The Best Pest Control Companies of 2022 - Bob Vila
Unwanted pests, such as termites or rodents, can be a homeowner's worst nightmare. Hiring one of the best pest control companies offers peace of mind that the creatures will be eliminated.
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Pest control is a significant issue for many homeowners. According to recent census data, about 14.8 million owners claimed to have seen a rodent in their homes in 2021. When a pest 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, pest control is 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 googling "best pest control near me," check out this rundown of the top companies.
- BEST OVERALL: Orkin
- RUNNER-UP: Terminix
- BEST FOR PREVENTION: Ehrlich Pest Control
- BEST WILDLIFE CONTROL: Critter Control
- ALSO CONSIDER: Aptive Environmental
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What to Consider When Choosing One of the Best Pest Control Companies
Choosing the best pest control service ensures homeowners will rid their houses of any unwanted intruders. According to the EPA, homeowners should 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 pest control service.
Types of Pests Treated
Some customers may not know what kind of infestation they have. The main types are insects, rodents, and wildlife. Although some companies specialize in a certain type of pest removal, others can treat any household pest. Termites and bed bugs require more intensive treatment, so customers who know they're dealing with one of these insects should focus their research on the best termite company or best bed bug 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 "the best exterminator near me," customers should 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
Customers need to know how much pest control services will cost before committing to them. 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 should 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 should schedule recurring visits with their pest control company to eliminate the pest and prevent any future infestations. During these visits, a 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.
Insurance, Certification, and Licensing
Pest control services should 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 the 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 on 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 measures to prevent them. These may include spraying an area or recommending a contractor to repair any vulnerable areas in a home.
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 five best picks for customers looking to hire the best pest control services.
Best Overall
Why It Made the Cut: Orkin is a trusted pest management and extermination staple with over 120 years of experience.
Orkin offers a breadth of services, deep industry experience with treatments based on science, and stellar consumer ratings. The residential and commercial pest control service protects homes against pests, including insects, termites, rodents, and more.
Orkin's technicians are located in over 400 branches worldwide and receive 160 hours of award-winning training at Orkin's state-of-the-art training facility in Atlanta. All technicians are National Pest Management Association QualityPros, giving credence to Orkin's high training and accreditation standards. Technicians also receive annual education from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to stay updated on pest-related health conditions.
Orkin handles common insect infections, like ants, cockroaches, and mosquitoes, in addition to regional, less-common pests like earwigs, mites, silverfish, and stinging pests. Customer support remains open 24/7 by phone. However, with its years of experience and technician training, Orkin's services tend to cost more than other service providers. But 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.
Specs
- Types of pests treated: Insects, rodents, termites, bed bugs
- 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
- Technicians receive 160 hours of award-winning training
- Technicians have been qualified as National Pest Management Association QualityPros
- Technicians receive annual education from CDC on pest-related diseases
- More than 400 locations nationwide
Cons
- Cost may be high compared to national average
Runner-Up
Why It Made the Cut: Terminix's 90 years of experience prevents insect problems like pests, termites, and mosquitoes in addition to bed bugs, wildlife, and more.
Terminix's state and locally certified technicians bring local expertise to homes nationwide. With 300 branches and on-staff entomologists to inform training, Terminix inspires reliability and ensures treatments include prevention tactics. Terminix offers attic insulation, gutter protection, and crawl space encapsulation, which can help prevent future pest infestations. Terminix's comprehensive online pest glossary also provides a wealth of information customers can reference to keep pests out of their homes. The website's live chat feature also helps customers identify their pests online and recommends the best solution or treatment.
Online scheduling may confuse some users; to schedule a service online, customers must first navigate to the page of the pest they want to exterminate to begin the appointment request process. If their address isn't found, pricing won't show. However, Terminix's pricing is on the affordable end of the national average, making it an excellent choice for customers who want to ensure they're getting a good value.
Specs
- Types of pests treated: Insects, rodents, termites, bed bugs
- 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
- Additional home services include attic insulation, crawl space encapsulation, and gutter protection
- Relatively affordable monthly cost
- Comprehensive pest management resources and blog
Cons
- Online scheduling can be difficult
Best for Prevention
Why It Made the Cut: Ehrlich's been in business since 1928, and those years of experience prove that the company is more than effective at preventing pest infestations.
Ehrlich Pest Control stands out from the crowd with its pestfree365 plan, which offers year-round protection against 36 of the most common pests. The prevention program begins with a home survey and includes regularly scheduled appointments in which a technician thoroughly inspects the property. Ehrlich's technicians are GreenPro certified by the National Pest Management Association. This means that pest treatments remain environmentally friendly as well as child- and pet-friendly. The pestfree365 plan also includes bed bug eradication and prevention. In addition to the pestfree365 program, Ehrlich offers other preventive services like moisture control and vegetation management to make homes less inviting to pests. The monthly cost of pestfree365 is relatively high compared to the national average, but for homeowners who have struggled with pests, this extra cost could very well be worth the peace of mind knowing that their home is protected.
Specs
- Types of pests treated: Insects, rodents, termites, bed bugs
- 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
- Technicians have been qualified as National Pest Management Association GreenPros
Cons
- The pestfree365 plan annual cost can be relatively high compared to national average
Best Wildlife Control
Why It Made the Cut: Critter Control's expertly certified wildlife management services emphasize the humane removal of wildlife from customers' properties.
Critter Control, a leading humane wildlife removal company, has over 100 offices across North America. Services include controlling rodents, providing bait stations, and removing larger vertebrate pests. In addition to Critter Control's wildlife removal and repair services, the company publishes a comprehensive wildlife library and resources to educate customers. Critter Control's website resources include "critter audio" and guides to help customers better understand the animal or pest affecting their homes before technicians come to remove it.
Critter Control established a policy to live 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. While not all locations offer 24/7 customer support and hold different satisfaction guarantees, Critter Control still remains one of the best services to consult if pesky wildlife won't leave the yard.
Specs
- Types of pests treated: Wildlife, rodents
- Service area: Nationwide
- 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
- Technicians specialize in humanely managing and removing vertebrate wildlife
- Wildlife damage repair services available
- Comprehensive online wildlife library
Cons
- Not all locations offer 24/7 customer support
Also Consider
Why It Made the Cut: Aptive Environmental's 24-hour support, 20,000+ positive reviews, and reservice guarantee make it a worthy choice for customers looking for conscientious pest control services.
Aptive Environmental offers pest control for insects and rodents in 32 states and Washington, D.C. Aptive provides environmentally responsible solutions to customers with a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. Aptive is a member of the EPA's Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program, signifying a commitment to reducing the environmental impact of pesticide use.
The user-friendly website lets customers log into their accounts to view past orders and services or schedule new appointments with one easy-to-fill-out form. In addition to Aptive's service offerings, the company details its donations to Nothing But Nets—the United Nations Foundation's campaign to raise funds and awareness to stop the spread of malaria.
Limited information exists on the website for the details of Aptive's services. Aptive Environmental also does not treat homes for termites or bed bugs. If a customer needs termite treatment, they may want to look for "best termite company near me" to find a qualified service provider. But if Aptive services a customer's area and the values align with the customer's, Aptive is a worthwhile pest removal choice.
Specs
- Types of pests treated: Insects, rodents
- 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 stop the spread of malaria
Cons
- Limited information available on website
- Technicians do not treat termites and 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 One of the Best Pest Control Companies
Before hiring one of our picks for pest control, customers should 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, 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.
Cost of Hiring One of the Best Pest Control Companies
The average cost of pest control for a one-time treatment ranges between $300 and $550. However, larger infestations or issues requiring monthly or regular treatment will typically cost between $150 and $300 per visit. Of course, prices vary depending on the pest, location, and severity of the issue.
Our best picks for pest control companies offer prices that range from affordable to high, but the quality of the service holds merit over the cost. In other words, customers will get what they pay for. Some of our top picks offer additional services for customers like wildlife damage repair, moisture control, and attic insulation.
The Advantages of Using 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 termites or bed bugs. Hiring a trusted pest control company comes with so many benefits, including:
- More effective and long-lasting pest eradication;
- Knowledge of pest behavior 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.
Q. What does a pest control company do?
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.
Q. What is the average cost of pest control?
The average cost for one pest control visit is between $300 and $550. Various factors contribute to the cost, including the type of pest being eliminated, supplies needed, and the time needed to perform the services.
Q. What is included in pest control?
Most pest control treatments include an inspection of the infested area and spraying pesticides or placing traps at the source of the pest problem.
Q. Is monthly pest control necessary?
Depending on the issue, monthly pest control may be necessary. Pest control is rarely a one-time treatment, so technicians will likely need to return at least once.
Q. How do pest control companies treat termites?
Pest control companies get rid of termites by using liquid control agents outside a house and fumigating the inside.
Q. How long does it take for an exterminator to get rid of roaches?
On average, it will take about 2 weeks for roaches to be eliminated after the first treatment.
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