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Nobody wants a pest infestation, but even the cleanest homes can have them—over 15,000 species of insects have been identified in the state of Arizona. Finding a reliable pest control company becomes a top priority when the presence of pests gets out of hand, and it’s crucial to avoid common mistakes such as overpaying for inadequate services.
By reading up on helpful tips before hiring an AZ exterminator, residents can remedy the headache of dealing with pests while ensuring they’re working with the best company for the job. Below is our list of the best pest control companies in Arizona that can efficiently eliminate unwanted pests from customers’ homes.
- BEST OVERALL: Orkin
- RUNNER-UP: Terminix
- BEST FOR WILDLIFE CONTROL: Critter Control
- ALSO CONSIDER: Aptive Environmental
What to Consider When Choosing One of the Best Pest Control Companies in Arizona
Being a homeowner comes with its share of stressful situations, and finding the best route to navigate the world of pest control services can be overwhelming. Many factors come into play, including the types of pests treated, quote processes, scheduling of visits, certifications and guarantees, and customer support. Below are a few items for homeowners to consider on the search for a company suitable for their pest control needs.
Types of Pests Treated
Not every pest control company is equipped to handle the type of pest a homeowner is dealing with. Some companies specialize in eliminating specific types of pests in Arizona, from getting rid of kissing bugs and termites to exterminating scorpions and rattlesnakes. Speaking with a representative about the types of local pests the company not only treats, but is knowledgeable about, is a great place to begin. Many companies with an online presence will list the pests they treat on their websites as well.
Homeowners will also want to consider whether the representative or technician has a wide range of knowledge when it comes to common bugs in Arizona. Simply describing the appearance of the pest should allow the technician to give the homeowner a confident answer about the type of pest the homeowner is dealing with. It is good to note whether the company has had success in eradicating the pest in other homes in the area. Customers can ask the company directly for referrals or search for online reviews.
Quote Process
Homeowners who choose a reputable, professional company may receive a free initial inspection and will want to consider companies that fully inspect the home, understand how to exterminate the pest, and further ensure the prevention of a recurrence.
Additionally, homeowners will want to keep away from companies that don’t offer quotes in writing. Written quotes can prevent customers from being bamboozled by hidden costs lumped on top of the treatment price. It’s wise to pursue a company that inspects the property, understands the full extent of the issue, and provides a written quote detailing all costs involved.
Scheduling and Recurring Visits
If homeowners deal with recurring infestations, such as getting rid of crickets or ants every year, it might be worth scheduling at least one visit, and sometimes more than one. Some properties need a long-term commitment from a pest control company; having someone to call who will immediately show up to fix the problem builds trust. A fixed annual or monthly fee might be within the contract for these types of services.
Insurance, Certifications, and Licensing
Pest control managers most likely have the education and training needed to do the job; however, it’s essential to ask about the rest of the team. Homeowners will want to inquire about technicians who will be entering the home and conducting the extermination.
Other factors will also need to be taken into consideration, such as whether a company has the correct licenses to operate within the state; this can be verified online or through local licensing organizations. Homeowners can also tell if a company is likely to get the job done correctly the first time if it’s affiliated with a professional pest control association. This affiliation means the company is serious about the dedication and quality of work for its clients and is held to a certain standard by association members.
Guarantees
The biggest annoyance about pests is their ability to come back. A reputable company will offer preventive measures to ensure the pests stay away for good. Pest control companies may offer a guarantee or warranty to return within a certain time frame if the homeowner is not happy with the outcome or if the pests come back.
Customer Support
When homeowners are searching for that perfect pest company to partner with, they will want to keep customer service in mind. How easy is it to get in touch with the company to schedule appointments or ask questions? Are the technicians personable, and do they explain the processes that they’ll be using in a home? A company’s reviews and referrals are a big indicator of a good customer service experience.
Our Top Picks
After in-depth research considering the types of pest a company is able to treat for, the quote process, customer guarantees, and more, here are our four top picks for the best Arizona pest control companies.
Best Overall
Orkin
- 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
Why It Made the Cut: Orkin is a nationwide residential and commercial pest control company specializing in termite treatment and pest control. With hundreds of franchise locations, Orkin services the major cities and suburbs of Arizona, including Phoenix, Peoria, Mesa, Gilbert, Tempe, and more. Orkin was founded in 1901 in Pennsylvania, and more than 120 years later, it has become one of the biggest national and international names in pest control services. The company has over 400 global locations, 8,000 team members, and has served nearly 2 million customers. Technicians who work for Orkin are required to complete 160 hours of award-winning training before servicing any home. Additionally, they receive annual education on pest-related diseases, which keeps them up to date on risks and reinstills the urgency of handling certain types of infestations. Orkin has consistently achieved the National Pest Management Association QualityPro designation, a third-party credential that signifies high standards of training and expertise. Furthermore, the company partners with large agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Science Teaching Association, and American Red Cross to ensure it provides “maximum exposure with minimal impact.” With its far-reaching coverage and high-quality service, Orkin remains in demand by homeowners. While Orkin only offers customer support for new customers through its phone line, existing customers can either call or email for help with the services they’re interested in.
Runner-Up
Terminix
- 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 protection
Cons
- Comprehensive pest management resources and blog
- Online scheduling can be difficult
Why It Made the Cut: Another great choice for pest control in AZ is Terminix, which offers residential pest, rodent, mosquito, and termite control in Arizona and worldwide. According to its website, Terminix provides “industry-leading essential pest management services to more than 50,000 homes and businesses every day.” With 11,700 teammates and 380 locations around the world, the company services nearly 3 million customers. Terminix aims to make pest control affordable with multiple types of discounts and rolling promotions. As part of its pest prevention services, Terminix also specializes in attic insulation, crawl space encapsulation, and gutter protection—all of which help prevent pests from returning in the future. Furthermore, Terminix employs on-staff entomologists that update the company’s pest management resource library to ensure customers can reference accurate, up-to-date information. While some users have reported challenges in booking services online, particularly with the address autofill function, customer support is available 24/7 by phone and live chat to assist in the process.
Best For Wildlife Control
Critter Control
- 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
Why It Made the Cut: When home pests escalate from insects to rodents and wildlife, Critter Control is ready to take on the job. It offers humane wildlife management and animal control nationwide. For over 30 years, Critter Control has helped residential and commercial customers find humane ways to rid their homes and businesses of unwanted wildlife. It has over 100 offices across the U.S. and Canada. Before choosing Critter Control, homeowners will want to call their local branch to confirm specifics like service hours, guarantees, and types of pests handled. Critter Control offers unique advantages to homeowners looking for wildlife and pest removal services. The certified wildlife specialist technicians who service homes are highly experienced in the removal of vertebrate animals and repairing any damage caused. Among the variety of animals Critter Control can handle are bats, snakes, moles, pigeons, and many more. Critter Control also offers a limited lifetime warranty that enhances reliability for the completed work.
Also Consider
Aptive Environmental
- Types of pests treated: Insects, rodents
- 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
- EPA Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program member
- Portion of company profits go to the United Nations Foundation’s United to Beat Malaria campaign to help stop the spread of malaria
Cons
- Limited information available online
- Termites and bed bugs not treated
- Somewhat limited service area
Why It Made the Cut: Aptive Environmental makes pest control simple and has over 125,000 five-star reviews from satisfied customers. Founded in 2015, Aptive is the youngest business on our list of top picks. However, in just under 10 years, Aptive has grown into a well-known name in pest control based on its steadfast mission to make every home happy, healthy, and free from pests. Aptive makes it easy to schedule services or get quotes online; the short, one-page form is quick to use and straightforward. While Aptive doesn’t offer treatment for termites and bed bugs, it does handle several other common house bugs in Arizona. Customers can book with confidence, too, as Aptive is a member of the EPA Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program. Homeowners who work with Aptive also help support the United Nations Foundation’s United to Beat Malaria campaign that works to stop the spread of malaria. It’s wise for customers to contact their local branch of Aptive Environmental to get a full picture of service area and offerings. Aptive does have 24/7 customer support by phone and live online chat, so answers aren’t far away.
Our Verdict
Due to its 30-day money-back guarantee, extensive 160-hour training for technicians, and 24/7 customer support service by phone, among many other qualities, we consider Orkin the best pest control company in Arizona. Following closely behind, Terminix also offers great qualities homeowners can consider when choosing a pest control company, such as discounts and promotions, pest control resources online, and additional services like crawl space encapsulation.
How We Chose the Best Pest Control Companies in Arizona
Our search for the best pest control companies in the state was thorough and exhaustive. We examined each company for number of years in service, brand reputation, customer reviews, eco-friendliness, additional services offered, customer service help, discounts, money-back guarantees, and more. Additionally, we put ourselves in the shoes of homeowners in need and sought how difficult or easy it may be to reach out to these companies through online request forms, telephone numbers, and live chats. We gave awards to companies based on their individual strengths, and we did not include companies that did not meet our standards.
Before You Hire One of the Best Pest Control Companies in Arizona
Although a pest control company may be right for a homeowner’s specific needs on paper, it’s not a bad idea to go into the hiring process with caution. A homeowner could reach out to a company for specific pest issues and end up being talked into a monthly contract that may be more than they bargained for, or one they don’t necessarily need. The best pest control companies will provide transparent pricing and information, and won’t try to upsell homeowners unless the additional service is truly necessary. If a customer doesn’t feel comfortable with the services one company is suggesting, it’s wise to get a second opinion from another company.
Cost of Hiring One of the Best Pest Control Companies in Arizona
The cost of hiring an exterminator can vary. Pricing will be dependent upon infestation size, property size, infestation location, and indoor versus outdoor extermination. Even pest versus wildlife control will interfere with the cost; hiring an Arizona bug company to get rid of mole crickets may be significantly cheaper than hiring a company to deal with a family of raccoons on the property or bats in the attic.
One-time visits for specific pests like the different types of cockroaches, termites, or other bugs in Arizona can run between $111 and $261 on average per visit. The national average for this service is $176. Depending on the company chosen, a consultation visit may cost homeowners between $150 and $300.
The Advantages of Using One of the Best Pest Control Companies in Arizona
The pros outweigh the cons when it comes to using a pest control company. Although a homeowner may think a pest issue is an easy fix, that may not always be the case. Using a pest control company can:
- Protect a homeowner’s property from pest damage;
- Save the homeowner’s wallet from the cost of continual at-home remedies if the issue does not become controlled; and
- Alleviate potential health issues for homeowners and their families that may accompany pest or rodent issues in the home.
FAQs
For those wanting to know more, here are some of the most common questions from the Arizona area about pest control.
Q. Are termites common in Arizona?
Subterranean, drywood, and dampwood termites in Arizona homes are quite common. In the country, the only other state with such a high termite issue per home is Hawaii.
Q. Do scorpions hibernate in Arizona?
Scorpions will hibernate in homes to stay warm all winter. Because of Arizona’s mild weather, many area pests stay active longer; it is a myth that scorpions die in the winter weather.
If you’re looking to get rid of scorpions, it’s wise to search for a skilled pest control expert with scorpion experience, who will know how to use products like the best scorpion killers to eradicate the creatures.
Q. How much do pest control companies in Arizona charge on average?
The average cost of a pest control visit is between $111 and $261. This charge can also reflect a consultation visit. Certain pests may cost more to treat; for example, it may be costlier to get rid of termites than it will be to get rid of carpet beetles.
Also, rates for a wildlife control specialist may be different than rates for a pest control company. If you’re looking to get rid of gophers or get rid of rattlesnakes, you’ll likely want to call a company that removes vertebrate creatures.
Q. How often can I expect a pest control company to perform treatments?
In an ongoing pest control situation, a pest control expert may visit monthly or bimonthly. If a homeowner has a more serious issue, such as getting rid of waterbugs or termites, visits may be weekly.
Q. What are some of the most common pests in Arizona?
Common Arizona pests include termites, scorpions, black widows, palo verde beetles, ants, centipedes, false chinch, sun spiders, and drain flies. There are also various types of cockroaches in Arizona.
Q. How often should I call a pest control company in Arizona to inspect for pests?
Pest control inspections can occur as often as bimonthly or as infrequently as quarterly. Services like mosquito control in Arizona require recurring visits during the active season. Routine inspections may be beneficial for homeowners who have had pest issues in the past.