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When a pest infestation has taken over a home, it can be challenging to know what to do and who to hire. While some may opt to take care of the issue themselves, bug and pest control are best left to professionals. Hiring the best pest control service ensures the job will be done thoroughly and the home will be protected from future infestations. Before searching for “best pest control near me,” this rundown of the top companies across the country can help narrow down the options to choose from.
- BEST OVERALL: Orkin
- RUNNER-UP: Terminix
- BEST FOR PREVENTION: Ehrlich Pest Control
- BEST WILDLIFE CONTROL: Critter Control
- ALSO CONSIDER: Aptive Environmental
- BEST DIY OPTION: Sunday Lawn Care
At-a-Glance Comparison
| Types of Pests Treated | Service Area | Scheduling | Certifications | Guarantee | Customer Support | |
| Orkin | Insects, rodents, termites, bed bugs | 49 states and Washington, D.C. | Online, phone | National Pest Management Association QualityPro, state and locally certified | 30-day money-back guarantee | 24/7 by phone |
| Terminix | Insects, rodents, termites, bed bugs, wildlife | 45 states and Washington, D.C. | Online, phone | State and locally certified | Free re-treatment with pest control plans | Phone, text, live chat |
| Ehrlich Pest Control | Insects, rodents, termites, bed bugs, wildlife | 19 states and Washington D.C. | Phone | National Pest Management Association GreenPro, state and locally certified | Customer satisfaction guarantee | Phone (24/7), live chat |
| Critter Control | Wildlife, rodents | 42 states and Washington, D.C. | Phone | Certified wildlife specialists, state and locally certified | Varies by location | Phone, text |
| Sunday Lawn Care | Insects | Nationwide | N/A | N/A | Satisfaction guarantee | Phone |
| Aptive Environmental | Insects, rodents, termites (Ohio only) | 31 states | Online, phone | Not specified | Reservice guarantee | Phone |
What to Consider When Choosing One of the Best Pest Control Companies
Pest control is a significant issue for many homeowners. According to census data, millions of homeowners have claimed to have seen a rodent in their homes—but homeowners may not be sure how to get rid of rats or mice if faced with a rodent infestation. Choosing one of the best-rated pest control companies ensures homeowners will rid their houses of any unwanted intruders.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency EPA, homeowners looking for “local pest control near me” will want to assess various factors when choosing the best pest control company for them, including the type of pests treated, the frequency of the service, and pricing. Here are the essential factors to consider when determining the best local pest control service.
Types of Pests Treated
Some customers may not know what kind of infestation they have, and one of the biggest pest control myths is that an infestation will go away on its own. The main types of pests found in a home are insects, rodents, and wildlife. Although some bug spraying companies specialize in a certain type of pest removal, others know how to get rid of bugs in the house, no matter the species. Termites and bed bugs require more intensive treatment, so customers who know they’re dealing with one of these insects will want to focus their research on the best termite company or best bed bug pest control company. Removing or preventing wildlife also requires a unique skill set, so customers will want to consult a dedicated wildlife removal company if they struggle with creatures encroaching on their property.
When researching “best exterminator near me,” customers will want to contact potential companies and describe the pest in question. If the company can treat the specific pest, customers can then ask questions about their experience with those types of pests and their method of handling them. This gives customers a better idea of what the service can handle and how confident they are.
Service Area
A quick online search for “best pest control company near me” shows that not every exterminator serves the same area. Some work nationally, some are available in certain states, and others are local to a specific county or geographic location. Companies with a nationwide reach tend to have more resources to combat pest infestations, such as better equipment and different pesticides. These larger national companies are likely to have agents available who can deal with the issue sooner than a smaller local team could. This is beneficial because when dealing with a pest issue in the home, customers want it dealt with as quickly as possible.
Whether the company is locally based or nationally based, technicians need to understand the region and its specific pests. The best exterminators and pest control companies will know why pests invade homes in the area, how to remove them, and how to prevent future infestations.
Quote Process
Before committing to a service, customers wondering “How much is pest control?” will want to request a quote. Home pest control companies will come to the home, investigate the issue, and determine a quote for how much it will cost and how long it will take. Some companies are willing to estimate a cost over the phone or online. However, the quote may not be accurate without a technician seeing the home and the infestation firsthand.
During the quote process, customers will want to ask the pest control company what its process is, what the cost is, and its success rate in handling the pest. These answers will determine whether the homeowner will go with this service or get a quote from another. Even if the first company offers quality service at an affordable price, customers will want to get quotes from other companies to ensure they are receiving the best, most comprehensive services for the price.
Scheduling and Recurring Visits
When there’s a pest infestation, a homeowner’s number one priority is to handle it as soon as possible. A good pest control service will offer flexible hours and an easy scheduling process. Ideally, customers will speak to an associate immediately who can provide them with the exterminator’s availability.
Not every pest issue is an urgent one. The best services also book in advance and regularly. Customers may want to schedule recurring visits with their pest control company to eliminate the pest and prevent any future infestations. During these visits, a good pest control company can take additional measures to prevent other types of pests from entering the property. Many pest control properties offer monthly or quarterly service plans to keep pests at bay year-round, which makes pest control worth it for many homeowners.
Insurance, Certification, and Licensing
Pest control services should be bonded and insured to operate in their area. This covers technicians for any incidents for which they need to file a claim. It also protects pest control workers if they are injured or develop health issues due to their work.
Pest control companies should be qualified in at least four areas: general pest control, fumigation, termite control, and lawn pest maintenance. These qualifications hold the company to safe, EPA-certified practices. If a company or worker is not properly certified, it may cause damage to a home and its inhabitants.
Each state has different licensing requirements for pest control companies. All pest control employees must be trained and certified according to the state government’s requirements. Additionally, the pesticide applicator and service technicians need licensing, as they handle pesticides that can cause physical and environmental harm when misused.
Guarantees
The best pest control companies will offer their customers a guarantee of their services. Treatment guarantees differ depending on the service being provided. Typically, a company will give a re-treatment guarantee if the pest is not eliminated or returns within a certain period. The company will either offer to return and treat the problem again at no additional cost or give the customer a refund. At the minimum, a company should offer a satisfaction guarantee to inspire confidence in its services.
Additional Services
Many companies provide services to prevent and protect homes from multiple types of pest problems. If the structure of a home is susceptible to other kinds of infestations (beyond the original pest of concern), technicians can evaluate the property and take preventive pest control measures. These may include spraying an area or recommending a contractor to repair any vulnerable areas in a home. An insect control company will know how to get rid of hornets or other pests that could pose a health hazard to a home’s inhabitants.
Customer Support
Most customers don’t have expertise in pest control. That’s why a quality customer service agent’s job is to guide them along their journey. A customer service agent is often the first person a homeowner will talk to when hiring a pest control service. Their job is to reassure the customer and provide details of what they can expect throughout the process. They should answer any questions the homeowner has and schedule an appointment with the technicians.
Our Top Picks
After in-depth research considering service offerings, certifications, scheduling abilities, and more, we’ve established six best picks for customers looking to hire the best pest control services.
Best Overall
Orkin
Why It Made the Cut: Orkin offers a wide range of services for residential and commercial pest control customers, and each technician receives 160 hours of award-winning training.
With more than 400 locations across 49 states and Washington, D.C., Orkin is likely an option for most homeowners looking for pest control. Each of Orkin’s pest control technicians receives 160 hours of training—and the company has been consistently recognized for its training program by Training Magazine—which assures customers of their technician’s professionalism and knowledge. Many Orkin technicians also have the option to receive annual education from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on pest-related diseases, and they can then share that knowledge with other technicians. This knowledge means homeowners can feel confident their pest control pro has the most up-to-date information available.
Although customer service is only available by phone, the phone line is available 24/7, so customers can reach out whenever they have concerns—even if it’s at 3 a.m. Orkin also has a QualityPro accreditation from the National Pest Management Association, which means the company meets 18 standards for professionalism, including maintaining a drug-free workplace and conducting background checks on all employees. Less than 3 percent of U.S. companies have this designation, which makes Orkin’s QualityPro accreditation even more impressive.
Orkin handles common commercial and residential insect infestations, like ants, cockroaches, and mosquitoes, in addition to regional, less-common pests like earwigs, mites, silverfish, and stinging pests. Customers can feel confident in the quality of services thanks to the Orkin Guarantee, allowing a 30-day money-back guarantee if a customer isn’t satisfied with the technician’s work.
- Learn more with our Orkin review.
Specs
- Types of pests treated: Insects, rodents, termites, bed bugs
- Service area: 49 states and Washington, D.C.
- 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
- Technicians receive 160 hours of award-winning training
- QualityPro accreditation from the National Pest Management Association
- Technicians receive annual education from the CDC on pest-related diseases
Cons
- Customer service only available by phone
Runner-Up
Terminix
Why It Made the Cut: In addition to pest control, Terminix offers several home services to prevent future infestations, and it will re-treat free of charge if pests return in between scheduled treatments.
Terminix is a well-known name in the pest control industry, offering extermination services for insects, rodents, termites, and bed bugs, as well as some wildlife control and removal services. In addition to addressing pest infestations, Terminix offers several home services designed to help prevent future infestations. These services include attic insulation, crawl space encapsulation, and gutter protection. In addition to helping prevent pest infestations, these services can help prevent water damage to the home and lower heating bills, in some cases.
Homeowners who aren’t satisfied with their service can take advantage of Terminix’s Nix Pest Guarantee, which provides additional services at no extra charge if a pest infestation comes back between scheduled treatments. Customers can access support by phone, text, or live chat, making it easier for them to reach a representative quickly no matter their communication preferences.
Terminix pest control offers services in 45 states and Washington, D.C., though the service frequency varies depending on the customer’s location. However, this can mean lower pest control prices for homeowners who live in colder climates with fewer pest issues. Customers can also save an average of $175 by bundling pest control services, or by taking advantage of promotional offers, which Terminix often runs around holidays. Finally, Terminix customers can learn more about the types of pests that could infest their home by reviewing the company’s comprehensive pest control blog and online pest glossary. These resources, which are updated by expert entomologists, can help homeowners identify pests, prevent infestations, and take steps to remove pests before paying for pest control services.
- Learn more with our Terminix review.
Specs
- Types of pests treated: Insects, rodents, termites, bed bugs, wildlife
- Service area: 45 states and Washington, D.C.
- Scheduling: Online, phone
- Certifications: State and locally certified
- Guarantee: Free re-treatment with pest control plans
- Customer support: Phone, text, live chat
Pros
- Attic insulation, crawl space encapsulation, and gutter protection services available
- Readily available discounts and promotions
- Comprehensive pest management resources and blog
Cons
- Service frequency varies by location
Best for Prevention
Ehrlich Pest Control
Why It Made the Cut: Ehrlich Pest Control places an emphasis on prevention through its PestFree365+ plan, which treats and prevents the most common household pests before an infestation can occur.
Ehrlich Pest Control takes pest prevention seriously, which is why the company offers its PestFree365+ plan to treat and prevent 36 of the most common household pests, including ants, bed bugs, cockroaches, and rodents. This is a year-round pest control plan that’s tailored to each customer depending on their specific needs. Ehrlich’s dedication to pest prevention helps assure customers that their home is protected against infestations—and if any pests do enter the home, Ehrlich will take care of it. Customers can contact Ehrlich through live chat or by phone 24/7.
Other services offered by Ehrlich include moisture control, vegetation management, and drain line services. These services are designed to improve the home by reducing moisture, preventing mold and mildew, and removing weeds, while also making the home less hospitable to pests. Although Ehrlich’s service area is limited to 19 states and Washington, D.C., customers in its service area will appreciate that the company has a GreenPro accreditation from the National Pest Management Association. This accreditation communicates to customers that Ehrlich has taken steps to minimize the environmental impact of its treatment measures, such as minimizing exposure to harmful pesticides. This can be especially beneficial for homeowners who are concerned about traditional pest control treatments that may be harmful to the humans and animals living in the home.
Specs
- Types of pests treated: Insects, rodents, termites, bed bugs, wildlife
- Service area: 19 states and Washington, D.C.
- Scheduling: Phone
- Certifications: National Pest Management Association GreenPro, state and locally certified
- Guarantee: Customer satisfaction guarantee
- Customer support: Phone (24/7), live chat
Pros
- Customized PestFree365+ plan treats and prevents 36 of the most common household pests year-round
- Moisture control, vegetation management, and drain line services available
- GreenPro accreditation from the National Pest Management Association
Cons
- Limited service area covering 19 states and Washington, D.C.
Best Wildlife Control
Critter Control
Why It Made the Cut: Critter Control is experienced in humane wildlife removal, taking care of more common wildlife such as raccoons, as well as more exotic animals like iguanas.
Critter Control is a leading humane wildlife removal company that serves 42 states and Washington, D.C. All Critter Control technicians and franchisees must complete a certification process that was developed in partnership with Michigan State University and the state government of Michigan. This gives customers peace of mind that their “certified wildlife specialist” has the knowledge and expertise required to take care of their issue. Critter Control also has a policy to trap and relocate animals to the extent that is practical, cost-effective, and allowable under the law, and it offers trap-free solutions for several wildlife species.
When it comes to wildlife removal, Critter Control works with a relatively wide variety of animals, including more exotic ones such as armadillos, iguanas, beavers, wild hogs, and rattlesnakes in addition to more common wildlife such as squirrels and raccoons. This makes it a solid choice for many customers, regardless of the animal they wish to remove from their home or property. Service guarantees may vary across locations, with franchises tailoring their satisfaction guarantees to the market in which they operate, so customers will want to call their local branch to learn more about the guarantee they will receive. Depending on location, some customers will also receive a limited lifetime warranty on exclusion or damage repairs, meaning the company will come back to the home after the initial service to perform repairs to previously treated wildlife entry points.
In addition to the wide array of services offered, Critter Control has a comprehensive online wildlife library that can help homeowners learn more about the types of animals that are most likely to invade their home. The library also demonstrates the company’s training and the technicians’ level of expertise with various kinds of wildlife. In all, Critter Control is one of the best options for homeowners dealing with uninvited wildlife in their home.
Specs
- Types of pests treated: Wildlife, rodents
- Service area: 42 states and Washington, D.C.
- Scheduling: Phone
- Certifications: Certified wildlife specialists, state and locally certified
- Guarantee: Varies by location
- Customer support: Phone, text
Pros
- “Certified wildlife specialist” technicians
- Relatively wide variety of wildlife removed
- Limited lifetime warranty on exclusion or damage repairs possible
- Comprehensive online wildlife library
Cons
- Service guarantees may vary across locations
Best DIY Option
Sunday Lawn Care
Why It Made the Cut: Sunday Lawn Care’s pest control plans are customized to fit each homeowner’s unique needs, making finding the solution a no-brainer for those looking for a do-it-yourself pest control option.
With nationwide availability, Sunday Lawn Care is one of the best DIY pest control options for homeowners, no matter their location. Plans are customized to address each customer’s specific concerns and may include barrier sprays, indoor sprays, and insect bait. The treatment process is relatively straightforward but offers a fairly comprehensive plan to prevent and remove pests. Customers will first need to enter their address on Sunday’s website before choosing the plan that best suits their pest control needs. Customers will then receive enough products to treat their property and home for a year, with step-by-step instructions to help them get the most out of their plan.
Since Sunday is primarily a lawn care subscription service, the company’s pest control products are mainly intended for outdoor use, which means there are relatively few indoor pest control options. However, the company’s outdoor products can be used to help prevent pests from entering the home in the first place. Sunday also has relatively affordable pricing, with plans ranging from under $100 to just over $200 per year. Professional pest control can cost from $200 to $600, making Sunday a good option for customers on a limited budget.
Sunday’s targeted approach uses naturally derived pesticides that are effective against insects but don’t present long-lasting risks. The products are made from relatively sustainable and eco-conscious ingredients like essential oils and naturally derived pyrethrin. This can be a huge benefit for customers who are concerned about the effects of pesticides on the environment, or who have young children or pets at home that may be at risk from traditional pesticides.
- Learn more with our Sunday Lawn Care review.
Specs
- Type of pests treated: Insects
- Service area: Nationwide
- Scheduling: N/A
- Certifications: N/A
- Guarantee: Satisfaction guarantee
- Customer support: Phone
Pros
- Nationwide availability
- Streamlined yet comprehensive custom pest control plan process
- Relatively affordable pricing
- Environmentally low-impact products
Cons
- Relatively few indoor pest control options
Also Consider
Aptive Environmental
Why It Made the Cut: Aptive Environmental boasts a quick quote process, up-front pricing, and treatment for insects and rodents—and the company donates a portion of its proceeds to help fight malaria.
Aptive Environmental offers pest control for insects and rodents in 31 states. Although the company doesn’t treat bed bugs, it has begun offering treatment for termites in select Ohio cities, which suggests coverage may expand in the future. Customers can get a quote online by completing a short, one-page form, and they can schedule service immediately. When a customer receives a quote, they will be provided with up-front pricing, so they know exactly how much the service will cost before they get too far down the pipeline.
Aptive’s website doesn’t provide much information on the types of pesticides or treatments used, so customers may need to speak to a representative to learn more. However, the company is a member of the EPA Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program, which means it’s dedicated to reducing pesticide risk in agricultural and non-agricultural settings. This can give customers peace of mind that Aptive pest control takes environmental responsibility seriously. Additionally, a portion of Aptive’s proceeds go to the United Nations Foundation’s United to Beat Malaria campaign—the world’s largest grassroots campaign dedicated to eradicating this deadly disease. Customers can feel good about knowing that some of their pest control costs are going toward such a worthwhile cause.
Specs
- Types of pests treated: Insects, rodents, termites (Ohio only)
- Service area: 31 states
- Scheduling: Online, phone
- Certifications: Not specified
- Guarantee: Reservice guarantee
- Customer support: Phone
Pros
- Straightforward online quote process and scheduling
- Member of EPA Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program
- Portion of company profits go to United Nations Foundation’s United to Beat Malaria campaign to stop the spread of malaria
Cons
- Limited service information available online
- Technicians do not treat bed bugs
Our Verdict
We chose Orkin and Terminix as our top picks for pest control because of their extensive experience in pest management and extermination. Both companies provide pest control services nationwide and offer high-quality customer service and additional resources. Professionals are also certified and trained for the job, so customers don’t have to worry about whether they’re investing in the right people.
How We Chose the Best Pest Control Companies
When selecting our top picks for the best pest control companies, we considered the types of pests each company treats, employees’ certifications, and guarantees. After extensive research, we narrowed down our choices to five highly experienced and reliable businesses. Many of our top picks offer nationwide services at affordable prices for clients. Additionally, their certifications ensure the quality of pest management and extermination, meaning customers are less likely to have a recurring pest issue.
Before You Hire a Pest Control Company
Before hiring one of our picks for pest control, customers will want to understand not every company is suitable for every home. For instance, some of our picks only take care of wildlife and rodents, which won’t be a good fit for those with an insect problem. Additionally, some of the companies’ money-back guarantees vary based on the service location.
Also, customers will want to keep in mind some of the companies listed only offer services in certain states. When scheduling an appointment or vetting a specific company for a pest issue, customers must first ensure they’re only considering businesses that offer services in their area. They’ll also want to check to make sure the company they’re considering meets their needs, such as offering natural ways to make the home critter-free.
The Cost of Hiring a Pest Control Company
How much is pest control? The average pest control cost for a one-time treatment ranges between $110 and $260. But prices vary depending on the pest, location, treatments used, and severity of the issue. For example:
- Bed bug treatments cost between $300 and $5,000 from one of the best bed bug exterminators.
- Fumigation costs between $1,500 and $8,000.
- Mice exterminators cost between $176 and $579. The average cost of hiring one of the best mouse exterminators is $377.
- Mosquito control costs between $350 and $500 from one of the best mosquito control services.
The Advantages of Hiring One of the Best Pest Control Companies
Many may feel equipped to tackle a few spiders in the basement or ants on the windowsill. But one of the significant issues with pests is that it can be hard to know how widespread the infestation is, especially when it comes to how to get rid of bed bugs or termites. Hiring a trusted pest control company comes with so many benefits, including:
- More effective and long-lasting pest eradication;
- Knowledge of pest behavior and signs, like what mouse poop looks like and what attracts spiders, and best treatment methods;
- Best treatment practices to keep a home and its inhabitants safe and healthy; and
- Customers expend less time, money, energy, and stress than if they tried to handle pests independently.
FAQs
Many factors related to pest control are determined by the type of pest being treated. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions to help consumers define what they need from their pest control experience.
A pest control company exterminates any unwanted insect or animal that has infested a home. This includes but is not limited to mice, rats, termites, fleas, beetles, hornets, bed bugs, cockroaches, spiders, and ants. They’ll also be able to spot the early signs of bed bugs, signs of termites, or signs of mice to prevent worse infestations.
The average exterminator cost for one pest control visit is between $110 and $260. Various factors contribute to the cost, including the type of pest being eliminated, supplies needed, and the time needed to perform the services.
Most pest control treatments include an inspection of the infested area and spraying pesticides or placing traps at the source of the pest problem.
Services like getting rid of bed bugs in a mattress may only require one visit, but pest control is rarely a one-time treatment, so technicians will likely need to return at least once.
The best termite control companies can get rid of termites by using liquid control agents outside a house and fumigating the inside.
If you’re wondering “What do termites look like?” or trying to tell the difference between termites vs. ants, it might be time to search for “termite and pest control near me” or opt for one of the best pest control companies, like Orkin or Terminix.
On average, it will take about 2 weeks after the first treatment for one of the best cockroach exterminators to eliminate an infestation. You can make cockroach treatment more effective by avoiding what attracts cockroaches, like excess moisture and old trash.