What qualifies as a "pest"?

Pest control will get rid of any type of bug that's commonly seen around homes and neighborhoods that can cause damage to your house or be venomous to humans. Some of the most common bugs killed by pest control are cockroaches, spiders, scorpions, mosquitoes, wasps, and ants. Bugs can find safety within the walls of your home and multiply quickly, causing a threat to anyone in the home, so those are the types of insects you want to eliminate with pest control.

Is it better to do a pest control treatment myself? Or hire a company?

In almost all circumstances it is better to hire a professional team to spray your home for pests. They usually know exactly where to look for bugs and how to both eliminate them and prevent them from coming back. They'll seal off entry points and use their knowledge to find a long-term solution to your problem. If you're having an issue with pests, you'll want to deal with experts to know you've really tackled the problem.

How often does pest control need to do maintenance around my property?

Most companies recommend doing treatments regularly. This might be on a quarterly or even bi-monthly basis to effectively eliminate common pests. If you have a serious infestation, it might be wise to do treatments monthly for up to six months to get it under control. A pest control treatment schedule will also take into account the climate you live in. For example, if you live in an area with long, cold winters, you won't need pest control treatments as often during those periods. For people in warmer climates year-round, you'll probably need to be more consistent with your pest control.

In what areas do pest control professionals spray my property?

Most of the time, pest control services will be performed on the outside of your home. This is because pests come from the outdoors and professionals will want to find entry points and put poison in areas that prevent insects from getting in. You also want as few chemicals inside your home as possible. However, if you're dealing with an infestation, you'll need pest control to tackle areas on the interior of the home where bugs might be hiding like electrical receptacles, pipes, in the back of cupboards, or other small spaces.

Is pest control toxic?

Some pesticides used to kill or control pests are toxic to people or pets. Luckily, you don't have to be worried about your own safety as long as you follow the directions of the pest control company. You'll usually be instructed to stay away from certain areas or wait to enter your home for a short period of time after they've completed a treatment. Pest control companies will provide expert advice on how to effectively eliminate bugs while keeping you and your family completely safe from the chemicals used.

How will weather affect the pest control treatments?

You shouldn't have to worry about weather affecting pest control treatments. Many of the pesticides are insoluble, meaning they won't wash away with rain. If it's a particularly stormy day, your pest control company may reschedule your treatment.

How long after a treatment will it take to see results?

It's common for pest control treatments to start making a big difference within 48 hours. Within this time, you'll start to see a noticeable reduction of pests. If you feel like the opposite is happening and you're seeing more activity with the pests, this can be normal too. For the first day or two, pesticides may stir up the pests or bring them out if bait was given. This just means they're being lured out of their hiding spots and the pesticide is doing its job. Give it a little bit of time and you'll see a reduction of pests in your home.

What if the pest control doesn't work?

Some companies guarantee results on their work or you'll get a refund for your last scheduled service. If you're dealing with a professional company who has a history of dealing with the specific pests you're wanting to get rid of, it's unlikely that using pest control simply "won't work". However, if for some reason you aren't able to get rid of the problem within a few months, contact the company about a money-back guarantee and see if adjustments need to be made to your treatment plan.

Best Pest Control Companies for April 2026

Item: The Best Pest Control Companies - Summary Reviews
Rating: 5
Author: Top Consumer Reviews

Friday, April 10th We evaluate products and services based on unbiased research. Top Consumer Reviews may earn money when you click on a link. Learn more about our process.

2026 Pest Control Company Reviews

Where Can You Find the Best Pest Control? Pests are just the worst, aren't they? Especially when the weather warms up and the bugs start wandering in your house where they aren't supposed to be. Getting rid of the creepy crawlies quickly becomes a top priority. But where can you find the best pest control services? Is it better to go with a well-known brand or a smaller, local pest control company?

5.0

EXCELLENT

Best Option

Arrow Exterminators

12-state service area: Arizona, Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Virginia
Pests include termites, mosquitoes, fire ants, and wildlife
Extra services for handyman, insulation, new construction treatments, and documentation for real estate transactions

Read Full Review

EXCELLENT

5.0

On the Arrow Exterminators website

Arrow Exterminators is a family-owned pest control company that has been around since 1964, offering a wide range of services to help you say goodbye to all types of bugs and wildlife. With a focus on environmentally-friendly practices and a strong reputation, Arrow Exterminators is a top pick for customer service, offering a Total Satisfaction Guarantee and top scores from the Better Business Bureau. Whether you're looking for pest control, handyman services, or lawn care, Arrow Exterminators is a one-stop shop that can help you take care of your home concerns.

4.5

GREAT

Great

Bulwark Exterminating

13-state service area: Washington, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee
Pests include ants, beetles, bloodsuckers, centipedes, millipedes, clover mites, crickets, earwigs, fleas, roaches, and more
Get price quote via chat

Read Full Review

GREAT

4.5

On the Bulwark Exterminating website

Bulwark Exterminating has been a trusted name in pest control since 1999, serving 13 states across the US with a family-owned approach that prioritizes customer satisfaction and safety. With a wide range of services to tackle common pests, including ants, roaches, and mosquitoes, Bulwark Exterminating is a one-stop shop for all your pest problems. By offering transparent estimates, flexible contracts, and top-notch service, Bulwark Exterminating earns top marks across the board, making it a great choice for pest control services that truly deliver.

4.0

VERY GOOD

Very Good

Orkin

46-state service area
Pests include cockroaches, flies, crickets, earwigs, fleas, ants, and more
Preventative services

Read Full Review

VERY GOOD

4.0

On the Orkin website

Orkin is a well-established and trusted name in the pest control industry, with over 100 years of experience and a global presence. With a wide range of services to tackle over 50 types of pests, Orkin offers solutions to help you keep your home pest-free. While they may not be the most transparent about pricing, Orkin's commitment to customer satisfaction, backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee and 60 days of free service, makes them a reliable choice for many homeowners.

3.5

GOOD

Good

Truly Nolen

12-state service area and 2 Canadian provinces
Pests include cockroaches, flies, crickets, earwigs, fleas, ants, and more
Termites and rodents offered

Read Full Review

GOOD

3.5

On the Truly Nolen website

Truly Nolen is a well-established pest control company with a long history, serving over 150,000 customers across the US, Canada, and its territories. They offer a range of services, including pest control, lawn care, termite control, and insulation installation, with a focus on sustainability and a satisfaction guarantee. The service gets mixed reviews: while some customers are praising the effectiveness of Truly Nolen's services and eco-friendly practices, they also note issues with price changes and customer service, making Truly Nolen a solid but not exceptional choice for pest control needs.

3.0

AVERAGE

Average

Ehrlich

20 state and territory service area: Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia, as well as Washington DC
Pests include insects, spiders, snakes, birds and rodents
Preventative services

Read Full Review

AVERAGE

3.0

On the Ehrlich website

Ehrlich Pest Control has been a trusted name in extermination for nearly a century, offering a wide range of services to tackle insects, spiders, rodents, and even snakes and birds. With a focus on environmentally-friendly treatments and preventative products, Ehrlich is a decent choice for those looking for a safe and effective solution to their pest problems. While some customers have mixed reviews about their reliability, Ehrlich's policy of no long-term contracts and free inspections makes it worth considering.

2.9

AVERAGE

Average

Massey Services

9 state service area: Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Texas, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, and Oklahoma
Pests include fleas, ticks, spiders, ants, cockroaches, rodents, centipedes, silverfish, and earwigs
Lawn service add-on

Read Full Review

AVERAGE

2.9

On the Massey Services website

Short Massey Services has been a trusted name in pest control for over 40 years, offering services to tackle a range of pests plus including lawn care and irrigation management. With a focus on environmental sustainability and a money-back guarantee, Massey provides a unique value proposition for customers. While some local offices have mixed reviews about their reliability, the free in-person estimate and customized treatment plans make Massey a "good enough" choice for those looking for a holistic approach to pest control and lawn care.

2.8

AVERAGE

Average

Moxie Pest Control

18 state service area: California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Minnesota, Missouri, Illinois, Tennessee, Ohio, Georgia, North Carolina, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland
Covers over 50 pest types
Control for voles and other rodents

Read Full Review

AVERAGE

2.8

On the Moxie Pest Control website

Moxie Pest Control has been a trusted name in pest control for over 20 years, offering a wide range of services to tackle over 50 types of bugs and pests. While their approach to pest control is effective, they could improve on transparency, making it clearer what to expect from their services and pricing. Despite this, Moxie has a strong reputation overall, with an "A+" rating from the Better Business Bureau, and may be a good choice for those who want to take care of multiple pest issues at once.

2.0

SUBPAR

Subpar

Aptive

32-state service area: Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.
Pests include termites, spiders, ants, and cockroaches
12-month initial contract

Read Full Review

SUBPAR

2.0

On the Aptive website

Aptive is a relatively new pest control service that has made a significant impact by donating to a good cause, but its recent reputation has raised some red flags. With a focus strictly on pests, Aptive offers a wide range of services across 32 states, but their lack of transparency about pricing and contracts may be a concern for some customers. Overall, Aptive's falling ratings and reviews in recent years suggest that it may not be the best choice for pest control services.

1.9

SUBPAR

Subpar

Presto X

19-state service area: Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Northwest Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Wyoming, South Dakota
Pests include cockroaches, flies, crickets, earwigs, fleas, ants, and more
Preventative services

Read Full Review

SUBPAR

1.9

On the Presto X website

Presto-x is a well-established pest control company with a rich history in the Midwest, offering services to both residential and commercial customers. With a residential plan that covers 36 common household pests, Presto-x provides a range of services to help keep your home pest-free. However, concerns about cancellation fees and difficulties in terminating services may make it a better option for business owners rather than homeowners.

1.5

WEAK

Weak

Terminix

45-state service area
Pests include cockroaches, flies, crickets, earwigs, fleas, ants, and more
Included wildlife services

Read Full Review

WEAK

1.5

On the Terminix website

Terminix is a well-established pest control company with a long history and a wide reach, with over 300 locations across the country. While they offer a range of services to treat common household pests, including ants, bed bugs, and rodents, some customers have expressed dissatisfaction with their services and reported recurring pest issues. Overall, Terminix's high levels of customer complaints and subpar customer service make it a company that's not worth the trouble, earning it a low rating in our review.

Continued from above...

Where Can You Find the Best Pest Control?

Pests are just the worst, aren't they? Especially when the weather warms up and the bugs start wandering in your house where they aren't supposed to be. Getting rid of the creepy crawlies quickly becomes a top priority. But where can you find the best pest control services? Is it better to go with a well-known brand or a smaller, local pest control company?

The answer isn't straightforward. Sometimes, a smaller, local exterminator might spend more time understanding your specific needs, while a larger company might offer a wider range of services beyond just extermination, such as lawn and landscape management, wildlife removal, or even irrigation maintenance. So, where should you start?

Begin by assessing the problem yourself. Identify the pests you're dealing with. Are they appearing only occasionally, or do you see them all the time? Have you noticed them in specific areas of your house or yard? This information will help the pest control company understand the extent of your problem. The type, number, and location of pests can determine if you need treatments once in a while or if you need a more in-depth solution.

Next, decide whether to schedule an inspection or go straight to treatment. Some exterminators offer free inspections, while others charge a fee that's often applied to your first treatment. You might be able to schedule this directly on the company's website, or you may need to call for a quote and set up an appointment with your local branch. Once you get the inspection completed (or have someone come out for treatment), you'll know more about the pest situation around your home and can jump right into solving it.

Your ultimate pest control plan will depend on several factors: your location, the size of your home and property, the severity of the infestation, and the number of treatments needed to get things under control. Most pest control companies recommend at least quarterly treatments, but you might need monthly services initially, especially if dealing with pests like cockroaches that have quick breeding cycles. Your plan will likely include unlimited service calls between scheduled visits, so you're covered if pests persist.

Before committing to a pest control company, make sure you fully understand the terms and conditions. Many plans require a year-long contract, and breaking it early can result in hefty cancellation fees, even if you're not satisfied with the service. Considering the importance of picking the right service, here are some factors that can help you narrow the field so you never have to worry about breaking a contract:

Service area. Make sure the company operates in your location. It's useless to find a great pest control service if they don't serve your area.
Reputation. Read reviews from other clients about the company and its technicians. Are they professional, reliable, and knowledgeable? Do they take your concerns seriously? Can you get appointments at convenient times?
Onboarding. Check if you can get an inspection before committing. Does the company's website provide an estimate or detailed quote, or do you have to talk to a representative? Are the salespeople helpful or pushy?
Contracts and service. Understand what you get for your money. How long is the contract, and what are the terms for canceling?
Satisfaction guarantee. Many companies offer unlimited treatments between scheduled visits, but a few will refund the payment for your most recent visit if the problem isn't resolved within a set time frame after retreatments.

To help you eliminate pests from your home for good, Top Consumer Reviews has evaluated and ranked some of the most popular pest control providers available today. We hope this information helps you find a pest control service that is both effective and affordable. This way you can keep your home free of creepy crawly freeloaders and go back to enjoying the peace of a pest-free home!