concerned about the chemicals used in pest control will also like the fact that Ehrlich has a National Pest Management Association GreenPro accreditation (which signifies high training standards and use of environmentally responsible products). The company also offers preventive services to make the home less attractive to pests. Customers can schedule service via phone or live chat, though customers may be directed to call customer service to confirm pricing information.
Specs
- Types of pests treated: Insects, rodents, termites, bed bugs
- 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
Best Wildlife Control
Critter Control
Why It Made the Cut:
Critter Control’s technicians are specially trained to humanely remove larger animals, such as raccoons, bats, and snakes.
Arlington residents dealing with larger animals in their home will want to consider hiring Critter Control to come to the rescue. The company’s technicians are certified wildlife specialists who know how to get rid of larger vertebrates, such as bats, lizards, mice, raccoons, and snakes. Critter Control’s services cover a long list of wildlife, and the company uses humane methods to remove pests and will also animal-proof the home once the intruder has been evicted.
Critter Control stands behind its work and will cover any damage the removal may incur, so the customer won’t need to worry about scheduling additional repairs with a different contractor. Critter Control offers scheduling via phone or live chat, though its customer service hours can vary based on the location—customers can check with their local office directly to get information on hours and guarantees.
Specs
- Types of pests treated: Wildlife, rodents
- Scheduling: Phone
- Certifications: Certified wildlife specialists, state and locally certified
- Guarantee: Varies by location
- Customer support: Available by phone and live chat during business hours
Pros
- “Certified wildlife specialist” technicians
- Relatively wide variety of wildlife removed
- Limited lifetime warranty on exclusion or damage repairs
Cons
- Service hours and guarantees may vary by location
Also Consider
MTB Pest Control
Why It Made the Cut:
MTB Pest Control offers affordable prevention plans in Arlington that use eco-friendly products.
Sometimes the best option for pest control is a local company that’s familiar with rodents, insects, and other pests common to the area. For Arlington, the best local option is MTB Pest Control. The company is certified, licensed, and insured to work in Virginia, D.C., and Maryland, and it offers affordable rates while still offering products that are environmentally safe for pets and people. MTB offers these child- and eco-friendly products for no extra charge, while other companies may charge an extra fee for using such products. Additionally, the company guarantees customer satisfaction. MTB also offers flexible prevention plans that include monthly or quarterly treatments.
MTB offers a no-obligation quote for its services. Customers can schedule a visit via phone 24 hours, 7 days a week; however, MTB does not offer online scheduling. In addition to handling a broad range of insects and rodents, the company also offers 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year termite warranties and will perform a termite inspection if the customer spots activity. This can help give residents additional peace of mind that they won’t have to deal with termites again for a good while.
Specs
- Types of pests treated: Insects, rodents, termites, bed bugs
- Scheduling: Phone
- Certifications: State and locally certified
- Guarantee: Customer satisfaction guarantee
- Customer support: 24/7 by phone
Pros
- Child- and eco-friendly products available
- 1- to 5-year warranty on termite control services
- Free estimates and consultations
Cons
- No online scheduling option
- Customer support only available by phone
Our Verdict
The Best Overall pest control company in Arlington is Orkin as a result of its impressive commitment to providing its technicians with thorough training before going on the job and annual lifelong training through the CDC. The Runner-Up choice, Terminix, offers pest prevention and treatment plans, as well as resources to help customers become more familiar with the signs of pest infestations so they can act quickly if one occurs.
How We Chose the Best Pest Control Companies in Arlington
We selected the top five pest control companies in Arlington after researching and vetting more than a dozen different options in the Northern Virginia area. We considered a variety of criteria, including reputation, pricing, pest types, and technician training. Our selections include well-known national names in the business as well as one local pest control service. Along with companies that cover a broad range of common pests, including insects and rodents, we also included one that specializes in removing larger wildlife. All the pest control companies we chose have the licensing and insurance required to provide pest removal services in the state of Virginia, and several have additional accreditations with trade organizations, demonstrating their commitment to excellence.
Before You Hire One of the Best Pest Control Companies in Arlington
Before deciding to hire a pest control company, customers will need to consider what type of service they want. Some pest control companies will pressure their customers into paying a monthly fee for monthly or quarterly treatments that prevent pests from getting inside the home. While these services may be effective, they may not suit a customer’s budget or needs. Customers may need only a one-time treatment to eliminate an existing problem. If a pest control company simply isn’t in the budget but the customer still needs a solution to their pest woes, they can also consider one of the best DIY pest control subscription services, which will send them the best insecticides for their needs to apply on their own at set times throughout the year.
Cost of Hiring One of the Best Pest Control Companies in Arlington
The cost of pest control services varies depending on whether a customer is purchasing a series of treatments annually or a one-time service. If customers are treating an existing infestation, they can expect to pay between $200 and $600 for treatments. That said, if a home has a large infestation, that number can quickly climb well into the thousands of dollars, depending on its size and severity. If a customer is purchasing a preventive service that provides quarterly treatments, they can expect to pay around $400 to $600 a year for the service, depending on the size of the home and property. The cost can also depend on the type of pest being treated—while termite treatment costs an average of $598, bed bug treatment costs can be much higher, with an average of $1,750.
The Advantages of Using One of the Best Pest Control Companies in Arlington
While there are certainly other pest control options available, there are several good reasons to go with one of the best options. The best pest control companies are familiar with different types of pests—for example, they can determine whether an insect infestation is termites or just bugs that look like termites—and from there they can come up with a treatment plan to rid the home of the infestation. Professional pest control companies also know the best ways to prevent pest infestations in the future and can suggest a plan to pest-proof the home. It’s advantageous to choose a termite company with experience controlling this specific pest, as the technicians can easily identify termite damage and address the issue before it worsens. In addition, the best pest control companies in Arlington offer the following advantages.
- The safe application of chemicals, and in many cases, chemical-free pest control options;
- Effective solutions designed to both treat and prevent pests in a home; and
- Guarantees that their services will be successful.
FAQs
Those wondering how much they’ll have to pay for regular pest control or how to get rid of their roach problem once and for all can read below for answers to these and other questions.
Q. Which pest is the most difficult to control?
Most pest control companies agree that the three most difficult pests to get rid of are termites, bed bugs, and cockroaches. These bugs are more adept at evading efforts to eliminate them, which is why it’s usually best for residents to hire a pro when they spot them in their home. A termite, cockroach, or bed bug removal company can ensure these pests are gone from the home for good, as they have the experience and knowledge about how to get rid of cockroaches or how to get rid of bed bugs.
Q. How much is pest control per month?
Customers who hire a pest control service to visit their home monthly can expect to pay between $40 and $70 per visit, depending on the size of the home. Pest inspection costs are often waived if the customer commits to a prevention and treatment plan, but if not it can cost an average of $133 to have a home inspected for pests.
Q. Is pest control worth it?
A pest control company will charge between $400 and $600 a year for preventive treatments. While this may sound like a lot, it pales in comparison to the amount of money you’ll spend to eliminate an infestation and make any repairs an infestation may cause. With this in mind, most customers will find that pest control is definitely worth it.
Q. What is the most common type of pest?
The most common pests in Northern Virginia and other parts of the country are ants. Once inside your home, an ant colony can quickly grow to thousands of ants. This is why it’s so important for residents to address the problem when they first notice ant activity inside their home.
Q. How often should I treat my home for pests?
Most pest control services will visit a home on a quarterly basis (once every 3 months) to administer preventive treatments. This is often enough to ensure pests stay out of the home. That said, if a resident notices pest activity during these treatments, they’ll want to contact their pest control company for an additional treatment.
Q. How do I get rid of roaches permanently?
The best way to get rid of roaches permanently is to make your home less attractive to these pests by ensuring that there are no food or water sources left out that will attract them. You should also go around your home and seal gaps and cracks that will allow them to gain entrance to your home. Finally, consider paying for a regular pre-emptive treatment from a top pest control company.