Top 10 largest pest control companies in the world
When your home or business has a pest problem — be it rats, roaches, termites, or bed bugs — you want a pest control company that’s fast, professional, and most of all effective. Hundreds of pest control companies operate in the U.S. alone, from small, one-truck operations to giant corporate entities. Show
Choosing the right company for your pest problem can be overwhelming. From preventative barriers to fumigation to baiting and trapping, hundreds of companies claim to be the best choice to keep your home or business pest-free. However, depending on your location, the type of infestation, and your timeline, some services may not be the right fit for your pest control needs. We looked at the 30 largest national pest control companies to provide our list of the eight most reliable services. For our ranking, we compared pest control companies based on location, types of pests covered, reputation, and cost. We’ve also included a buyers guide to outline the most important factors to consider when choosing a pest control solution. Worth noting: Two of our eight Best Pest Control Companies are combining forces as Rentokil is buying Terminix in a $6.7 billion deal. CompanyPests coveredStates covered Termites, Bed Bugs, Moths, Crickets, Fleas, Spiders, Ticks, Hornets, Roaches, Mice, Scorpions, Centipedes, Carpenter Ants, Earwigs, Silverfish, Mites, Beetles, Wheel Bugs, Springtail, Mosquitos, Bird Control, Rodents47 Crickets, Cockroaches, Millipedes, Snails, Pillbugs, Earwigs, Aphids, Ants, Spiders, Rodents, Stingers, Biters, Pantry Pests30 Ants, Bed Bugs, Bees, Birds, Carpenter Bees, Cockroaches, Crickets, Fabric Pests, Fleas, Flies, Mice, Mosquitoes, Moths, Larger Wildlife, Food Pests, Rats, Rodents, Snakes, Spiders, Stink Bugs, Termites, Ticks, Wasps46 Termites, Bed Bugs, Rodents, Bees, Wasps, Ants, Beetles, Birds, Boxelders, Bugs, Caterpillars, Crickets, Earwigs, Fleas, Flies, Gnats, Grubs, Lice, Millipedes, Mosquitoes, Moths, Roaches, Scorpions, Silverfish, Spiders, Ticks, Weevils18 Outdoor pests only: Mosquitos, Wasps, Bees, Fleas, Ticks39 Termites, Ants, Cockroaches, Spiders, Stink Bugs, Silverfish, Millipedes, Centipedes, Earwigs, House Crickets, Pill Bugs, Mosquitoes, Fire Ants, Fleas, Ticks, Bed Bugs, Stinging Insects, Scorpions, Rodents, Squirrels, Raccoons, Birds12 Ants, Beetles, Bloodsuckers, Centipedes, Clover Mites, Crickets, Earwigs, Fleas, Flying Pests, Grasshoppers, Millipedes, Mosquitoes, Pillbugs, Red Imported Fire Ants, Roaches, Rodents, Silverfish/Firebrats, Sowbugs, Spiders, Springtails, Wasps, Weevils14 Termites, House Ants, Spiders, Cockroaches, Earwigs, Mice, Rats, Moths, Mosquitoes, Crickets, Paper Wasps, Silverfish, Centipedes, Millipedes, Scorpions, Bed Bugs, Raccoons, Opossums, Squirrels, Skunks451. OrkinOrkin has been the biggest name in American pest control for over 120 years. Founded by Otto “The Rat Man” Orkin in 1901, the pest control giant has since expanded to cover 47 of the 50 United States. This is a case in which bigger really is better. Orkin boasts the most comprehensive technical training program in the industry. A state-of-the-art training facility in Atlanta has over 50 simulated infestations on which trainees can practice pest control. Orkin technicians log 160 hours of training before heading into the field, ensuring that they are knowledgeable and prepared for whatever pests they encounter. Orkin offers same-day service when booked before 2 p.m. The company also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and free supplemental appointments should pests return between scheduled visits. Beyond its pest control services, Orkin has made a point of supporting environmental education. The company has funded school programs since the 1950s and has major partnerships with the Smithsonian and Houston Zoo to promote a more positive outlook on the insects and mammals sharing our world. Orkin’s online pest library is one of the most comprehensive databases on household infestations in the world. Orkin’s parent company, Rollins Inc., operates several local pest control operations, delivering Orkin quality service to even more locations. A chief offering of Rollins is the Critter Control brand. Serving 37 states, Critter Control specializes in the humane removal of larger creatures, such as birds, rats, snakes, raccoons, and opossums. States Covered:47; not available in AK, SD, or WY Pests Covered:Termites, Bed Bugs, Moths, Crickets, Fleas, Spiders, Ticks, Hornets, Roaches, Mice, Scorpions, Centipedes, Carpenter Ants, Earwigs, Silverfish, Mites, Beetles, Wheel Bug, Springtail, Mosquitos, Bird Control, Rodents Pros
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Orkin
2. Aptive EnvironmentalThe youngest company to make the list, Aptive is a fast-growing eco-friendly alternative to traditional pest control. As part of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program, Aptive is focused on green solutions to pests in 30 states. Aptive has developed effective control for roaches and crickets that use safe and environmentally conscious chemicals. Aptive also provides humane removal of rodents and other small mammals. Aptive is the fastest-growing pest control company in the U.S. Though it competes with 100-year-old brands, Aptive became the 7th most profitable pest control provider in just five years. In 2020 alone, Aptive added over 1,000 cities to its service network. Aptive support is on-call 24/7 and booking can be done entirely online. Like its major competitors, Aptive offers free re-services if pests return between scheduled visits. They also offer a $50 referral incentive. Taking a leaf from Orkin’s book, Aptive maintains a comprehensive online pest library filled with environmentally-friendly tips on reducing household pest populations. Moreover, Aptive Environmental is a partner of the United Nations’ Nothing But Nets program, donating a portion of its profits to stop the global spread of malaria. States Covered:30; not available in AL, AK, AR, CT, DE, HI, IA, LA, ME, MI, MT, NV, NH, NM, ND, RI, SC, SD, VT, or WY Pests Covered:Crickets, Cockroaches, Millipedes, Snails, Pillbugs, Earwigs, Aphids, Ants, Spiders, Rodents, Stingers, Biters, Pantry Pests Pros
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3. Rentokil, JC Ehrlich, Western ExterminatorRentokil is a global giant headquartered in the United Kingdom that is in the process of adding Terminix (No. 2 in our ranking) to its portfolio. Rentokil’s family of brands serves over 80 countries around the world. Through its subsidiaries, Rentokil offers services in 46 U.S. states. In the U.S., the Rentokil brand generally handles commercial pest control, leaving residential services to its subsidiary brands. Rentokil’s most popular residential brands in America — until the Terminix acquisition — are JC Ehrlich, a Pennsylvania-based company founded in 1928, and Western Exterminator, which has been servicing West Coast states since 1921. The Rentokil family of brands shares the knowledge of a hundred years of experience to ensure competent pest control in any environment. In 2020, the global coronavirus pandemic inspired Rentokil to put its pesticide-fogging technology to a different use. Rentokil now offers commercial disinfection and sanitization to protect from airborne and surface pathogens. Rentokil even offers drone deployment to fog stadiums and other large outdoor spaces. States Covered:46; not available in AK, HI, MT, or ND Pests Covered:Ants, Bed Bugs, Bees, Birds, Carpenter Bees, Cockroaches, Crickets, Fabric Pests, Fleas, Flies, Mice, Mosquitoes, Moths, Larger Wildlife, Food Pests, Rats, Rodents, Snakes, Spiders, Stink Bugs, Termites, Ticks, Wasps Pros
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4. Truly NolenTruly Nolen is a family-owned company with over 80 years of experience in pest control. Known for its iconic mouse-shaped Volkswagens, Truly Nolen operates in 18 states, Puerto Rico, and three Canadian provinces. Truly Nolen’s Four Seasons pest control plan is a quarterly treatment program designed to prepare your home for seasonal changes in pest behavior. In addition to scheduled plans, Truly Nolen offers 24-hour, 6-day emergency response. Truly Nolen runs a robust research and development program that has, among other things, built the proverbial “better mousetrap.” Truly Nolen has a robust technician training program and follows strict environmental standards. States Covered:18: AZ, CA, FL, GA, KY, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OH, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, as well as Puerto Rico, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Saskatchewan. Pests Covered:Termites, Bed Bugs, Rodents, Bees, Wasps, Ants, Beetles, Birds, Boxelders, Bugs, Caterpillars, Crickets, Earwigs, Fleas, Flies, Gnats, Grubs, Lice, Millipedes, Mosquitoes, Moths, Roaches, Scorpions, Silverfish, Spiders, Ticks, Weevils Pros
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5. Mosquito JoeMosquito Joe is a specialist company that deals with outdoor infestations. While most pest control companies keep pests out of your home and living spaces, Mosquito Joe makes sure your yard, garden, patio, and other outdoor spaces are free of stinging and biting insects. Mosquito Joe uses fogging to rid your outdoor spaces of current pests and sprays a barrier around your property to prevent them from returning. Mosquito Joe helps prevent insect-borne pathogens like Lyme disease and Zika virus from endangering your household. The outdoor pest control company also installs permanent misting systems that can solve the toughest mosquito problems. Mosquito Joe is based in Virginia Beach and made a name for itself helping southern families enjoy their outdoor spaces without worrying about mosquitoes, ticks, and wasps. The outdoor pest control service provider has since spread to 39 states through its franchise-based business model — Mosquito Joe franchises are locally owned and operated. Mosquito Joe is part of the Neighborly family of brands, an online home services company that helps homeowners save money by bundling handyman services, HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical, and more. States Covered:39; not available in AK, HI, ID, ME, MT, NV, NM, OR, SD, WA, or WY Pests Covered:Outdoor pests only: Mosquitos, Wasps, Bees, Fleas, Ticks Pros
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6. Arrow ExterminatorsArrow Exterminators has been serving the Southeastern U.S. since 1964. Their pest control services cover a wide range of common and uncommon household pests, including larger animals like squirrels and raccoons. Arrow doesn’t stop at pest control. A wide variety of home services, including insulation, moisture control, and even lawn care are offered by their handymen. Arrow Exterminators also work with REALTOR real estate agents to provide home inspections. In 2009, Arrow launched its Sustainability Through Environmental Practices and Solutions (STEPS) initiative. This company-wide commitment to safe and humane methods makes Arrow a regional leader in eco-friendly pest control. States Covered:12: AL, AZ, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, NC, SC, TN, TX, and VA Pests Covered:Termites, Ants, Cockroaches, Spiders, Stink Bugs, Silverfish, Millipedes, Centipedes, Earwigs, House Crickets, Pill Bugs, Mosquitoes, Fire Ants, Fleas, Ticks, Bed Bugs, Stinging Insects, Scorpions, Rodents, Squirrels, Raccoons, Birds Pros
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7. Bulwark ExterminatingBulwark is a family business that serves 25 areas in 14 states. Though Bulwark doesn’t have all the resources of some of the pest control giants, it provides reliable, personal service to its customers. Bulwark creates a barrier around your home to prevent new infestations and offers free services if new pests are found alive between scheduled treatments. Bulwark deals with a wide variety of common household pests, including ants and rodents. Advertised as a kid- and pet-friendly service, Bulwark promises that all its chemical treatments are “less toxic than toothpaste”. States Covered:14: AZ, GA, IN, KS, KY, MO, NC, NV, OK, SC, TN, TX, UT, WA Pests Covered:Ants, Beetles, Bloodsuckers, Centipedes, Clover Mites, Crickets, Earwigs, Fleas, Flying Pests, Grasshoppers, Millipedes, Mosquitoes, Pillbugs, Red Imported Fire Ants, Roaches, Rodents, Silverfish/Firebrats, Sowbugs, Spiders, Springtails, Wasps, Weevils Pros
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8. TerminixTerminix is another giant in the pest control industry, with service in 45 states. Terminix has been around for over 90 years and was the first company to hold a patent for termite control. Termite infestations are still Terminex’s specialty, but the company now handles the full spectrum of household pests. If your home or building incurs termite damage while a Terminix plan is active, Terminix will cover the cost of repairs. Terminix has an online portal for account management, and commercial clients are assigned a dedicated service representative. Terminix sets itself apart from the competition with 24/7 availability. Like most pest control companies, Terminix offers free return visits if pests are sighted between scheduled visits. States Covered:45; not available in AK, MT, ND, SD, or VT Pests Covered:Termites, House Ants, Spiders, Cockroaches, Earwigs, Mice, Rats, Moths, Mosquitoes, Crickets, Paper Wasps, Silverfish, Centipedes, Millipedes, Scorpions, Bed Bugs, Raccoons, Opossums, Squirrels, Skunks Pros
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Buyers Guide: Best Pest Control ServicesWhen you have a pest infestation, you may not have the time to shop around. Pests need to be eliminated quickly, or the problem only gets worse. Luckily, we’ve made choosing a company a bit easier — this buyers guide will lay out the key features that differentiate the top brands. What to Look For in a Pest Control CompanyThe following are the factors we looked at when creating this ranked list. We gathered information from the companies themselves and several independent reviewers, including customer feedback. LocationThe most important factor when choosing a national company is to make sure it offers service in your area. We’ve weighted our list to highlight companies that are available to the widest range of customers nationwide. Types of Pests coveredMost pest control companies handle the same basic range of infestations: ants, small rodents, roaches, flies, etc. However, many pest problems require special tools and skills. Termites and bed bugs are particularly tricky to deal with, and many companies don’t offer treatment for them. Removal of larger mammals, like raccoons, squirrels, and opossums, may require a specialized company as well. When weighing the companies on this list, we’ve given preference to companies that cover a wider range of pests, either through their main brand or subsidiary businesses. ReputationA lot goes into building a successful service business, but expanding to new customers demands a company stand on its reputation. Some pest control companies have spent over 100 years building their brand into a trusted name. Whether it’s the company’s years of experience, proprietary technology, or extensive technician training program, we’ve explored the factors that best indicate customer satisfaction and trust. All of the companies on this list have been given a B grade or higher by the Better Business Bureau, and have consistently garnered 4-star and 5-star reviews from their customer base. PriceThe cost of a pest control company is a little trickier to pin down at a glance. Pest control quotes will vary based on your home’s square footage, the type and scope of the infestation, your location, and several other factors. Because the data isn’t available for all companies, average visit price was considered but not heavily weighted in our ranking. We recommend comparing multiple quotes if your pest problem affords you the time. DIY Pest ControlIf your pests aren’t an infestation but more of an annoyance, you might first try to show rats the door, dump standing water in the yard, or vacuum up spiders. If you’d rather DIY your pest control before hiring a pro, Pest Gnome has you covered. Pick from some of the articles below to get rid of these pests on your own:
Call in the ProsWhen you’re ready to throw in the towel or toss the insecticide can, Pest Gnome can connect you with a specialist to get rid of whatever is bugging, biting, or pestering you and your family. Main Photo Credit: sipa / Pixabay Stephen KimeStephen Kime is a freelance writer and professional actor based in Washington, D.C. When he isn't in rehearsal, Stephen enjoys running, hiking, and experimenting with new cocktail recipes. Which is the biggest pest control company in the world?Rentokil. Rentokil, a service group, is the world's largest pest control company, which is made up of hundreds of brands worldwide. This large service group is the parent company of several top regional pest control companies in North America. These include Western Exterminator, J.C. Ehrlich, and Presto-X. Who is the fastest growing pest control company?With a presence in more than 5,000 cities, Aptive Environmental is considered one of the fastest-growing pest control companies in North America. The company specializes in dealing with a broad range of pests, including rodents, ants, bed bugs, termites, and mosquitoes. What are the biggest pest control companies in Europe?Some of the major players in Europe pest control services market are Anticimex, Ecolab, Rentokil Initial PLC, Eastern Termite and Pest Control Co., Cleankill Pest Controls, JG Pest Control, Cleankill Pest Controls, Rollins, Inc., The ServiceMaster, Company LLC, and Nbc environment. What are the top insect companies?The 10 Best Pest Control Companies of 2023. Orkin.. Ehrlich.. TERMINIX.. Viking Pest Control.. Arrow Exterminators.. Aptive Environmental.. Bulwark Exterminating.. Truly Nolen.. |