Is a pest control company worth it? Yes, and here's why

Spring is here, do you think your home is in the clear when it comes to pest control? With insects and rodents like ants and rats, you may not notice you have a problem right away. Instead of waiting it out and treating pest issues after the tiny intruders have secured a foothold, it can be helpful to have a plan of action at the ready for the first signs of an infestation. The question is: Is a pest control company worth adding to that plan?  

DIY approaches like sprays or traps from your local hardware store may take care of the immediate problem, but this may not be enough to prevent future infestations. For the sake of your home (or yard), it may be in your best interest to call a nearby pest control company sooner rather than later.

The best pest control companies tend to provide more thorough and reliable services than what you might accomplish on your own. Depending on your situation, trusted experts with the right certifications, training, and overall experience might be better equipped to tackle your pest problem.

"There are many benefits to going with a pest control company that has first-hand experience with the problem you are facing," says expert and Critter Control district manager Brandon Thorsell. "While many pests seem to result in the same nuisances to homeowners, there are some key behavioral differences between, say, rats and raccoons that are important to understand in order to perform removal adequately for each pest."

Are pest control companies worth it?

One word: Yup. Once you catch wind of insects or rodents taking up residence, it's time to take action. At first glance, hiring a professional pest control company may seem like an expensive or unnecessary investment. There are plenty of DIY solutions to find online or on store shelves, such as the simple outdoor recipes for natural pesticides outlined by the Peace Corps. 

And yes, DIY treatments can be great for a low-stakes pest problem: a few insects spotted indoors or signs of pesky critters munching on your garden. But what happens when something minor grows into something bigger?

Taken at face value, the price of hiring a professional pest control company is higher than any DIY strategy. Most store-bought pest solutions like insect repellant or rodent traps are reasonably priced; you're unlikely to spend more than $100 for a single DIY pest project. 

But professional pest control businesses are perfect for tackling large, stressful, confusing or bothersome pest infestations. Trained and certified technicians from a trusted company have the means (and know-how) to free your home of invaders you may not never know are there: Ant colonies, bedbugs, termites, cockroaches, rodents, birds and more. Proper pest control management is all about the long term, which is why plans from these companies that offer detailed inspections and repeat follow-up visits are so important.

While pest control companies can cost many times more depending on certain factors (the size and location of your home, the type and extent of infestation), the real question is which solution will best resolve your situation. If your unwanted guests keep returning, you could end up spending more in the long run on repeated home remedies.

The best pest control companies of 2024

Don't waste your time hunting down insect repellant or rodent traps at your local hardware store. Instead, deal with a frustrating pest infestation by calling the professionals. Here are our top picks for the best pest control companies that are worth your time (and money) in 2024.

• Best overall: Terminix
• Best free inspections: Massey Services
• Best eco-friendly treatments: Orkin
• Best plan variety:  Truly Nolen
• Best targeted insect plans: Mosquito Joe
• Best customer experience: Aptive

Some companies have a legacy built around top-quality customer service and environmentally friendly treatment tactics. Others draw you in still with flexible plans that can be cobbled together for the ideal (and cost-effective) solution to your home's latest pest problem. Learn more about why these top-rated pest control companies should be your first priority over DIY solutions below. 

Best overall: Terminix

For a comprehensive solution to most common insect or rodent infestations, Terminix has a number of great pest control plans. Its trained technicians can help put a stop to the spread of ants, bedbugs, mosquitos, ticks, termites, and more -- but not before setting you up with a free inspection. 

In addition to termites, Terminix will help protect your home against ants, cockroaches, bedbugs, rodents, termites, spiders, mosquitos, ticks, centipedes, and wildlife nuisances like squirrels. Depending on your situation, Terminix will stop by a number of times to conduct removal or extermination services. This can include quarterly or annual inspections to ensure your banished guests stay away.

Prices start at $249 for one-time treatments (including free follow ups should any intruders return during the first 30 days after a treatment) or $149 per quarter for long-term plans.

Pros

• Established company with +90 years in business serving more than 2.8 million customers worldwide.
  
• Free inspections plus a service guarantee against re-infestation within the first 30 days.

Cons

•  Some mixed customer reviews based on location.
  
• Terminix is not accredited with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

Best free inspections: Massey Services

If you reside in one of the nine states serviced by Massey Services, your home and garden are in luck. Homeowners in Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Texas, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, and Oklahoma have access to an array of pest management solutions from this nearly 40-year old business. 

Like Terminix, Massey Services is another heavy hitter in the pest management game that offers free inspections. This can help you grasp the full extent of your pest problem and avoid any unpleasant surprises down the line such as future infestations. This pest control company also supports environmentally friendly pest management techniques as a voluntary member of the EPA's Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program (PESP).

Prices begin at around $200 for single treatments. If you're interested in monthly pest control treatments, expect to pay between $30 and $85 per month for the Basic Pest Services plan.

Pros

• General pest control services on a quarterly, bi-monthly, or monthly basis are available.
• Methods and treatment plans are EPA-approved.

Cons

• No online or over-the-phone quotes.
• Only available in nine US states: Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Texas, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, and Oklahoma.

Best eco-friendly treatments: Orkin

With its A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and over 100 years in business, Orkin is a top contender when it comes to quality service. Here you'll find treatment plans that are all about the habits, weaknesses, and life cycles of whatever type of pest is giving your home grief. 

Called Integrated Pest Management services, or IPM, these techniques balance common-sense practices with non-chemical solutions to deliver the best pest control strategy for most any situation. Professionals like the technicians that work at Orkin's more than 400 locations nationwide can handle delicate situations like a termite or rodent infestation with minimal health hazards to you or your family. 

Prices vary based on a number of factors, but starting prices for annual plans that come with repeat visits and your choice of eco-friendly treatment options begin around $45 per month. One-time services can cost anywhere from $250 to $550, while specialty treatments like bedbug control typically start at $500.

Pros

• Customize your treatment options with minimally invasive IPM services or targeted plans for termites and bedbugs.  
• Same-day service for most locations and situations if you call before noon.

Cons

• Some individual customer reviews report steep prices.
• Unlike some competitors, Orkin does not offer free pest inspections.

Best plan variety: Truly Nolen

Another proponent of IPM techniques, Truly Nolen is a family-owned pest control company with locations in more than 20 states. This company has you covered with its Four Seasons Pest Control plan, which deals with a variety of infestation types. 

Common insects and pests like ants, spiders, fleas, ticks, wasps, and mice are covered here. Some less common tiny intruders that are just as vulnerable to this pest control's tactics include beetles, boxelders, caterpillars, earwigs, and silverfish.

Like most of our picks, prices at Truly Nolen can be split into one-time treatments or recurring services. Custom plans cost $45 and up per month, while a single day of service start at $300.

Pros

• Environmentally friendly treatments that tackle a variety of different pests.
• Comprehensive four seasons pest control plan offers year-round relief from unwanted pests.

Cons

• Not accredited with the BBB.

Best targeted insect plans: Mosquito Joe

If you're inundated with a particular kind of infestation, you want a pest control company that offers the right kind of expertise. If your home is seemingly under attack by mosquitos, ticks, fleas, or other outdoor insects, look for a Mosquito Joe location in your area.

With over 170 locations across the US, this company has the equipment and techniques to get the job done quickly and efficiently. Take your pick of water-based pesticides (applied through barrier spray treatments that keep mosquitos at bay for around 21 days at a time) or natural treatments. The latter replaces the harsh pesticide chemicals with certain essential oils -- an effective pest repellant.

Mosquito Joe services cost upwards of $150 for a one-time visit. If you need pest control experts who return on a regular basis to keep mosquitos and other pests at bay, long-term plans start at $75 per visit. 

Pros

• Our pick for best and most comprehensive mosquito pest control treatments. Services also cover fleas and ticks.  
• 14-day moneyback guarantee.

Cons

• Services limited to outdoor pest control.
• No free inspections.
• Limited service plans for pest issues other than mosquito infestations.

Best customer experience: Aptive

Rounding out our list of top pest control companies for an unparalleled customer experience is Aptive. This relatively new addition to the pest management scene (Aptive was founded in 2015) offers customers custom-built plans to handle any infestation.

Rather than tackle an infestation problem yourself and hope for the best, consider one of Aptive's pest control solutions for year-round protection. Aptive technicians work with you to evaluate your property and pick the right pest management plan for your situation. We're talking detailed treatments for the bedroom, kitchen, garage, or basement, as well as barrier treatments around your entire home.

The price of Aptive's Seasonal Pest Control Service starts at around $550 for the year, but variations in your chosen plan (and infestation situation) could affect that. 

Pros

• Custom, comprehensive treatment plans to handle different infestations and household locations.
• Aptive gives back to the community buy donating a portion of all profits to stop the spread of malaria by mosquitos.

Cons

• Some individual customer reviews report poor customer service.
  
• Not treatment plans for bedbugs or termites. 
  

Why hire a professional pest control service?

Some types of pest infestations only get worse the longer they linger. Rodents and termites can cause permanent structural damage, while flying insects like psychodidae, or drain flies, can quickly grow from mild nuisance to the source of worsened allergies and moldy fruits and vegetables if left to multiply.

Professional pest control services can be your ticket to quickly and efficiently resolving these issues -- before the situation gets out of hand. If you're still on the fence, here are some of the most notable benefits that come with hiring a professional. 

Proactive pest management

A big part of pest control is making sure unwanted insects and rodents stay away once they're kicked out of your house or yard. DIY pest control treatments can be limited when it comes to this kind of long-term solution. Typically, you're already reacting to the sight of unwanted pests when tackling the problem yourself. Traps and sprays might help in the moment for insects like carpenter ants, spiders, or bedbugs, as well as rodents -- but will do little to prevent future infestations.

"Even if you can handle the initial removal on your own, you never know what kind of nests the pests have left behind or what damage they have done that you cannot see," Thorsell says. "Having a trained technician investigate and complete any repairs can also be very beneficial for preventing repeat infestations."

Our most highly recommended pest control companies of 2023 offer plans that include follow-up treatments (monthly, quarterly, or annually). These can take the worry off your shoulders when it comes to pest prevention.

Top notch pest control techniques and equipment

When you go the DIY route, your anti-pest arsenal may be limited to what is available online. Physical pest control methods like bait traps, adhesive strips or fly tape, and perimeter traps are common finds -- but they won't do much to tackle an infestation at its source (or prevent future pest activity).

When you invite a team of pest control professionals to take care of the problem, they typically bring pesticides and equipment that's a step up from what you buy yourself. Pest control companies like Orkin make sure their technicians are expertly trained to use both chemical and non-chemical methods to effectively and safely take care of any pest problem. 

With a reliable pest control company, you're also working with professionals well versed in different types of insects, rodents, and infestations. Instead of relying on your own internet research (or worse -- a hunch), look for local companies that offer the specialized services you need.

"Certain pests, wildlife removal, for example, require special licenses and skill sets," says Jim McHale, president of JP McHale Pest Management, LLC (which services the greater New York City area). "Subterranean termite mitigation and aquatic pest control would fall into that category as well."

Instead of tackling a termite infestation with borax, a wish, and a prayer, consider a comprehensive termite control plan by Terminix. Heavy suspicion of bedbugs on your mind? Root out the problem with detailed bedbug control services by Orkin. Dealing with aquatic pests like water bugs? Ask around to find professionals that meet your state's requirements. New York state, for example, requires a number of aquatic pesticide permits.

What every homeowner deserves: Better health

Pest control companies can shoulder the responsibilities that come with an infestation. Figuring out the best removal strategy, picking out the right pesticides, monitoring traps, and looking for nests -- clear your plate of these responsibilities by hiring a professional.

The peace of mind that comes with knowing you're in good hands shouldn't be overstated. Trying to solve a pest problem on your own can start out as a headache and quickly snowball into a big problem if you fail to root out the cause or eliminate a full infestation during the first go round. 

With a professional pest management company, you can also let go of concerns about the risks to you, your family, or your home should an infestation go unchecked. Insects like ticks, fleas, and mosquitos can carry unwanted diseases and termites can do a lot of structural damage over time.

"Health risks and property damage are also strong indicators of the need for expert intervention," says CEO at Black Pest Prevention Nicole Carpenter. "For example, pests like rodents, mosquitoes, and cockroaches can pose health concerns, while termites and rodents can cause structural damage and may be difficult to get rid of."

What is the best pest control company?

If it's something small like a single lost wasp or a handful of fruit flies congregating around your kitchen sink, consider tackling the problem yourself. Sometimes a few strategically placed fly traps may be all you need. Drain flies, for example, which can be as frustrating to deal with as they are common, can sometimes be rooted out by pouring boiling water down the drain to flush out a breeding site.

If a short-term DIY pest control treatment doesn't quite cut it (drain flies may come back, after all, with a vengeance if you don't regularly clean and unclog drainpipes), it's time to hire a professional company. 

McHale laid out some important questions to ask a pest control company before striking a deal: 

"How long have you been in business? Do you have references? Is there a money back guarantee if I am unsatisfied or [the] problem is not resolved? Most companies do this as it eliminates risk on [the] client's end. Are they licensed and insured?"

Look for tenured legacies that mean a company has been perfecting their techniques over the years. Prioritize licenses and certifications, which vary by state — one example is the Pesticide Applicator/Technician Certification for New York state. Most professional companies do offer some kind of money back guarantee. Orkin boasts a 30-day guarantee for anything less than 100% satisfaction (and free repeat visits if pests return in between scheduled treatments); the Terminix Ultimate Protection Guarantee offers a similar 30-day promise for their services.

How we picked the best pest control companies

Choosing the best pest control company for the job requires a bit of nuance. Pest problems will vary from one home to the next, so instead of zeroing in on a one-size-fits-all solution we focused on a few key factors when reviewing the top companies for at-home pest control services.

• Pest control techniques: We looked for companies that provide a variety of treatment options to tackle a range of different pest-related scenarios. Targeted services, year-round plans, and environmentally friendly methods were prioritized.
• Availability: If you're nowhere near any of a pest control company's locations, you're going to keep looking for someplace closer. We stuck with pest management companies with service areas that are spread out across more than one state.
• Plan prices: The biggest pro to DIY solutions over a professional company is the short-term savings. That's why we took into consideration the costs of different services, methods, and plans when picking the best pest control companies.
• Customer service: We kept our eyes peeled for companies that were accredited by the BBB, which ones could boast positive reviews, and which ones had consistently reliable customer service. Any company offering round-the-clock customer support or same-day services (which Orkin does so long as you call before 12pm) held our attention.

FAQ

How much does it cost to hire a professional pest control company? What about for DIY treatments?

Prices for pest management services vary, with the average cost for basic extermination services ranging from $50 to $500. We found that treatment plans from big-name companies fit this category; Terminix plans, for example, start at $249 for one-time service or $149 per quarter for, well, quarterly pest control service. DIY treatments cost much less in the short-term -- with some exceptions for specialty products like the $90 bedbug extermination spray by SayByeBugs. DIY can get expensive, however, if repeat pests call for multiple home treatments.

How long does a pest control treatment last?

Most companies offer pest control treatments that last between 30 and 90 days. Conditions like the type of pests and pesticides being used, as well as outside factors like heavy rain, can affect these timeframes. 

How do I prevent a pest infestation on my own?

In addition to DIY solutions, you can tackle a pest infestation by removing sources of food, water, or shelter for your unwanted guests. Keep food in sealed containers and garbage in tightly covered trash cans. Don't ignore leaky faucets or clogged drains during those weekly deep cleans. Lastly, look for — and seal — easy entry points like baseboard cracks or doorframes with gaps. If all else fails, start calling around for the best pest control company in your area to handle any and all preventative pest control needs.