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It would be difficult to find a person who welcomes pests into their home with open arms: When left unchecked, pests can be responsible for extensive damage to the structure and integrity of a house. It may be tempting to apply one of the best termite treatments or set some of the best mouse traps and call it a day. But as soon as termite damage, mouse droppings, or any other signs of unwanted guests are spotted, it’s best to call a trustworthy exterminator who will get the job done right the first time. Terminix is a name that homeowners are sure to come across when they start researching pest control companies.
What is Terminix, and what makes the company well known? At its inception, Terminix was exclusively a termite control service. While it is still a leader in the termite control space, it has expanded to also provide protection from dozens of species of insects and wildlife that can plague a home.
But why do so many homeowners choose Terminix, and ultimately is it a good choice? Terminix’s commitment to customer satisfaction, individualized treatment plans, and extensive service area are all reasons thousands of homeowners choose Terminix year after year. Read on for more details on what to expect when hiring Terminix professionals.
See more of the best pest control companies, best wildlife removal services, best bed bug exterminators, and the best mosquito control services.
At a Glance
Terminix
Specs
- Types of pests treated: Insects, rodents, termites, bed bugs
- Service area: 47 states and Washington, D.C.
- Scheduling: Online, phone
- Licensing: State and local licensing
- Guarantee: 30-day money-back guarantee
- Customer support: 24/7 by phone and live chat
Pros
- Standout additional home services include attic insulation and crawl space encapsulation
- Free inspection completed before quote is provided
- Annual maintenance plans available
- Generous 6-month bed bug retreatment guarantee
- Relatively affordable monthly cost
- Comprehensive pest management resources and blog
Cons
- Online scheduling can be difficult
- Some forms of wildlife may not be covered
Our Verdict: Known especially for its patented termite treatment, Terminix is one of the leading names in pest control. The company offers treatment for a wide variety of the most common household pests, and its extensive service area means that most customers will have access to a nearby location. For new customers, the initial inspection is free of charge. Homeowners can be confident that the company will eliminate their pest problem for good: After the first service, Terminix’s Nix Guarantee promises to provide additional treatments at no extra cost if the homeowner sees signs of the pests in between appointments. Terminix’s website contains a wealth of information on pests of all kinds so homeowners can identify exactly what they are dealing with before they schedule their first appointment. Terminix also offers 24/7 customer service and can help customers identify what pests they have.
Terminix Review: Claims
Terminix’s biggest selling points are its highly trained technicians, customized treatment plans, 24/7 customer support, and guaranteed pest protection. But what can customers actually expect when hiring the service?
About Terminix
Terminix has been in business since 1927 and has over 300 locations in 47 states. Its technicians are trained and certified locally with the help of staff entomologists. Initially known for its patented termite control treatment, the company now treats a wide variety of insects and small rodents. This includes specialized services for stubborn pests such as mosquitoes, bed bugs, ticks, and more. Terminix also offers additional pest prevention services for the home such as attic insulation and crawl space encapsulation and venting. Treatment plans are customized to each individual client, and the Nix Guarantee ensures that customers are protected year-round from pests. Customers will also appreciate Terminix’s extensive virtual library with detailed information on all of the insects and animals it covers.
Terminix’s Services and Plans
Depending on the pest that has invaded a customer’s home, Terminix will recommend the service that is the best fit after completing a free inspection. If the homeowner has one of the 13 standard covered pests the company treats, the One-Time or Quarterly Pest Control options may be the best fit. Pests covered under the general plan include cockroaches, mice, rats, silverfish, “house” ants, clothes moths, spiders (excluding black widow and brown recluse spiders), scorpions, centipedes, millipedes, earwigs, house crickets, and paper wasps. Terminix is especially known for its patented termite control services. Customers with termites can choose from three termite treatment plans: Basic, Advanced, and Premium. Specialized treatments may also be available for bed bugs, mosquitoes, and other pests based on location. Additional services include installing attic insulation or treating crawl spaces to protect against water damage. The initial inspection for these services is also free, and pricing varies by location and depending on the construction of the home.
Terminix plans are:
- One-Time Pest Control Service: Customers will receive a thorough inspection of the interior and exterior of the home and treatment for the standard covered pests. It also includes the Nix Guarantee—if the pests return within 30 days, technicians will treat the home again at no additional cost. The one-time treatment is especially recommended by Terminix for sellers preparing their homes to go on the market.
- Quarterly Pest Control: Terminix’s ongoing treatment plan includes quarterly treatments (every 3 months) for the pests that Terminix can exterminate. Under the Nix Guarantee, technicians will provide additional treatment in between scheduled appointments if pests return.
- Basic Termite Plan: This plan includes an annual termite inspection, the OnGuard Termite Protection System (a series of bait stations placed around the home), and the Nix Guarantee.
- Advanced Termite Plan: Everything that is included in the Basic Termite Plan is included here with the addition of the Nix & Fix guarantee, which offers both additional treatment and repairs to termite damage between appointments free of cost.
- Premium Termite Plan: This plan includes everything that comes with the Advanced Termite Plan with the addition of ongoing pest control.
Since Terminix franchises are independently owned, the number and nature of services and plans offered vary. However, customers will more than likely find that the plans listed above are consistent from location to location. Potential customers are encouraged to confirm offerings with their local provider.
Getting a Quote
Terminix prices can vary based on several factors, so there is not always a clear answer to the question, “How much is Terminix?” The best way to know what the final cost will be is to get a quote directly from the company. Potential Terminix customers have several options to obtain a quote. For the most accurate estimate, customers will need to schedule a free inspection. Technicians will assess the problem in person and factor in all potential costs. For a general idea of how much the service will cost, customers can visit the Terminix website. Clicking on “See Pricing” under the treatment plan options leads users to input their address for a price estimate based on their region. This may not reflect the final price as it does not include factors like the size of the home or the severity of the problem. Another option is to speak with a representative over the phone for more exact pricing. Representatives will gather information about the home, its location, and the pest problem, and will likely be able to give a more accurate estimate than one obtained through the site.
Scheduling
For a first appointment, potential Terminix customers can either call their local branch or schedule an appointment online. Choosing “Find a Location” on the website allows users to input their ZIP code to find contact information for the nearest Terminix office.
Those who prefer to schedule through the site will first need to select their service by clicking on the drop-down menu labeled “Treat a Problem” and selecting the pest they have. Then they can choose their preferred service: One-Time Pest Control Service or Quarterly Pest Control. They will then be prompted to type in their address to receive a general price for their area. Once they have added the desired service to their cart, they can complete the checkout process, which includes scheduling. A calendar will appear with the soonest available dates the customer can choose from. Typically, dates are available within the week, but even so homeowners with more urgent pest infestations may want to look elsewhere for more immediate service. They will then be prompted to choose a 3-hour window within a selected date before continuing to payment.
After the first visit, customers can work with their technician to schedule ongoing service if they choose to proceed with the Quarterly Pest Control plan. If they need to take advantage of the Nix Guarantee, they can call their local office at any time of the day or night. They can also make appointments online; once customers receive their customer number they can create an account to schedule future services and make payments.
Terminix Pricing
How much does Terminix cost? Prices are dependent on several factors, so the answer is not as simple as asking, “How much does Terminix cost for mice?” for example. One cost factor is region—customers can type in their ZIP code on the Terminix website to get an idea of the cost of service in their area. Before the treatment, Terminix technicians will perform a free inspection to determine the scope of the issue. The type of pest and severity of the problem will play a role in the final price, as they will affect the type and amount of treatment needed. Most common pests are covered under Terminix’s Quarterly Pest Control plan, but for severe infestations customers may need to pay for more than one type of treatment. The size and construction of the home that is being treated can also affect the price. Larger homes generally require more extensive treatment, and if some parts of the property are difficult for technicians to access, this will result in a higher cost. Terminix financing may vary by location, so local representatives can provide potential customers with more detailed information.
Terminix’s termite treatment is one of its most popular services and costs between $400 and $1,500 per year. Most Terminix customers will pay an average of $1,000 each year for termite control. The most basic termite treatment plan starts at $69 per month. Terminix also offers specialized treatments for bed bugs and mosquitoes, prices for which can vary.
Customers who opt for the One-Time Pest Control Service will be billed at the same time they schedule the appointment. For quarterly service, Terminix bills monthly or quarterly, depending on the customer’s preference, and the first payment is due at the time of scheduling. Terminix will also occasionally run special offers or provide promo codes to first-time customers to help decrease the cost of pest control.
Customer Service and Support
If customers have questions or concerns about their Terminix experience, they can get in touch with representatives in a few different ways. For urgent inquiries, most local branches are available by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There is also a corporate customer service number that customers can use at all hours. On the Terminix website, a chat window is open for customers to chat with an agent during business hours Monday through Saturday. Contact forms for both residential and corporate inquiries are also available on the site.
Terminix Guarantee
Terminix offers what it calls the “Nix Guarantee.” For one-time customers, this means that Terminix will perform an additional service free of charge if the pests return up 30 days after the treatment. For customers on the Quarterly Pest Control Plan, the guarantee covers them in between scheduled appointments. Customers with the Advanced or Premium Termite Plans receive the Nix & Fix guarantee. This not only covers additional termite control treatment but also covers repairs for any damage caused by the termites.
Pest Control Resources
The Terminix website includes in-depth information on the pests it covers under the “Pest Research” tab. Customers can browse pages with information on ants, bed bugs, beetles, crickets, centipedes and millipedes, cockroaches, fleas, flies, mice, mosquitoes, moths, rats, scorpions, silverfish, spiders, stink bugs, termites, ticks, and wildlife. These pages include information on each pest’s behavior, life cycle, signs of infestation, and even some tips on how to get rid of them. They also feature helpful photos and graphics to help users identify what type of pest they are dealing with. Depending on the pest, this can either provide homeowners with the peace of mind that the insect in question is not dangerous, or ample warning that they should not delay treatment.
Terminix Reviews by Customers
Terminix customers overwhelmingly report having positive experiences with the company. Several reviewers on Consumer Affairs mention that they have been customers for many years and have never had a major complaint. As is the case for any business, however, there are some past clients who report less than satisfactory service. Common Terminix complaints on TrustPilot are that technicians either were late or did not arrive for the scheduled time window. Other reviewers on BestCompany say that their calls or messages to customer support went unanswered.
Terminix has over 300 locations, so there is bound to be a difference of experiences from one office to the next. It’s common for reviews for both Terminix and other services posted on the Better Business Bureau to reflect the worst experiences customers have had—because satisfied customers are less likely to leave feedback. While every company gets the odd negative review, Terminix is one of the the number one names in pest control for a reason. Customers who are dissatisfied with their treatment are encouraged to contact Terminix directly via email or phone to remedy the issue.
How Terminix Stacks Up to the Competition
Homeowners researching pest control will likely come across companies such as Orkin, Ehrlich, and Aptive in addition to Terminix. It’s always worth weighing the pros and cons of each to decide which company is best suited for an individual’s home and family.
Orkin’s service area is somewhat larger than that of Terminix, with 400 locations across the entire country. It has a similar 24/7 customer support service and treats a comparable selection of common household pests. Orkin’s 30-day money back guarantee may not be as satisfactory as Terminix’s Nix Guarantee, since the latter promises to fix the problem rather than just issuing a refund.
Like Terminix, Ehrlich has been around for almost 100 years. While its service area is limited to just 20 states, Ehrlich’s PestFree365 plan stands out for its protection from 36 common pests, as does its green formula, which is safe for pets, people, and the environment. Terminix’s treatments are not explicitly nontoxic, but the company claims that its products are safe for use in the home and provides tips on the website on keeping pets safe during treatment.
Aptive is newer to the pest control scene but has established itself to be a worthy competitor to more established brands. Aptive treats bugs and rodents from locations in 32 states and Washington, D.C. Like Terminix, it has a reservice guarantee as well as 24/7 customer support. An added bonus is its environmentally friendly practices—the company is a member of the EPA’s Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program.
Should You Hire Terminix?
It never hurts to shop around for pest control companies to find the best fit. For environmentally conscious homeowners, more explicitly eco-friendly options like Aptive may be preferable to Terminix. Homeowners who are on a tight budget may prefer to go with a company whose pricing is more transparent. But generally speaking, Terminix is an excellent choice for customers in need of pest control services. Before hiring, it’s a good idea to research the nearest office and ensure that it covers the type of infestation that is present. It may also be prudent to plan on making the appointment over the phone since customers tend to find Terminix’s online scheduling process to be nonintuitive.
Once a homeowner spots pests in their home, their immediate removal becomes a top priority. Whether a homeowner suspects that they have a termite infestation in the walls or a nest of mice in the attic, they can rest assured that Terminix will force these unwelcome guests to move out, even if it takes more than one visit. The combination of Terminix’s Nix Guarantee and 24/7 access to customer service are a great source of comfort. Terminix’s relative affordability and individualized solutions for every home are further reasons why Terminix is a top choice for pest control.
We independently reviewed this service by weighing the company’s claims against first-hand experience with its professionals. However, due to factors such as franchising, human error, and more, please note that individual experiences with this company may vary.