The 6 Best Pest Control Companies of 2024
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 |
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
Orkin is a 2024 recipient of BobVila.com’s Home Improvement Hero designation.
Home Improvement Heroes recognizes the best companies homeowners could call for a problem, project, or service. Our editorial team used a rigorous process to evaluate based on availability, skills, range of services, cost, customer reviews, guarantees, refund policy, customer support, and more. We then independently reviewed each company and hired some for our projects for consideration. See the full list of honorees.
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 wo