Rentokil vs. Truly Nolen: Pest Control Companies Compared

Text: Rentokil vs Truly Nolen | Background Image: Potato Beetal on green leaves

1940s pest control looked very different from the eco-friendly methods of today. DDT had just been developed and was being used to combat insect-borne illnesses. Companies like Rentokil and Truly Nolen joined the fight against pests in the new modern era of pest control.

With decades of industry experience backing each company, how do you choose which is best for you? We explored factors like availability, cost, treated pests, services, and customer reviews to help you make the best choice.  

Rentokil vs. Truly Nolen: Side-by-Side

Pests They Treat

Pricing

Main Features

Pests They Treat

PestsRentokil
Truly Nolen
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
WildlifeBirds Only

Pricing

ServiceRentokilTruly Nolen
Basic Pest Services$50-$100 per month$45-$75 per month
Termite Treatment$700-$1,500N/A
Bed Bug Treatment$700-$1,500N/A
Single TreatmentN/A$300-$400

Main Features

FeatureRentokilTruly Nolen
How many states do they serve?46 (Excluding AR, HI, MT, ND)16 (Including AZ, CA, FL, GA, KY, NV, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OH, PA, SC, TN, TX, UT)
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 ratingN/AA+
Additional Services Offered
Attic insulationLocation-specific
Moisture controlLocation-specific
SanitationOnly available to commercial customers
Gutter guards
Lawn treatments for pests weeds, and diseasesAvailable to commercial customers in all 46 states and residents of AZ and FLOnly available in FL
Air purification
Handyman servicesLocation-specific

Rentokil and Truly Nolen have come a long way since the banning of DDT in 1972 due to its adverse effects on animals and the environment. Both companies’ long histories and ever-expanding experience have earned them a Top 15 spot in the industry.

With both companies having almost a century of experience, choosing between these two veterans will come down to your location, additional services you may need, and the importance you place on organic treatments. Rentokil’s growth over the years has led to locations in 46 states while Truly Nolen only serves 16.

Both companies’ Integrated Pest Management approach merges corrective and preventative measures to treat the whole pest environment. Using a combination of baits, traps, and traditional chemicals, IPM provides immediate relief without harming children, pets, or beneficial insects. Whenever possible, Truly Nolen combines its approach with naturally derived, organic treatments. 

Rentokil and Truly Nolen treat an expansive inventory of pests. Both companies offer extended whole-home and exterior solutions in many locations. Rentokil offers treatments for 36 common pests and full wildlife exclusion services. Truly Nolen treats over 100 different pests but only offers wildlife control services for birds.  

If the environment is your main concern, Truly Nolen best aligns with your philosophies. If you find yourself in need of a wildlife exclusion service covering more than just winged pests, Rentokil may be the option for you. 

Rentokil Highlights

Harold Maxwell-Lefroy of London was tasked with eliminating death watch beetles from his college campus in the early 1900s. The entomology professor and researcher successfully developed the first fluid to control wood-boring beetles. 

Piggybacking on his success, he founded Rentokil in 1925. Later, the company would go on to supply extermination services during World War II before becoming the largest pest control company in the world. 

Today, Rentokil is the third-largest pest control company in the United States. It operates in 46 states and 80 countries around the world. It hopes to finalize its acquisition of Terminix so both companies can better serve customers in the U.S. and abroad. Rentokil’s U.S. brands include:

365 Days of Protection

Rentokil’s customizable services allow customers to bundle treatment options paying only for the coverage they need. Its inclusive PestFree365+ plan provides complete relief and year-round protection from 36 common pests.

Unlike other companies in the industry, Rentokil’s comprehensive plan includes mosquito and bed bug control as well as annual termite inspections. With PestFree365+ you can expect:

  • First service total interior and exterior treatments to rid your home of pests
  • Follow-up exterior barrier treatments to reinforce protection and prevent pests 
  • Free interior visits as needed 
  • Annual termite inspections
  • Online account access

Responsible Solutions

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) lies at the heart of environmentally responsible pest control. Rentokil combines baits, traps, and targeted treatments to reduce pesticide use. It carefully selects reduced toxicity products and applies them only where needed such as in feeding areas, nests, and entry points.    

IPM integrates corrective and preventative treatments to minimize the risk to the environment, children, and pets. Rentokil is GreenPro and QualityPro Certified. Treatment options are EPA-certified and can include organic and natural options. Additionally, all technicians work by a set of principles to further reduce environmental harm.

  • Inspect for what’s causing pests to choose your home
  • Eliminate access points to prevent pests
  • Monitor for signs of trouble
  • Reduce chemical sprays by using combination therapy
  • Target pesticides to the source
  • Treat pests using heat, vacuums, steam, and more

Extensive Services

Rentokil’s large family of brands allows it to provide additional services beyond traditional treatments. Residential and commercial customers have access to a long list of complementary solutions. 

Rentokil offers whole-home solutions like moisture control and insulation installation. TAP Insulation can be installed alone or over existing insulation. It provides additional pest defense and additional benefits like:

  • Temperature regulation
  • Noise reduction
  • Fire retardant
  • Pest defense
  • Energy Star-certified (20%-40% reduction in heating and cooling costs)
  • Made from 87% recycled paper
  • Mold and mildew resistant
  • Lifetime warranty

Rentokil offers another line of pest defense with its moisture control services. The services prevent pests, moisture damage, mildew, and fungi and include:

  • Vapor barriers to reduce moisture and prevent pests
  • Dehumidifiers to minimize mildew and mold growth 
  • Temp-Vents® to automatically control moisture and provide ventilation
  • Additional customized options like sand installation and fungus treatments

Commercial customers can customize disinfecting services to fit their industry. The services include environmentally-friendly options. Rentokil also offers drone disinfection for large venues like sports arenas.

Additionally, commercial customers also have access to:

  • Bioremediation
  • Moisture control
  • Vegetation management
  • Fumigation
  • Heat treatments
  • Air purification
  • Lumnia light traps
  • Exterior pest control
  • PestConnect digital pest control systems

Online Convenience

Residential and commercial customers have access to an online portal and 24/7 customer service. PestNetOnline allows residential customers to manage their accounts, pay for their services, and schedule treatments.

Comparatively, myRentokil, a proprietary data management system, and PestConnect digital pest control systems allow commercial customers to track recommendations and problem areas, produce audit reports, and access real-time data 24/7.  

Rentokil Pricing

Rentokil does not offer pricing information online. Its customized services require a free inspection before a quote can be obtained. Prices for services vary based on your location, the size of your home, the environment you live in, the type of infestation you are dealing with, and the number and type of treatments needed to resolve your problem.

Rentokil’s popular PestFree365+ plan starts at $50 per month. Specialty options such as termite or bed bug treatments range between $700 to $1,500.

How to Get a Quote and Order Service from Rentokil

Rentokil does not offer instant online quotes. Their online form makes getting in contact with a local representative fast and easy.

Step 1. Start by visiting Rentokil’s homepage. Here, you can fill out the brief contact form with your information. You will receive a phone call from a sales representative shortly.

Step 2. Clicking “Contact Us” or “Get in Touch” anywhere on Rentokil’s website will also bring you to a more in-depth online form and Rentokil’s phone number.

Rentokil Home Page

Step 3. Here, you will be asked to provide some basic information and your reason for contacting them. You can provide additional details regarding your infestation and select whether you would like to be called back or schedule a free inspection.

Rentokil Contact Us Form

Step 4. Whichever option you select, you can expect a local representative to contact you shortly. Their ability to provide you with a quote over the phone will be based on several factors. Some infestations and additional services will require a free inspection to diagnose and quote.

States Covered: 46; not available in AR, HI, MT, ND

Pests Covered: Ants, bed bugs, beetles, carpenter ants, centipedes, millipedes, cockroaches, crickets, earwigs, fleas, flies, mites, mosquitoes, moths, pantry pests, rodents, scorpions, silverfish, spiders, stinging pests, stink bugs, termites, ticks, wildlife

Pros:

  • 95+ years of experience
  • On-staff entomologists
  • Online account access
  • 24/7 customer service

Cons:

  • Website difficult to navigate
  • Pricing information unavailable
  • Additional services focus on commercial customers

Customer Reviews: 

Great preventative treatment: Rentokil services my house quarterly. The technician always inspects inside and out. He handles any issues and always does a preventative spray. He also always includes the basement.”  – Charles H., Google

Thorough service: The technician was very polite and efficient. He called to see if it was alright to come at an earlier time and was overall very communicative. He conducted an efficient and thorough treatment around the upstairs, basement, and even the garage. Louis, Consumer Affairs

Quick turnaround: “We have been quarterly Rentokil customers for five years. We have had terrible ant problems. They are always quick to provide retreatments when they start up again. Their preventative treatments keep them away.” – Ethan B., Yelp

Overall Rating: 4.4
Our rating is based on the average star rating for 6,500 reviews found on Trustpilot, Google, and Yelp.

Truly Nolen Highlights

Truly Nolen Wheatfield used his experience in sanitation and rodent extermination to found his namesake company during the Great Depression in 1938. The Miami business became Truly Nolen of America Inc. in 1966 when the founder and his son, Truly David Nolan, combined pest control companies.

Today, the three-generation business operates in 65 countries around the world. It is the 11th largest pest control company in the U.S., serving 16 states with 100 locations

Continuing its family-first legacy, Truly Nolen employees volunteer with organizations such as Rotary clubs, schools, and nonprofits. Fundraisers, STEM classes, and charity events have all become a regular part of company culture.

100 Pests

Dating back to the time of DDT, Truly Nolen’s decades of experience has led to expansive treatment options. The company treats more than 100 different pests using an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach.  

IPM minimizes pesticide use by combining traditional treatments with baits and traps making it safer for children, pets, and beneficial insects. Truly Nolen’s Four Seasons Pest Control program treats 15 common pests while focusing on both immediate correction and prevention. Consisting of quarterly treatments, each plan considers your unique climate and seasonal needs.

Four Seasons Pest Control includes treatment and prevention for the following pests:

  • Ants
  • Beetles
  • Boxelders
  • Caterpillars
  • Crickets
  • Earwigs
  • Fleas
  • Mice
  • Millipedes
  • Roaches
  • Scorpions
  • Silverfish
  • Spiders
  • Ticks
  • Wasps

Organic Solutions

Truly Nolen began developing eco-friendly pest control treatments in the 1990s, and its entomological research continues to perfect them. The company uses naturally occurring products whenever possible and technician protocols are regularly modified to adapt to changes in pest behavior, climate, and available treatment options

Additionally, the company has made sustainability a company initiative. It continues to reduce paper use, consume less fuel in the fleet of famous yellow mouse cars, and modify other efficiency factors. 

Extended Availability 

Truly Nolen himself had a vision of providing proactive pest control in an environmentally responsible way while serving neighbors. This family focus remains at the heart of the company’s core values. It offers 24/7 customer support and a 24-hour response time to all inquiries. 

Customers have access to an online portal where they can schedule services, pay their bills, and update their account information. Truly Nolen also offers convenient Saturday and evening availability in most locations. 

Additional Services

Truly Nolen offers several complementary services. Florida residents have access to lawn treatments. Soil, pest, plant, and climate analyses are performed to create customized treatment plans. 

The company also offers insulation installation. Truly Insulation Plus works in attics, crawl spaces, and under flooring. High-grade insulation is combined with naturally occurring minerals and materials. When installed in attics, Truly Insulation is infused with orthoboric acid, an EPA-approved treatment for eliminating self-grooming pests like roaches, ants, silverfish, beetles, and more. TIP also provides:   

  • Temperature regulation
  • Fire retardation
  • Decreased noise transmission 

The company’s newest edition, Truly Sanitized, provides sanitation and disease prevention services. It effectively disinfects, sanitizes, and eliminates viruses in homes and businesses. The service is effective against COVID-19 and works on all non-porous surfaces. Residual applications for continued protection for up to 90 days are also available. 

Truly Nolen Pricing

Truly Nolen offers instant online quotes for most basic services. These services can be performed on the day of your inspection. Specialized services such as termites, rodents, bed bugs, and bees require a free inspection to receive an accurate quote. These specialized services can be performed the day following your inspection. 

Prices vary based on the size of your property, your location, the pests you are dealing with, and the number and types of treatments needed to resolve your problem. Truly Nolen’s popular Four Seasons Pest Control plan starts at $45 per month. One-time services start at $299.

Discounts are available for senior citizens, military personnel, and first responders.

How to Get an Instant Quote and Order Service from Truly Nolen

Truly Nolen’s online estimator makes it easy to purchase their preventative pest control package or a single intensive treatment.

Step 1. Start by clicking on “Free Estimate” or use the drop-down menu to select your problem pest and click “Get an Estimate.”

Step 2. Next, enter your contact information, the approximate square footage of your home, and your ZIP code.

Step 3. Here, you will see your monthly price estimate along with the total due. You have the option to “Start Service” for the Four Seasons Pest Control or a one-time intensive treatment.

The below estimate is based on a 2,000-square-foot Arizona home.

Step 4. Lastly, enter your home address and review your billing plan before completing your purchase. Here, you can enter information about your pest problem. 

A local representative will contact you to arrange an inspection and your first service. Large infestations may be subject to additional charges upon inspection.

States Covered: 16; AZ, CA, FL, GA, KY, NV, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OH, PA, SC, TN, TX, UT

Pests Covered: Ants, bed bugs, beetles, carpenter ants, centipedes, millipedes, cockroaches, crickets, earwigs, fleas, flies, mites, mosquitoes, moths, pantry pests, rodents, scorpions, silverfish, spiders, stinging pests, stink bugs, termites, ticks, birds

Pros:

  • Decades of experience
  • Natural treatments
  • Satisfaction guarantee
  • On-staff entomologists
  • Cutting-edge training and research facility

Cons:

  • Limited accessibility 
  • Pricey single treatment options
  • No online chat

Customer Reviews: 

Fast turnaround: I had ants. The technician inspected my house the day after I contacted Truly Nolen. Two hours later another technician came for the extermination. The technicians’ knowledge of ant behavior was helpful and interesting.– B. Godwin, Google

High value: We live deep in a forest where Mother Nature rules. Fortunately, Truly Nolen has eliminated our numerous pest challenges. They are not the cheapest, but they offer the highest value in pest control. If there is ever a problem, they come out to reservice within a day or two.” – Mike M., Yelp

Fast service: “I chose Truly Nolen because they are pet-friendly. They’ve been coming out quarterly for years. This year we had some red ants in our yard, and Truly Nolen sent a technician out the next morning to treat our yard at no cost.” – Judy B., Facebook

Overall Rating: 4.7
Our rating is based on the average star rating for 3,000 reviews found on Google, Yelp, and ContactUs.

Buyers Guide to Choosing Between Rentokil and Truly Nolen

Rentokil and Truly Nolen offer services backed by decades of pest control experience. Explore the following factors to help you choose the best company for your home.

Your Location

First, verify that Rentokil and Truly Nolen serve your area.

Rentokil: Operates in 46 states under a family of brands including Western Exterminator, Presto-X, Ehrlich, and Florida Pest Control 

Truly Nolen: Has nearly 100 locations in 16 states serving over 150,000 customers

Pests Covered

Next, consider the type of infestation you need to be treated for.

Rentokil: Treats all types of pests and wildlife 

Truly Nolen: Only offers wildlife support for birds

Eco-Friendly Options

Truly Nolen uses natural and organic options whenever possible while Rentokil offers organic treatments in some locations. Speak with your local branch to learn more about available options.

Rentokil: GreenPro and QualityPro certified

Truly Nolen: Has been developing eco-friendly and natural solutions since the 1990s; uses natural and organic treatments whenever possible

Customer Testimonials

Get a deeper look into Rentokil and Truly Nolen by visiting popular review sites like Google, Yelp, Trustpilot, BBB, and Consumer Affairs.

Rentokil: Customers value the preventative techniques, quick turnaround, and thorough services that cover all areas and outbuildings. They could do without the large service windows and unavailable pricing information. 

Truly Nolen: Customers love the 24-hour turnaround time, high-value, customized plans, and free reservices. They criticize the difficult cancellation process and sometimes ineffective treatments.

Cost

Rentokil and Truly Nolen customize many of their services resulting in the need for a free inspection.

Rentokil: PestFree365+ includes quarterly treatments, mosquito and bed bug control, and annual termite inspections. The plan costs between $50 to $100 per month. Specialty treatments like bed bug or termite infestation treatments cost between $700 to $1,500. Frequent discounts are available on its website.

Truly Nolen: Four Seasons Pest Control packages include general pest control, inspections, and retreatments. They cost between $45-$75 per month. Specialty options like termite treatments and rodent control require a free inspection to quote. One-time treatments start at $299.

Discounts are available for senior citizens, military personnel, and first responders. The company also runs frequent promotions for new customers on its website.

FAQ About Pest Control

What is rodent exclusion?

Rodent extermination is great, but it doesn’t stop unwanted furry visitors from finding their way into your home. Many pest control companies offer rodent exclusion services. Exclusion involves sealing cracks around your home to decrease the chance rodents and pests can find their way inside.
 
Rats can squeeze into holes as small as half an inch. Exclusion services are the key to keeping your home rodent-free. Services typically include: 

• Sealing cracks around your home
• Installing door sweeps and weather seals
• Installing vent covers, chimney caps, and plumbing caps

When is the best time to have my home treated?

Quarterly pest control is always recommended and will ensure seasonal, year-round protection from all types of pests. However, as winter pests come out of hibernation, pest activity increases in early spring from March to April. Having your home treated in the spring will help to eliminate nests and colonies before they can reproduce and become a larger problem.

Hope long does it take to see results after my treatment?

Treatments for smaller pests like ants and spiders can become fully effective within 48 hours while larger pests such as cockroaches and mice may take several weeks to resolve. It is normal to see an increase in insect activity immediately after treatment as pests are drawn out of hiding.
 
Pest control treatments are a personalized process. Factors like the size and type of the infestation and the type of treatment used play a role in how long it will take to see results. Some infestations will even require follow-up treatments.

DIY Pest Control

Cockroaches walked with the dinosaurs. These creepy crawlers have been around for over 200 million years. With longevity like that, there’s no shortage of DIY methods to eliminate the pest.

Here are some valuable articles to get you started:

Other National Pest Control Companies to Consider

Consider all your options before selecting the company that will ultimately solve your pest problem. Check out these other large companies. 

When to Call a Pest Control Pro

Did you know ants don’t sleep? If an infestation is ruining your beauty rest, call a professional from Rentokil or Truly Nolen to eliminate your pest problem and put your nightmare to bed. 

And if you’d like to consider more local pest control options, Pest Gnome makes it easy to connect with pest control pros near you. With just a few clicks, you’ll get quotes in minutes. Soon your pest control problem will be solved.

Main Image by Zdeněk Chalupský from Pixabay with logo and text overlay.

Kimberly Magerl

Kimberly Magerl is a writer and data analyst specializing in home improvement, DIY, roofing, and solar technologies. She enjoys growing vegetables in her garden, getting outdoors, and transforming her space with DIY projects. A resident of Texas, when she isn't gardening, Kimberly enjoys trying new recipes and cooking with her home-grown herbs.