What's Included in a Pest Control Treatment?

Pest control treatment typically involves the application of pesticides and often includes placing animal or insect traps as well. Initial treatments are usually done in conjunction with an inspection of the pest situation. Many pest control companies also eliminate nesting areas or provide homeowners with information about minimizing nesting opportunities during treatment visits.

How Long Do Pest Control Treatments Take to Work?

Pest control treatments start to work within a day or two in most cases, although it may not appear that way. Pesticides generally take a while to eliminate their targets. In the meantime, you may see pests out in the open. That's a good sign, as it means that the treatment is working, and the critters are trying to escape the pesticide's effects. Expect the pests' numbers to drop significantly during the week after treatment.

How Often Should You Get Pest Control Treatments?

The kind of pest you're up against and the severity of the infestation will determine the frequency of treatments. Severe problems usually require monthly visits at first, often followed by quarterly or, for persistent pests, bimonthly visits.

What Is the Best Time of Year for Pest Control Treatments?

Generally, the best time of year for pest control is spring, when treatments will yield the most significant results. Spring is closely followed by every other possible time, as outdoor pests are active throughout summer, and indoor pests can be present year-round.

What's the Difference Between Pest Control and an Exterminator?

Often, your exterminator is also your pest control expert. Extermination means eliminating pests, typically through the use of pesticides. A pest control expert will frequently choose that method as the first step in controlling your home's pests. Beyond simple extermination, though, pest control usually requires an ongoing management plan that may include establishing traps and eliminating breeding areas.

What Pest Causes the Most Damage?

Any pest in your home can cause damage, but subterranean termites cause the most. According to the CDC, they're responsible for more than $2 billion in damage to wooden structures annually, making them the most financially destructive pest.

How Can You Prevent a Pest Infestation?

There are several ways to keep pests from making your home theirs. Pests love easy access, food, water, and nice hiding places, and getting rid of those things goes a long way toward keeping pests under control. Keep food stored in cabinets inside sealed containers. Remove standing water, immediately repair leaking pipes or appliances, and replace wet insulation to eliminate breeding grounds. Trim trees and brushes to keep them from coming into contact with your house, and seal doors, windows, and other entry points to your home. Lastly, inspect your home's foundation for entry points and exposed, untreated wood near the ground.

8 Best Pest Control Companies of 2023

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If your house is also home to unwanted pests, getting rid of the invaders is likely high up on your to-do list. To get the job done, you'll want a pest control professional that's thorough, effective, and fast. The best pest control companies use a variety of methods to handle both pest elimination and prevention, including pesticide application, disruption of nesting locations, and removal of food sources. The latest trend in pest control is a shift toward more environmentally friendly approaches, like using natural products, and many companies will be happy to employ greener methods if you prefer.

Selecting the right pest control company for your needs depends on a number of factors, like your budget and the type of pest you're looking to get rid of. We examined a broad range of services to compile a guide to the best pest control companies on the market, all of which are sure to roll out the unwelcome mat.

Best Pest Control Companies of 2023

Best Service Guarantee: Terminix
Best Year-Round Plan: Ehrlich
Best Consumer Reviews: Aptive
Best for Additional Services: Arrow Exterminators
Best Technician Training: Orkin
Best for Mosquito Control: Bulwark Exterminating
Best for Termites: Truly Nolen
Best for Spotted Lanternflies: Viking Pest Control

Best Service Guarantee: Terminix

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Key Specs

Nationwide Availability: 45 states
Service Guarantee: Free return visits, $250,000 termite damage guarantee
Treats: Ants, centipedes, cockroaches, crickets, earwigs, mice, millipedes, moths, rats, scorpions, silverfish, most spiders, termites, wasps

Pros & Cons

Pros

Offers a $250,000 termite damage guarantee
Provides free return visits or a 30-day, money-back guarantee
Costs are generally below the national average

Cons

Occasional scheduling and billing issues

Why It Made the List

Terminix is well known for its pest management prowess, but it goes a step further by also protecting your wallet. The company offers free return visits should pests appear between scheduled quarterly treatments, and it provides a 30-day, money-back guarantee if you're still unsatisfied. By choosing the company's Nix & Fix termite plan and maintaining a continuous contract, you'll be qualified to receive up to $250,000 in termite damage protection. On top of all that, Terminix's termite and general pest control costs are on par with or below the national average.

Terminix focuses on tailoring its services to local conditions, keeping entomologists on staff for technician training in its more than 300 branch offices. Although Terminix's pest control is quite effective, the company occasionally receives complaints about online scheduling difficulties and service and billing issues.

Best Year-Round Plan: Ehrlich

Erhlich

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Key Specs

Nationwide Availability: 18 states and Washington, D.C.
Service Guarantee: Free return visits
Treats: Ants, bedbugs, bees, beetles, birds, centipedes, cockroaches, crickets, earwigs, fleas, flies, millipedes, mites, mosquitoes, moths, rodents, silverfish, snakes, spiders, spotted lanternflies, stink bugs, termites, ticks, wasps

Pros & Cons

Pros

Company's PestFree365+ plan provides year-round pest prevention
Company and technicians are GreenPro certified
Staffs entomologists for on-site evaluations

Cons

Cost of most comprehensive pest control plan is higher than average

Why It Made the List

Pest control comes in many forms. While one-time treatments can be effective in many cases, a year-round approach is often necessary for complete control. Ehrlich understands the need for effective long-term solutions and answers the call with its PestFree365+ plan, which provides year-round protection for your home from 36 different pests.

The program begins with a thorough inspection and includes a custom plan, created with help from on-staff experts, to address your home's needs. One of Ehrlich's technicians will then show up at regular intervals (depending on the treatment frequency requirements) to eliminate the target pests and prevent more from appearing. All of Ehrlich's technicians are GreenPro certified, meaning they've undergone training on how to minimize pesticide exposure to humans, untargeted creatures, and the environment.

The PestFree365+ plan features a price that somewhat exceeds the national average for a similar service, but if you have a recurring pest issue, it may well be worth the cost.

Best Consumer Reviews: Aptive

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Key Specs

Nationwide Availability: 24 states
Service Guarantee: Free return visits
Treats: Ants, cockroaches, crickets, earwigs, fleas, mice, rats, scorpions, silverfish, slugs, snails, spiders, wasps

Pros & Cons

Pros

Excellent customer service ratings on several review platforms
Company is a member of the EPA's Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program
Online resources include information, scheduling, and records

Cons

Company doesn't treat for mosquitoes, bedbugs, or termites

Why It Made the List

Aptive stands out from the crowd for two reasons. The first is its customer service ratings. The company has thousands of positive reviews and ratings across numerous online ranking platforms. The second is its commitment to environmentally friendly pest control. Aptive is a member of the EPA's Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program, meaning it aims to reduce pesticide exposure risks to children, takes advantage of environmental opportunities to limit the need for toxic pesticides, and seeks ways to keep humans from coming into contact with ticks, among other things.

Aptive's website provides helpful information about all kinds of pests. It also lets you schedule appointments and helps you keep track of your pest control history. The company does business in 32 states, but it doesn't offer treatment services for mosquitoes, bedbugs, or termites.

Best for Additional Services: Arrow Exterminators

Arrow Exterminators

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Key Specs

Nationwide Availability: 12 states
Service Guarantee: Free return visits
Treats: Ants, bats, bedbugs, beetles, birds, boxelder bugs, centipedes, cockroaches, crickets, earwigs, fleas, flies, hornets, ladybugs, millipedes, mites, mosquitoes, rodents, silverfish, spiders, stink bugs, termites, ticks

Pros & Cons

Pros

Offers home services beyond pest control
Services include wildlife control
Company is committed to environmentally friendly pest management

Cons

Only available in 12 Southern and Eastern states

Why It Made the List

If you require pest control services but would also like to have a few other chores taken care of around the house, Arrow Exterminators can help. Beyond insect control both indoors and out, Arrow performs wildlife control, getting rid of animals like skunks and snakes, as well as a wide range of handyperson services, including trim work, window installation, lawn care, insulation removal, and gutter work.

The company steps up when it comes to practicing environmentally friendly pest control. In addition to being a GreenPro-certified company, Arrow employs a proprietary program called STEPS, or Sustainability Through Environmental Practices and Solutions, a companywide commitment to providing planet-friendly pest management. The one big downside to Arrow's services? They're only available in 12 Southern and Eastern states.

Best Technician Training: Orkin

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Key Specs

Nationwide Availability: 47 states
Service Guarantee: Free return visits; 30-day, money-back guarantee
Treats: Ants, bedbugs, beetles, centipedes, cockroaches, crickets, earwigs, fleas, flies, millipedes, mites, mosquitoes, moths, rodents, silverfish, spiders, stinging pests, stink bugs, termites, ticks

Pros & Cons

Pros

Provides proprietary, high-level training for its technicians
Employees receive annual CDC training
Company offers a 30-day, money-back guarantee

Cons

Only offers free termite inspections to existing customers
Costs more than competitors

Why It Made the List

With over 500 locations serving 47 states, Orkin is an ever-present leader in the pest control industry. The company is certified by the National Pest Management Association and uses a proprietary training regimen to teach its technicians everything they need to know about eliminating and preventing pests in your home. Each technician is put through 160 hours of training in Orkin's Atlanta facility before they meet you at your house. The techs also receive annual instruction from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to stay current on the latest information related to pests and health issues.

Orkin's pest control strategies are proven to be effective, but its service rates are somewhat higher than those of its competitors. To convince you that it's money well spent, the company backs its services with a 30-day, money-back guarantee if you're unsatisfied. Orkin will also treat you to a complimentary inspection if you're a preexisting customer and you suspect you have a termite problem. New customers will need to pay for the service, however.

Best for Mosquito Control: Bulwark Exterminating

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Key Specs

Nationwide Availability: 12 states
Service Guarantee: Free return visits
Treats: Ants, bedbugs, beetles, centipedes, cockroaches, crickets, earwigs, fleas, flies, millipedes, mites, mosquitoes, moths, rodents, scorpions, silverfish, spiders, stinging pests, stink bugs, termites, ticks

Pros & Cons

Pros

Offers single-event and ongoing mosquito control barrier
Attic and crawl space treatments available for a flat $10 fee
Offers effective scorpion protection

Cons

Services only available in 12 states

Why It Made the List

Controlling mosquito populations around your home can be an ongoing challenge, but Bulwark Exterminating may hold your answer. The company's comprehensive mosquito control plan provides solutions tailored to your yard and takes an environmentally friendly approach that creates a barrier around your property and treats or eliminates breeding areas. Bulwark backs up its work with a promise to return free of charge if you spot a mosquito after it has treated your property. The company also offers one-time mosquito treatments for events.

Beyond just mosquitoes, Bulwark Exterminating offers a whole host of other pest control services. One of these is Scorpion Wall, which coats entryways with a slippery substance that scorpions can't navigate, preventing them from getting into your home. Bulwark also offers pest control treatments in your attic or crawl space for a flat $10 additional fee when a technician is at your home. Unfortunately, these services are only available in the 12 states where Bulwark operates, primarily in the Southeast and Southwest.

Best for Termites: Truly Nolen

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Key Specs

Nationwide Availability: 16 states and Puerto Rico
Service Guarantee: Free return visits, money-back guarantee
Treats: Ants, bats, bedbugs, beetles, birds, boxelder bugs, centipedes, cockroaches, crickets, earwigs, fleas, flies, hornets, ladybugs, millipedes, mites, mosquitoes, rodents, silverfish, sow bugs, spiders, spotted lanternflies, stink bugs, termites, ticks

Pros & Cons

Pros

Provides comprehensive termite protection for all termite types
Lawn care and insulation services are also available
Promises 24-hour response times six days a week

Cons

Only available in 16 states

Why It Made the List

Termites won't want to go up against Truly Nolen. The company's Total Termite Protection Plan eliminates termites by destroying them above and below ground. It combines treatments to attack the critters in the places they hang out, such as attics, walls, foundations, and, perhaps surprisingly, near plumbing pipes.

Truly Nolen offers pest control services for many unwanted guests beyond just termites. And if pests aren't your home's only issues, it also performs lawn care services and insulation removal and installation. The company only operates in 16 states scattered around the country, but it is available in Puerto Rico and select Canadian locations. If you live near a Truly Nolen branch and need immediate pest control, the company can get to you quickly, with same-day or 24-hour responses every day except Sunday.

Best for Spotted Lanternflies: Viking Pest Control

viking pest control

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Key Specs

Nationwide Availability: 4 states
Service Guarantee: Free return visits
Treats: Ants, bats, bedbugs, beetles, birds, boxelder bugs, centipedes, cockroaches, crickets, earwigs, fleas, flies, hornets, ladybugs, millipedes, mites, mosquitoes, rodents, silverfish, sow bugs, spiders, spotted lanternflies, stink bugs, termites, ticks

Pros & Cons

Pros

Offers spotted lanternfly reduction treatments from May to September
Offers four year-round service packages and seasonal services
Company is QualityPro certified

Cons

Only available in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware

Why It Made the List

Viking Pest Control is a bit of an outlier on this list. Most of the companies here are available nationally or at least have a significant regional presence. Viking, however, only provides services in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware. If you live in one of those states, though, it's an excellent option.

The company has a comprehensive menu of four pest control package options and several seasonal services. In addition to those, Viking offers treatments to reduce the population of invasive spotted lanternflies between May and September. Although these pests aren't harmful to humans, they are detrimental to native plants and wineries. Viking is QualityPro certified, meaning it's a leader in setting pest control standards, including for employee education and training.

Final Thoughts

Identifying the right pest control company for your home's needs is challenging, but those on our list stand out. If you're tired of dealing with pests and need to call in a skilled technician, Orkin's employees all receive high-level training. For long-term treatments, consider Ehrlich's year-round pest control program. If you simply want reassurance that your pest problems will be over soon, Terminix's service guarantee will ease your mind. When dealing with specific pests, seek out a company dedicated to eliminating them. If you're facing an infestation of spotted lanternflies, mosquitoes, or termites, try Viking Pest Control, Bulwark Exterminating, or Truly Nolen, respectively. We also like Aptive for its excellent customer service and Arrow Exterminators for its ability to help you knock a few chores off your to-do list.

Compare the Best Pest Control Companies

Company	Nationwide Availability	Service Guarantee	Treats	Free Inspection?
Terminix Best Service Guarantee	45 states	Free return visits, $250,000 termite damage guarantee	Ants, centipedes, cockroaches, crickets, earwigs, mice, millipedes, moths, rats, scorpions, silverfish, most spiders, termites, wasps	Yes
Ehrlich Best Year-Round Plan	18 states and Washington, D.C.	Free return visits	Ants, bedbugs, bees, beetles, birds, centipedes, cockroaches, crickets, earwigs, fleas, flies, millipedes, mites, mosquitoes, moths, rodents, silverfish, snakes, spiders, spotted lanternflies, stink bugs, termites, ticks, wasps	Yes
Aptive Best Consumer Reviews	24 states	Free return visits	Ants, cockroaches, crickets, earwigs, fleas, mice, rats, scorpions, silverfish, slugs, snails, spiders, wasps	No
Arrow Exterminators Best for Additional Services	12 states	Free return visits	Ants, bats, bedbugs, beetles, birds, boxelder bugs, centipedes, cockroaches, crickets, earwigs, fleas, flies, hornets, ladybugs, millipedes, mites, mosquitoes, rodents, silverfish, spiders, stink bugs, termites, ticks	Yes
Orkin Best Technician Training	47 states	Free return visits; 30-day, money-back guarantee	Ants, bedbugs, beetles, centipedes, cockroaches, crickets, earwigs, fleas, flies, millipedes, mites, mosquitoes, moths, rodents, silverfish, spiders, stinging pests, stink bugs, termites, ticks	No
Bulwark Exterminating Best for Mosquito Control	12 states	Free return visits	Ants, bedbugs, beetles, centipedes, cockroaches, crickets, earwigs, fleas, flies, millipedes, mites, mosquitoes, moths, rodents, scorpions, silverfish, spiders, stinging pests, stink bugs, termites, ticks	No
Truly Nolen Best for Termites	16 states and Puerto Rico	Free return visits, money-back guarantee	Ants, bats, bedbugs, beetles, birds, boxelder bugs, centipedes, cockroaches, crickets, earwigs, fleas, flies, hornets, ladybugs, millipedes, mites, mosquitoes, rodents, silverfish, sow bugs, spiders, spotted lanternflies, stink bugs, termites, ticks	Yes
Viking Pest Control Best for Spotted Lanternflies	4 states	Free return visits	Ants, bats, bedbugs, beetles, birds, boxelder bugs, centipedes, cockroaches, crickets, earwigs, fleas, flies, hornets, ladybugs, millipedes, mites, mosquitoes, rodents, silverfish, sow bugs, spiders, spotted lanternflies, stink bugs, termites, ticks	No

Signs That It's Time to Call Pest Control

Pests that make their way into or near your home can be tough to spot, as they tend to want to stay out of sight. But many pests leave telltale signs that give away their presence, even when you can't see them. Here are some signs that will let you know it's time to call a pest control company.

Droppings: Look inside cabinets, near corners, and under stairs for rodent droppings about the size of a grain of rice. Roaches leave droppings that appear to be coffee grounds showing up in strange places.
Bite marks in wires or plumbing: Rodents' teeth grow continuously, and they need to gnaw on things to keep them trimmed. Electrical wires and plastic plumbing parts are unfortunately perfect for rodents looking to keep their teeth well groomed.
Dead bugs or body parts: Before you see a live infestation of bugs, dead ones and their body parts may show up in random places.
Unfamiliar smells or sounds: It's not likely that your home started creating random sounds and smells on its own. Rodent and bug activity can sound like scratching or scraping inside the walls, while feces and dead animals can create quite unpleasant odors.
Unexplained bite marks on your skin: If you find red or itchy marks on your skin and don't know why, the problem could be bedbugs.
Wood damage: Structural wood damage is often a sign of termite infestation, while wooden furniture can experience damage from gnawing rodents.
Ant hills: Sand piling up where it shouldn't is a sure sign that an ant colony lies below the surface.
Holes in plant leaves: Plants can become food for unwelcome diners. If you notice plant damage, it could be the result of bugs or rodents.

Guide to Choosing a Pest Control Company Near You

Wherever you are, pests are sure to be there too. Fortunately, wherever pests are, there are pest control companies. Choosing the best one for your home depends on finding the right combination of the following criteria:

Service Area

It's essential to find a company that's not just available when you need it but that also knows how to handle pest problems common to your location. Choose a company that's established locally so you know it's capable of dealing with pests specific to the area.

Legitimacy

Be wary of hiring anyone who comes to your door to sell you pest control. When searching for a pest control provider, ask a representative for proof of liability insurance and a business license. Reputable companies understand your concern and are happy to provide documentation.

Types of Pest Treatments

The best method of controlling or eliminating pests is by using pet-, kid-, and environmentally friendly chemicals and procedures. Ask any potential pest control company about how it performs its work and about the consequences of using the particular chemicals it applies.

Reputation

Pest control companies need to offer more than a clean truck and a smile. Check a company's reputation by reading online reviews and talking with any acquaintances who have hired the company.

Price

It may be unfair, but pests don't pay rent, so it's up to you to fit their removal into your budget. Competition in the pest control industry means there are frequent price reductions and introductory offers you can take advantage of when shopping for a provider. Keep in mind, however, that pest control often requires a long-term commitment. Ensure you're getting a fair price by comparing several competitors before choosing one.

How Much Do Pest Control Services Typically Cost?

Pest control costs vary widely depending on the type of pests, the extent of the infestation, the services you choose, and even the size and construction of your house. A one-time or annual pest treatment will include an inspection and a treatment costing between $300 and $800. However, if you're starting a long-term control plan, the average price for the initial visit drops to between $150 and $350.

Signing up for long-term pest control means you'll have several subsequent technician visits. Monthly stops for these cost $40 to $60 each time, or between $80 and $200 for quarterly visits, depending on the type and extent of treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's Included in a Pest Control Treatment?

Pest control treatment typically involves the application of pesticides and often includes placing animal or insect traps as well. Initial treatments are usually done in conjunction with an inspection of the pest situation. Many pest control companies also eliminate nesting areas or provide homeowners with information about minimizing nesting opportunities during treatment visits.
How Long Do Pest Control Treatments Take to Work?

Pest control treatments start to work within a day or two in most cases, although it may not appear that way. Pesticides generally take a while to eliminate their targets. In the meantime, you may see pests out in the open. That's a good sign, as it means that the treatment is working, and the critters are trying to escape the pesticide's effects. Expect the pests' numbers to drop significantly during the week after treatment.
How Often Should You Get Pest Control Treatments?

The kind of pest you're up against and the severity of the infestation will determine the frequency of treatments. Severe problems usually require monthly visits at first, often followed by quarterly or, for persistent pests, bimonthly visits.
What Is the Best Time of Year for Pest Control Treatments?

Generally, the best time of year for pest control is spring, when treatments will yield the most significant results. Spring is closely followed by every other possible time, as outdoor pests are active throughout summer, and indoor pests can be present year-round.
What's the Difference Between Pest Control and an Exterminator?

Often, your exterminator is also your pest control expert. Extermination means eliminating pests, typically through the use of pesticides. A pest control expert will frequently choose that method as the first step in controlling your home's pests. Beyond simple extermination, though, pest control usually requires an ongoing management plan that may include establishing traps and eliminating breeding areas.
What Pest Causes the Most Damage?

Any pest in your home can cause damage, but subterranean termites cause the most. According to the CDC, they're responsible for more than $2 billion in damage to wooden structures annually, making them the most financially destructive pest.
How Can You Prevent a Pest Infestation?

There are several ways to keep pests from making your home theirs. Pests love easy access, food, water, and nice hiding places, and getting rid of those things goes a long way toward keeping pests under control. Keep food stored in cabinets inside sealed containers. Remove standing water, immediately repair leaking pipes or appliances, and replace wet insulation to eliminate breeding grounds. Trim trees and brushes to keep them from coming into contact with your house, and seal doors, windows, and other entry points to your home. Lastly, inspect your home's foundation for entry points and exposed, untreated wood near the ground.

Methodology

To compile this list, we researched more than two dozen pest control companies. When making our selections, we considered types of services offered, the number of company locations nationwide, brand reputation, Better Business Bureau accreditation, and National Pest Management Association certification, among other criteria. We also took into account customer reviews and ratings, as well as any satisfaction guarantees offered by the businesses.

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Sources

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