Spring is a welcome sight after a long winter, but it often brings with it unwanted pests such as ants, spiders, and mites. These pests cause damage in a variety of ways, including mosquito bites on the skin and actual property damage caused by termites.
DIY may be your first line of defense, but if these measures fail, hiring a top-notch professional service is the most reliable way to protect your home.
The two giants of the industry are Terminix and Orkin. You’ve probably heard of both, but choosing between them can be difficult. Both offer expensive pest infestation protection, but have slightly different pricing structures, treatment methods, and service warranties.
Let’s take a closer look to determine which service is best for you.
Terminix vs Orkin Overview
| Features | Terminix | Orkin |
| Ideal for these people | termites | general pest control |
| General pest costs | $40 – $70+ per month | $40 – $80+ per month |
| Services provided | General Pest Control, Termite Control, Wildlife Control, Home Services | General Pest Control, Termite Control, Wildlife Control, Home Services |
| Service guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
Services provided by Terminix
$50 off at Terminix
Terminix offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to address everything from everyday seasonal intruders to serious structural threats. Although Terminix is best known for termite control, we also offer specialized control such as:
- ants and carpenter ants
- bat
- bed bugs
- bird
- centipede and millipede
- cockroach
- crickets
- chisel
- flies
- mouse
- mosquito
- moth
- rat
- rodent
- scorpions
- silver fish
- spider
- stinging pest
- termites
- tick
- Wasp
Terminix offers protection against 25 pests in the standard PestFree365 plan and up to 39 pests in the upgraded PestFree 365+ plan. The company also offers highly specialized and targeted treatment plans for more sophisticated intruders when needed. These additional services include specialized mosquito repellent home packages, tick treatments, and comprehensive wildlife control programs.
Additionally, Terminix offers a variety of residential services, including subfloor and basement moisture management services, attic insulation, and gutter protection. Humidity and access point management are key factors in preventing pest infestation, so Terminix helps prevent pest control before it becomes necessary.
Services provided by Orkin
Orkin offers a similarly comprehensive list of services. Their services focus on creating a durable protective perimeter around the outside of your property to protect against things like:
- ants and carpenter ants
- bed bugs
- beetle
- centipede and millipede
- cockroach
- crickets
- earwig
- chisel
- flies
- tick
- mosquito
- moth
- rodent
- silver fish
- spider
- stink bug
- stinging pest
- termites
- tick
Orkin’s service catalog is slightly leaner than Terminix’s, especially when it comes to birds and scorpions. Nevertheless, Orkin has a reputation for providing specialized solutions for a variety of pests. The company also specializes in residential exclusion services that are completely focused on residential pest control.
Read the Orkin review
Differences in price and plans
Because each property has its own unique layout and level of encroachment, neither company lists flat rates online. Costs vary depending on the pest and the square footage of your home, but the cost structure for pest control generally looks like this:
| service | Orkin | Terminix |
|---|---|---|
| Testing fee | Termites, bedbugs and some wildlife are free. $100 to $150 for common pests (applies to plan settings) | free |
| One-time visit | $100-$650+ | $100 to $500 or more |
| Annual pest control | $40 – $80+ per month | $40 – $70+ per month |
| annual termite control | $500 – $1,600+ | $400-$1,700+ |
Both companies offer customizable monthly billing cycles or discounts if you choose to prepay the entire annual plan.
Effects and treatment approaches
Both companies have adopted Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices, an environmentally friendly framework highlighted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This method prioritizes non-chemical barriers and lifestyle adjustments over heavy pesticide applications.
Terminix relies heavily on targeted baiting and moisture control techniques to natively manage infestations. Their approach focuses on breaking the breeding cycle of pests in the home.
Orkin utilizes a proprietary “Points of Service” system to diagnose, implement, and monitor treatments. The company’s engineers emphasize structural sealing, making it a highly effective, long-term, and inexpensive method of pest control.
Customer reviews and satisfaction
Customer feedback for both Terminix and Orkin is generally positive, but individual experiences vary widely by local branch.
Orkin has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), recognizing the punctuality, knowledge, and professionalism of our field technicians. Terminix is not BBB certified but has an A+ rating. But over the past three years, Orkin has received nearly three times as many complaints.
Terminix does slightly better when it comes to consumer issues, with a rating of 3.6/5 stars. While customers praise the wide range of services offered and the smooth scheduling process, some complain that Terminix’s mitigation methods are not as effective as they hoped.
Orkin has an excellent rating of 4.0/5 stars in Consumer Affairs, recognizing our responsiveness and thorough service. The main complaints are related to cost and in some cases the problem is not resolved. (Notably, Orkin’s customer service responds to nearly every review, positive or negative, on consumer issues).
Guarantee and Guarantee
A warranty provides great financial peace of mind when dealing with volatile seasonal pests caused by the summer heat. Both companies offer solid warranties, but the details differ.
Terminix offers the “Nix Guarantee”. This means that if the pest returns between scheduled visits, we will come back for re-treatment at no additional charge. Termite contracts often include structural repair warranties up to a certain monetary limit.
Orkin has a 30-day money-back guarantee if you are not completely satisfied with the initial results. Like Terminix, we offer complimentary off-cycle touch-up visits during the term of your active quarterly or annual service agreement.
Which is better for termites: Terminix or Orkin?
When it comes to minimizing termite damage, Terminix has been a top exterminator in the industry for years. They were the first company to patent a commercial termite control chemical treatment.
Terminix utilizes an advanced Centricon baiting system alongside traditional liquid barriers to completely destroy subterranean colonies. Their premium termite plans often include extensive structural damage repair coverage.
Orkin uses a proprietary liquid barrier system called Termidor, along with its own specialized monitoring stations. While effective, Orkin’s termite packages are expensive and don’t have the same reputation as Terminix termite removal services.
Which is better for general pest control?
As general maintenance for everyday nuisances such as ant infestation costs and spiders, Orkin is elite. All Orkin technicians undergo an intensive 160-hour simulation training program in a dedicated center before entering the field. This precise training allows you to consistently perform complex chemical and mechanical pest barriers.
Although Orkin doesn’t cover as wide a range of pests as Terminix, its outstanding customer service and technician expertise lead the field. Additionally, standard pest control covers more pests than Terminix’s basic coverage. If you’re dealing with a variety of bugs at the same time, Orkin’s standard packages are still quite effective.
Even if budget is your top priority, Terminix is still a great option if you don’t want to pay for an initial inspection or want to bundle a broader range of control and pest services, such as wildlife management.
Terminix Pros and Cons
Strong Points
- The initial inspection of most standard residential properties is free.
- Industry-leading termite treatment methods and robust structural repair warranties.
- User-friendly digital account management portal and automatic arrival alerts.
Cons
- A basic general pest plan will immediately target fewer insect species.
- Customer service responsiveness can vary widely depending on the region of the franchise.
Advantages and disadvantages of Orkin
Strong Points
- Our technicians are highly trained and knowledgeable.
- A standard general pest plan protects against over 20 different species.
- Excellent 30-day money back satisfaction guarantee policy.
Cons
- There is usually a diagnostic fee for the initial home inspection.
- Overall annual planning costs are slightly higher than the industry average.
Which pest control company should I choose?
The right pest control company will depend on your budget and the pests you are dealing with.
- If termites are your primary concern, if budget is your primary concern, or if you would like a free pre-inspection to quote your project, Terminix may be a better option.
- If you are dealing with general pest control and want year-round pest prevention, Orkin may be a better option. ar
Whichever you choose, the best defense against pests comes from a combination of professional treatment and smart DIY pest prevention, such as sealing foundation cracks and removing standing water.
FAQ
Which is better: Terminix or Orkin?
Not that one is generally better than the other. Terminix excels in specialized termite control, and Orkin offers superior technician training and a wide range of general pest treatments.
How much does Orkin and Terminix cost?
Costs vary depending on the type of pest, the extent of the problem, and the size of your property. However, generally speaking, Orkin tends to be slightly more expensive than Terminix.
Which Pest Control Company Is Cheap?
Terminix is generally a less expensive option because the initial test is free and the base price for standard seasonal treatments is low. However, after the initial setup, both offer similar monthly or per-treatment pricing.
Which is better for termites: Orkin or Terminix?
Terminix is widely considered a leader in the termite industry due to its pioneering history, use of Centricon baiting systems, and superior structural repair warranties.
