National pest control companies typically offer a wide range of services, competitive pricing, and coverage in most states. However, not all major providers can solve your particular pest problem, and some have a better track record than others.
USA TODAY compared Orkin and Aptive pest control to help you decide which is the right option for you and which one offers better value.
Orkin and Aptive overview
Both Orkin and Aptive are national pest control companies, but Orkin operates in 49 states (excluding Alaska) and Aptive operates in 36 states. Orkin has 125 years of experience since 1901, and Aptive was just founded in 2015 and has over 10 years of experience.
Orkin is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB), while Aptive is not. Like most national pest control providers, both companies struggle to maintain positive reviews, but Aptive is rated much more reliable on TrustPilot.
Read Orkin Pest Control Reviews
Services provided by Aptive
Get a quote from Aptive
Aptive offers treatments for the most common home and garden insects, as well as rodents and termites. All pests that Aptive can treat include:
- Ali
- aphids
- beetle
- voxelder bug
- centipede
- cicada
- cockroach
- crickets
- earwig
- chisel
- flies
- pill bug
- stink bug
- millipede
- tick
- mosquito
- moth
- rodent
- scorpions
- silver fish
- snails
- slug
- spider
- termites
- tick
- wasp
Services provided by Orkin
Orkin has a more comprehensive list of pests that we can deal with. These include bed bugs, which are one of the most difficult pests to get rid of. Here is a list of everything Orkin can handle in and around your home.
- ants and carpenter ants
- bed bugs
- bee
- beetle
- bird
- centipede
- chipmunk
- cockroach
- crickets
- earwig
- chisel
- flies
- gopher
- groundhog
- wasp
- mouse
- millipede
- tick
- mole
- mosquito
- moth
- opossum
- raccoon
- rat
- rodent
- scorpions
- silver fish
- snake
- spider
- stink bug
- squirrel
- termites
- tick
- Vole
- wasp
- yellow jacket
In addition to pest control services, Orkin also provides general home maintenance services. Most work as part of an integrated pest management (IPM) program to keep insects and other unwanted guests out of your home. Here is a list of other home services offered by Orkin:
- Orkinshield: OrkinShield includes foundation blocks and sealing for continued pest control.
- Installation of insulation: Orkin pros can install insulation in your attic, basement, or crawl space. Insulation makes your home more energy efficient and can also help keep pests out.
- Leaf stopper: LeafStopper is Orkin’s gutter guard system that keeps your gutters clean, reduces the risk of clogs, and prevents pests from entering your gutters and downspouts.
- Orkin dry zone: Orkin will treat your foundation, install a dehumidifier, and improve ventilation to reduce moisture, make your home more comfortable, and keep pests out.
- Wildlife management: Orkin can provide removal and prevention services for rodents, snakes, birds, bats, and other wildlife.
- Orkin Vital Clean: Orkin can treat some surfaces in your home to kill bacteria and viruses and disinfect the area.
Differences in price and plans
In general, Orkin is more expensive than Aptive, but based on the services provided and the company’s experience, Orkin still seems like a better value.
Orkin vs. Aptive: Service Pricing
Unfortunately, neither Orkin nor Aptive offer pest control prices online. This is common practice for most pest control companies, as each situation is different and may require a unique approach.
“If a company gives you a price without asking any questions, you may have questions about how much they will offer you when the working relationship ends,” says Shelby Pattison, vice president of business operations at Peachtree Pest Control in Suwanee, Georgia.
However, according to our research, Orkin costs on average: Between $50 and $80 per monthAptive costs Average $50 per month. Please note that these prices apply most to general pest control services, so the cost of treating termites, bed bugs, and wildlife can increase significantly.
“IPM can be a little more expensive than the traditional procedure of overspraying, but its sustainability and safety are unparalleled,” said Daniel Kiefer, technical training manager for American Pest, a Columbia, Maryland-based pest control company. “At the end of the day, you very often get what you pay for. A good, safe service costs more than overspraying, but the results are better.”
Orkin v. Aptive Pest Control Plan
One of the reasons we think Orkin is one of the best overall pest control companies is because we customize pest control strategies to fit your property and specific needs. You will need to schedule an in-person visit before you can learn more about pricing and services available.
Aptive takes a more general approach, dividing its services into three plans.
| Type of service | Basic plan | pro plan | Premium plan |
| Basic service | Ambient management of 30 common household pests | Boundary control and rodent control | Surroundings and rodent control, and mosquito treatment |
| Treatment frequency | 4 times a year | 6 times a year | Every 30 days in warm weather and every 60 days in cool weather |
| Add-ons available | Treatment of outdoor rodents, pantry pests, slugs, snails, and aphids | mosquito treatment | German cockroach treatment |
Effects and treatment approaches
While Aptive focuses primarily on perimeter treatment and outdoor pest control, Orkin tackles pests inside and outside the home. Orkin can customize its processes and recommendations to your home, making it a better option for increased effectiveness. It also relies on an integrated pest management approach, which is more effective in the long term than insecticide-only treatments.
Both companies use only EPA-certified pesticides. Orkin offers a greener approach through Orkin Green, which uses “minimal risk” pesticides that are safe around children, pets, and plants.
Although Aptive is widely known as an eco-friendly brand, be aware that many of the pesticides they use are dangerous and should be used with caution. From a product standpoint, the two companies seem similar, but Orkin’s focus on pest prevention for long-term success makes it the better choice overall.
Customer reviews and satisfaction
“When researching companies online, check for both positive and negative reviews,” Kiefer advised. “Internet and social media reviews can give you a general idea about the company and the services provided, keeping in mind that online reviews can be negative.”
As of this writing, Orkin only has 1.35 out of 5 stars on the BBB website and 1.7 out of 5 on TrustPilot. Positive reviews mention friendly and professional technicians, timely service, and effective pest control. Some customers in the reviews we read even said that Orkin solved pest problems that other companies couldn’t.
Negative reviews of Orkin Pest Control complain of several issues with the company’s aggressive sales tactics and solicitation, services that don’t work as advertised, and high pricing.
Aptive has an even lower 1.08 star score with the BBB, but maintains a 4.5 star rating on TrustPilot. Positive reviews cite quality customer service, thorough testing and treatment, and good value for money. Negative reviews cite aggressive sales tactics, deceptive marketing, bait-and-switch pricing, and technicians who never show up for treatment.
Guarantee and Guarantee
Aptive offers a satisfaction guarantee and states that if you are not satisfied with the results, you can receive additional treatments at no additional charge. There is no guarantee that this service will achieve your desired results, but you can continue to receive repeated treatments if necessary.
Orkin offers a similar guarantee, promising repeat treatments at no additional cost if the pest problem persists. It also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can rest assured.
While a satisfaction guarantee may not seem as valuable as a guarantee that the company will fix your pest problem, this is a better option to look for.
“A good pest management company will offer follow-up visits free of charge as part of your individual service agreement,” says Kiefer. “Customers should be skeptical of pest management guarantees, as it is nearly impossible to guarantee a pest-free environment under normal conditions.”
Which is better for general pest control?
Orkin is a better option overall, especially if you have a more serious pest problem or if you have an ongoing pest problem. An integrated approach taken to pest management is likely to be more effective. Orkin is more expensive, but it offers a customized pest control plan that will likely give you better results.
However, if you have a small pest problem or are on a tight budget, Aptive may be a better choice. Aptive has a low monthly service fee and takes a more general approach to pest control, making it useful for everyday problems.
Advantages and disadvantages of Aptive
| Strong Points | Cons |
| Save even more with monthly payments | A more general approach to pest control |
| Focus on environmentally friendly products | Treatable pest reduction |
| Free retreatment if necessary | No treatment options for bed bugs |
Advantages and disadvantages of Orkin
| Strong Points | Cons |
| Larger catalog of pests treated | more expensive |
| Free retreatment and money back guarantee | There is no one-size-fits-all treatment |
| More customization and home services available | No free inspection |
Which pest control company should I choose?
Overall, I recommend Orkin over Aptive. Orkin is more expensive, but with over 100 years of experience, a stronger satisfaction guarantee, and a more personalized approach to pest management, we believe you’ll get better results, especially in the long run.
If you are still unsure, please get quotes from both companies. You can get free quotes from both providers and compare them based on cost, value, and the specific pests being treated. You can also get quotes from providers in your area and see the differences between national and local companies.
“Customer service[at local businesses]might be a little more friendly and approachable for a smaller customer base,” Pattison said. “(But) many (domestic providers) are developing better training, resources and processes with larger teams while maintaining a ‘hometown’ feel within their urban branches.”
Consider both, compare quotes, and get a feel for what each company offers based on your initial interactions.
FAQ
Who is better than Orkin?
Orkin is the pest control company of choice for general pest control. Although more expensive than other options, Orkin has the longest track record in the industry, a strong satisfaction guarantee, and a highly effective approach to pest management. However, Terminix is best for termite treatment in particular, and Mosquito Joe is best for mosquito and tick control.
Is Aptive worth the money?
Aptive has had great success in providing general pest control services and prevention, so if you’re dealing with routine pest problems, they’re definitely worth your money. If you have a more severe infestation or are dealing with more problematic pests such as termites, bed bugs, or rodents, you may want to consider Orkin or Terminix instead.
Why did Aptive lose its BBB certification?
BBB does not provide specific information when a company loses or is no longer accredited. However, based on BBB guidelines and the recent lawsuit against Aptive, the company likely used deceptive marketing techniques and included deceptive language in its contracts regarding its environmentally friendly products, resulting in its decertification.
Is Aptive being sued?
Yes, Aptive is actively facing multiple class action lawsuits due to deceptive marketing and contract terms. It also allegedly used robocalls and other aggressive sales tactics, leading to further lawsuits in 2026.
