When you’re finding mouse feces in your drawers, and your cats have gone on strike, you need to seriously think about hiring a pest control pro. But pest control services are not one size fits all, so how do you decide what company is best for you? Orkin, the largest pest control company in the U.S., could be your answer.
This Orkin review covers everything you need to know about the company’s services and customer experience. We did the research for you. Though LawnStarter has an affiliate relationship with Orkin, this pest control review is fair and unbiased.
Orkin
- Same-day service
- Satisfaction guarantee
- Offers whole-home solutions in addition to basic pest control
Orkin at a Glance
Pests They Treat
| Pest Treated | Orkin |
| Ants | ✔ |
| Bed bugs | ✔ |
| Beetles | ✔ |
| Carpenter ants | ✔ |
| Centipedes and millipedes | ✔ |
| Cockroaches | ✔ |
| Crickets | ✔ |
| Earwigs | ✔ |
| Fleas | ✔ |
| Flies | ✔ |
| Mites | ✔ |
| Mosquitoes | ✔ |
| Moths | ✔ |
| Pantry pests | ✗ |
| Rodents (mice, rats, etc.) | ✔ |
| Scorpions | ✔ |
| Silverfish | ✔ |
| Spiders | ✔ |
| Stinging pests (bees, wasps, etc.) | ✔ |
| Stink bugs | ✔ |
| Termites | ✔ |
| Ticks | ✔ |
| Wildlife | ✔ |
Pricing
| Service | Orkin |
| Basic Pest Services | $45-$85 per month |
| Termite Treatment | $950-$1,550 |
| Bed Bug Treatment | $500-$1,500 |
| Single Treatment | $250-$600 |
Main Features
| Feature | Orkin |
| How many states do they serve? | 47 (Excluding AK, SD, WY) |
| Service Plans Offered | |
| One-time service? | ✔ |
| Monthly service? | ✔ |
| Quarterly service? | ✗ |
| Offers eco-friendly options? | ✔ |
| Does it serve commercial properties? | ✔ |
| Customer Service | |
| Gives instant quotes online? | ✗ |
| Has an online portal for scheduling, billing, etc.? | ✔ |
| 24/7 customer support? | ✔ |
| Better Business Bureau rating | A+ |
| Additional Services Offered | |
| Attic insulation | ✔ |
| Moisture control | ✔ |
| Sanitation | ✔ |
| Gutter guards | ✔ |
| Lawn treatments for pests, weeds, and diseases | Only available in FL |
Orkin Highlights
Extensive Training Program
Orkin provides and enforces a training program that every technician must participate in before going on-site. During training, every technician undergoes 160 hours of hands-on simulations before going in the field. The extensive program has received recognition from Training magazine as one of the best in the country. Because of this comprehensive training, Orkin technicians can handle bed bug and termite treatments as well as other difficult pest problems that require special techniques.
Environmentally Friendly Options
If you’re interested in a more environmentally friendly treatment than traditional pest control, Orkin offers an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan, which controls pests without harming other wildlife or pollinators, and doesn’t damage the environment.
Orkin uses the following methods to reduce pesticides:
- Repellents to keep insects away and come in non-toxic varieties
- Pheromone traps utilize synthetic versions of pheromones to lure pests into sticky traps
- Fly lights use light to lure flying pests onto sticky boards
Additional Services
Orkin offers other services in addition to pest control. They install insulation and gutter guards, monitor moisture, and sanitize homes and businesses to protect against various pathogens, including the virus that causes COVID-19.
Attic Insulation
Orkin installs attic insulation that protects your home from pests invasions and cuts the cost of your heating and cooling bills.
There are three types of insulation:
- OrkinTherm is an EPA-approved insulation for your attic and walls that is made of 85% recycled materials and has an Energy Star label.
- Orkin ComfortZone is installed in your attic or garage to save energy, extend the life of your HVAC system, and increase your storage space
- Rolled batting insulation is formaldehyde-free insulation for your attic and crawl space that improves indoor air quality and controls outdoor noise
Moisture Control
To control moisture that can cause mold and mildew, invite termites, and lead to structure damage, Orkin offers DryZone®.
If you think moisture is a problem in your home, an Orkin technician will do a free assessment of your home and provide a customized plan:
Assess: Orkin will test the moisture levels in your home and determine any current or possible future moisture-related damages
Implement: The technician will create a plan to rid your home of moisture, such as cleaning out the affected space, sealing up vents, putting in moisture-blocking barriers, and installing moisture meters.
Monitor: A technician will conduct regular inspections of your home and check the moisture meters
Gutter Guards
Orkin will install custom-fit gutter guards, called Leaf Stopper®, to protect your gutters from debris and water buildup, which can cause damage to your foundation. It also prevents pests like mosquitoes and little critters from living in your gutters. And, you will never have to clean your gutters again.
Sanitation Service
Orkin offers a cleaning service – VitalClean®. The company uses a powerful disinfectant that kills 100% of bacteria and viruses listed on its label, including those that cause the flu, the common cold, and COVID-19, on hard, non-porous surfaces.
Orkin Guarantee
With Okin you get what you pay for. After their inspection, Orkin’s technicians will develop a customized plan for your property to get rid of current pests and prevent pests in the future. If your pest problem comes back in between your regular services, a technician will take care of it for free.
Orkin Lowlights
Cost
Orkin’s services are more expensive than other general pest control companies, so it’s not as affordable an option for some customers. They also do not offer free inspections, adding another expense on top of an already higher price quote.
Orkin Pricing
Orkin services usually have higher-than-average prices. Basic pest control services start at $45 per month, with one-time services starting at $250. Termite and bed bug control starts at $500.
There are lots of things that determine the cost of your service, including the size of your property, the severity of the infestation, your location, and the type of treatment needed. Orkin provides a rough estimate over the phone, though paying for an inspection will give you a more accurate quote.
How to Get an Instant Quote and Order Service Online
Orkin does not offer instant quotes. However, they make it easy to schedule a callback for a free quote from a local branch representative in your area. All you have to do is enter some basic information.
Step 1. Start by clicking on “Get a Quote” or “Get a Free Quote” anywhere on Orkin’s website.
Step 2. Next, select the reason for your inquiry and input some basic contact information. Here, you can choose a date and time that best suits your schedule to receive your callback and quote.
It’s important to note that some services require an inspection to diagnose. The service representative who contacts you will likely ask what pest you are dealing with, how long the issue has been occurring, and how large your property is.
States Covered: 47; not available in AK, SD, or WY
Pests Covered: Ants, bed bugs, beetles, centipedes, millipedes, cockroaches, carpenter ants, crickets, earwigs, fleas, flies, mites, mosquitoes, moths, rodents, silverfish, spiders, stinging pests, stink bugs, termites, ticks, wildlife
Pros:
- 120 years in business
- Extensive hands-on training for all technicians
- Offers several services besides pest control including attic insulation, moisture control, gutters, and wildlife control
- IPM plans available to reduce use of pesticides
Cons:
- Can be expensive compared to other companies
- Does not offer instant online quotes
Customer Reviews:
Good service overall: “I receive regular maintenance service every other month. What this means is they come and do a sweep of the inside and outside of the house, spray, and answer any questions I may have at the time…. I like that I am able to use the same person every time. I’ve been using Orkin for several years. I think the pricing is a little expensive for what the regular maintenance process actually entails, but overall the service I’ve received is good.” – Constance B., Better Business Bureau
Wonderful customer service: “I received professional, pleasant, and knowledgeable service from the time I scheduled the appointment to the day of the service. I was especially pleased with the service provider. He had a happy disposition, was detail-oriented, respectful, listened, and was very considerate. It is refreshing to interact with such a congenial person. [Technician’s] service sold me on Orkin so much that I am scheduling an Orkin provider for my home.” – Rosalinda R., Yelp
Friendly, and knowledgeable technicians: “All the technicians who have serviced my home have been friendly and knowledgeable. My tech was very thorough and responded to my questions and concerns. He went above and beyond to get rid of cobwebs that had accumulated around the outside of my home. I really appreciate the service.” – Deborah B., Google
Buyers Guide to Choosing a Pest Control Company
Location
Check that the pest control company you’re interested in serves your area. Just because the company has technicians in your state doesn’t mean they serve in your town or subdivision. You can always check their website or call a representative through the local phone number.
Orkin has over 400 locations spread across 47 states, excluding Alaska, South Dakota, and Wyoming.
Pests Covered
Does the company offer treatments for the pest issues you’re dealing with? Some companies don’t do termite control, bed bug treatments, or wildlife removal. If your home is infested by a specific type of pest, then a company that specializes in treating it is probably the best choice for your needs.
Orkin covers most common pests, except for pill bugs and does not treat all pantry pests.
Eco-Friendly Options
If you’re an environmentally conscious customer, you’ll want to know how your pest control treatments affect the environment. What eco-friendly options does a potential pest control company offer?
Orkin offers an Integrated Pest Management treatment plan that combines traditional pest control insecticides with pesticide-free techniques that focus on long-term prevention and reduce the potential risk to pollinators and beneficial insects.
Customer Testimonials
Customer reviews are a rich source of information on how a company treats its clients. Yelp, Trustpilot, Nextdoor, and the Better Business Bureau are great sources to learn other homeowners’ experiences with a pest control company’s local branch.
Orkin has positive reviews overall, with customers praising their professionalism and customer service and expressing satisfaction with the results of their pest control treatment.
Cost
For most people, the final deciding factor in choosing a pest control company is cost. If you’ve narrowed down your options to a handful of companies, but they all both serve your area, have expertise in the specific pests you’re dealing with, and have great customer reviews, then the cost of their services will be the final piece of information you need to make an informed choice.
Orkin’s regular preventive plan generally costs $45.50 per month for a 2,000-square-foot home, which is a bit more expensive than other companies, especially since they don’t offer free inspections.
FAQ About Orkin
Turning to professional pest control only when you have an emergency can become costly. Instead of calling an exterminator every time an infestation occurs, it’s beneficial to invest in regular treatment. Orkin provides monthly service.
In addition to an intensive employee training program for pest specialists, Orkin uses targeted treatments tailored to your needs that use the latest science and technology to protect your home.
Bed bug treatments often involve a variety of treatment products. An Orkin specialist conducts a thorough inspection of your home and then provides a customized solution for your problem. Depending on your situation, bed bug control includes pesticides or heat treatments.
DIY Pest Control
Do you want to exterminate your pests yourself instead of investing in a pest control plan? LawnStarter provides useful articles on DIY pest control to protect your home from common household pests.
- Integrated Pest Management for the Lawn
- Integrated Pest Management for the Home
- The Limits, Dangers of DIY Pest Control
When to Call a Pest Control Pro
DIY pest control has limits; sometimes, the critters are more than you bargained for. When that happens, it’s time to call a pest control specialist so you can have peace in your home again.
When you can’t sleep tight because the bed bugs bite or the ants are marching one by one into your pantry, Orkin might be the company for you.
But if you would like to weigh additional options, see our ranking of the 8 Best Pest Control Companies.
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