Critter Control

Best Professional Pest Control Companies

Based on current reviews and rankings, here are the top pest control companies people actually hire:

1. Terminix – Frequently ranked #1 overall. Terminix is often picked as the best pest control company because of its comprehensive treatment and prevention plans, with extensive experience handling pests like termites, bed bugs, cockroaches, and more, plus an expansive service area, money-back guarantee on most services, and NPMA certifications. It's noted for fully customizable pest removal plans, streamlined customer service with real-time chat, and all-inclusive plans covering more than 25 pests, including centipedes and spiders. One tradeoff: Terminix doesn't provide treatments for certain common pests, like flies and lice.

2. Orkin – A go-to generalist brand. Orkin positions itself as a generalist, helping get rid of ants (including carpenter ants), bedbugs, spiders, fleas, ticks, mosquitoes and other common pests.

3. Aptive Environmental – Highly rated by consumers. Aptive Environmental ranks #1 overall on BestCompany.com's rankings.

4. Ehrlich Pest Control – Great for long-term prevention plans. Ehrlich has a long history, offering customized pest management services since 1928, and is a subsidiary of Rentokil, a well-known brand for commercial pest control and disinfection. It stands out for its PestFree365 preventative maintenance plan, which covers 36 different household pests and bed bugs, plus periodic termite inspections and monitoring.

5. Critter Control – Best for wildlife specifically. Critter Control is a top choice for wildlife control because it handles various wild animals using safe and humane techniques.

6. Sunday – For eco-conscious homeowners. Sunday positions itself as the "eco-friendly" solution among pest control providers.

7. Massey Services – Good for bundled home care. Massey stands out as an excellent choice for those looking to streamline multiple home services with one provider, offering a free, thorough inspection at no charge unlike many competitors.

How Companies Typically Operate

Most use one of two core approaches: chemical control, where an exterminator uses substances like piperonyl butoxide to remove pests, or pest trapping, which captures rather than kills pests and is often preferable for eco-friendly customers who don't like chemicals used in their space.

Tips Before You Hire

• It's worth speaking with several companies before making a final decision, and looking for a knowledgeable company with a good reputation in the industry.
• Local companies often understand regional specifics — pest control needs in the desert Southwest differ greatly from the humid East Coast.
• Consider what chemicals a company uses, read reviews, understand billing before signing a contract, and ask for references and licenses even if the company has a good reputation.
• For rodents specifically: a provider that treats without sealing entry points is likely to see the problem return, so ask any rodent service what their exclusion process looks like, not just how they bait.

A note on cost: Pest control services typically cost between $300 and $550 for a one-time visit.

Bottom line: If you want the biggest name with the widest pest coverage, Terminix or Orkin are the safest bets. If you're eco-conscious, look at Sunday. For wildlife (raccoons,

The best pest control companies most consistently recommended across current review roundups are Terminix, Orkin, and Ehrlich, with Aptive, Hawx, Mosquito Joe, and Critter Control standing out for specific needs like eco-friendly service, mosquito control, and wildlife removal.

If you want the names that people actually use most often, these are the strongest mainstream options:

For top brands or products people actually buy for DIY pest control, the most widely recognized names are typically Ortho, Raid, TERRO, and Hot Shot; these are common consumer brands rather than full-service extermination companies. The search results provided here focus on service companies, not product sales, so I can’t rank DIY products from the sources alone without stretching beyond the evidence.

If you want the shortest practical recommendation:

• Choose Orkin for the safest general all-around pick.
• Choose Terminix if your main issue is termites or you want a highly established national provider.
• Choose Ehrlich if you want more tailored service.
• Choose Aptive if eco-friendly treatment matters most.

If you want, I can also give you:

• the best pest control companies by pest type,
• the best DIY pest control products, or
• a cheapest-to-priciest comparison of these services.

Terminix and Orkin consistently rank among the top professional pest control companies across 2026 reviews from sites like This Old House, USA Today, Forbes Home, and Top Consumer Reviews. They stand out for nationwide (or near-nationwide) availability, broad pest coverage (ants, rodents, termites, bed bugs, mosquitoes, etc.), guarantees (e.g., free re-treatments or money-back options), and experience. Terminix often leads for termite control and comprehensive plans, while Orkin excels in general pest management and technician training.

Other frequently recommended national or regional players include:

• Aptive Environmental — Praised for eco-friendly approaches and value.
• Arrow Exterminators — Strong in the Southeast; bundles pest control with other home services.
• Bulwark Exterminating — High customer satisfaction and guarantees in its service areas.
• Ehrlich Pest Control — Customized plans and strong prevention focus.
• Hawx Pest Control — Good for outdoor/stinging insect prevention.

Specialized options include Mosquito Joe (mosquitoes/ticks) and Critter Control (wildlife).

User feedback (especially on Reddit) often favors local, independent companies over big nationals like Orkin or Terminix. Many report better thoroughness, responsiveness, and value from smaller operators, with nationals sometimes criticized for inconsistent service quality despite their scale and guarantees. Local providers vary by region, so check recent reviews on Google, Yelp, BBB, or Angi for your area, and get multiple quotes. Factors like service area, pest type, guarantees (e.g., free re-treatments), and eco-friendly options matter most. Average costs for quarterly general pest plans often range from a few hundred dollars annually, with termite work higher.

For DIY products that people actually use (based on Amazon best-sellers, expert recommendations, and consumer reports), popular options focus on baits for colony elimination, sprays/granules for perimeter defense, and natural repellents:

• TERRO Liquid Ant Baits — Top choice for ants; borax-based stations that workers carry back to the colony.
• Combat Max or Advion roach baits/gels — Effective for cockroaches; fipronil or similar active ingredients target nests.
• Ortho Home Defense sprays or similar (e.g., Spectracide) — Common for indoor/outdoor insect control.
• Mighty Mint or other peppermint oil sprays — Popular natural options for ants, spiders, and rodents (non-toxic appeal).
• Diatomaceous earth (food-grade) — Widely used powder for perimeter/ crawling insects.
• Other notables: Victor snap traps (mice), Mosquito Dunks, and professional-grade concentrates like bifenthrin products (e.g., Bifen I/T) that some homeowners buy for DIY use.

Baits generally outperform sprays for long-term control because they eliminate colonies rather than just visible pests. Always follow label instructions, prioritize integrated pest management (seal entry points, remove attractants), and consider pet/child safety. For severe infestations (termites, bed bugs), professional help is usually best.

Recommendations depend on your location, specific pests, and preferences (e.g., eco-friendly vs. conventional). Get local quotes, read recent reviews, and verify licensing/insurance. This is not exhaustive—markets evolve, and results vary by home and region.