Terminix vs. Arrow Exterminators: Pest Control Companies Compared

Terminix and Arrow Exterminators have decades of experience, a comprehensive list of treated pests, and extended services for your home or business. So, how do you choose between the two?

Our side-by-side comparison digs deep into factors like location, cost, services, pests treated, and customer reviews to help you make the best decision for your home and family.

Terminix vs. Arrow Exterminators: Side-by-Side

Pests They Treat

Pricing

Main Features

Pests They Treat

Pests	Terminix	Arrow Exterminators
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	Terminix	Arrow Exterminators
Basic Pest Services	Starts at $45 per month	N/A
Termite Prevention Plan	Starts at $69 per month	N/A
Single Termite Treatment	N/A	$800-$1,800
Mosquito Control	Starts at $69 per month	$55 per month
Single Treatment	$200-$400	$125-$375
Bed Bug Inspection	Free	$250 ($200 applied to cost of treatment)

Main Features

Feature	Terminix	Arrow Exterminators
How many states do they serve?	45 (Excluding AK, MT, ND, SD, VT)	12 (Including AL, AZ, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, NC, SC, TN, TX, VI)
Service Plans Offered
One-time service?	✓	✓
Monthly service?	✓	✓
Quarterly service?	✓	✓
Offers eco-friendly options?	In some cases	✓
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	N/A	A+
Additional Services Offered
Attic insulation	✓	✓
Moisture control	✓	✓
Sanitation	Only available to commercial customers	Only available to commercial customers
Gutter guards	✗	✓
Lawn treatments for pests weeds, and diseases	✗	Only available in FL
Handyman Services	✗	✓

Terminix and Arrow Exterminators have decades of experience earning them industry respect and recognition. Both companies fall in the Top 10 on Pest Control Technology’s Top 100 largest companies in the industry. Choosing which company is right for you will come down to your location and whether you are only looking for pest control or an all-in-one service company.

Arrow Exterminators operates in the southeastern U.S. covering 12 states while Terminix serves 45. Both companies use Integrated Pest Management to provide environmentally-friendly pest control and prevention. IPM focuses on treating the whole environment through a combination of pesticides, baits, and traps to reduce environmental impact.

Both companies treat an extensive list of home pests. Terminix’s general pest control plan treats and prevents 13 household pests while Arrow Exterminator’s general plan covers 10. 

Both also offer complete wildlife control and exclusion services. Terminix offers annual reinspections for as long as you keep their wildlife plan. 

Terminix and Arrow Exterminators offer insulation installation and moisture control services. Both companies also provide sanitation services to commercial customers. Arrow Exterminators offers more comprehensive whole-home solutions including handyman services completed by registered contractors and outdoor pest and weed control for Florida residents.

If fire ants are taking over your backyard or you need new doors and windows, Arrow Exterminators is your best option. If termites are damaging your property, Terminix’s experience is second to none.

Terminix Highlights

Memphis-based Terminix started as a research laboratory in 1927. It became the first company to develop termiticide, an insecticide specifically for termites, and the first company to offer annual termite control contracts backed by satisfaction guarantees. 

Terminix has now grown to service 50,000 customers daily in over 300 U.S. locations and 22 countries worldwide and has expanded its focus to full-service pest control and home solutions.

Global pest control company Rentokil recently acquired Terminix to combine forces to better serve customers in the U.S. and abroad.

365 Protection

Terminix provides 365 days of protection to its general pest control customers through customized quarterly treatments designed with the help of their on-staff entomologists. With over 90 years of industry experience to back its Integrated Pest Management approach, it focuses on long-term prevention and targeted solutions.

Terminix’s IPM approach combines traps, baits, and pesticides to create an uninhabitable environment for pests while minimizing environmental impact. Each treatment plan is customized to reduce the risk to pets, children, and beneficial pollinators like honey bees and butterflies.

Home Solutions

Terminix offers several whole-home solutions to complement its traditional pest control services, including insulation installation and moisture control for crawl spaces. Commercial customers have access to sanitation services.

Terminix’s insulation can be installed on top of existing insulation or on its own. It is:

• Made from 85% recycled materials
• ENERGY STAR certified
• Flame-retardant
• Noise-reducing

Crawl space services prevent water damage, fungi, mildew, and odors while reinforcing structural integrity. The services include:

• Vapor barriers to reduce moisture
• Encapsulation to prevent moisture and wood-destroying insects
• Floor supports to correct structural issues caused by water, moisture, or termites
• Temp-Vents automatically reduce moisture and increase energy efficiency

Online Billing and Support

Terminix customers can schedule services, update their account information, and pay their bills from an online portal. They also have access to a chat feature and 24/7 customer support by phone. Terminix provides text alerts to its customers notifying them of upcoming and completed services and technician arrival times. 

Environmental Commitments

Terminix released a 2021 report detailing its continued commitment to the environment through its sustainable business practices. With over 60% of its 11,000-vehicle fleet certified green vehicles, the company was named the fourth-best U.S. company for green vehicles in 2021.

The company is slow to adopt natural pest control solutions for many areas of its business and instead focuses on sustainable business practices outside of treatments. Terminix works to reduce its greenhouse emissions annually.

Terminix is GreenPro certified. Its eco-friendly services include:

• Natural tick and mosquito control
• Insulation installation made from 85% recycled materials
• Commercial EcoControl program to reduce pesticide use

Termite Control

Terminix is the first company to hold a termite control patent and an industry leader in termite research and development. It offers free termite inspections and monthly prevention packages. Terminix treats both dry wood and subterranean termites. 

Terminix Pricing

Terminix provides instant quotes online making it easy to estimate the cost of most services. Plans and prices vary based on your location, the size of your home, your infestation level, and the number of treatments needed to resolve your problem. All plans are customized to your needs.

Terminix’s quarterly pest control plan works to resolve your current problem while protecting you from 13 common pests:

• Cockroaches
• Ants
• Spiders
• Rats
• Mice
• Wasps
• Centipedes
• Millipedes
• Clothes Moths
• House crickets
• Silverfish

Treatment of pests outside the list of common pests is considered a specialty service and requires a free inspection to diagnose and quote. Terminix’s basic pest control plan starts at $45 per month, and single treatment options start at $199. They also offer monthly termite, mosquito, or tick control starting at $69 per month.

How to Get an Instant Quote and Order Service from Terminix

Terminix offers instant quotes for most services. They make it easy to schedule a free inspection, receive an approximate price for quarterly or one-time services, and pay for your first service. There are two ways to receive a quote.

Step 1. Go to the main Terminix website and start by selecting the service that addresses your problem.

If You Need a Specialty Service

Some services say, “Schedule a Free Inspection.” This just means instant quotes aren’t available for this specialty service. To best serve you and eliminate your problem, technicians must complete a free inspection to estimate the cost accurately.

Step 2. If you selected a specialty service like rodent control, click “Schedule Free Inspection.”

Step 3. Next, enter your address and contact information. Check that you agree to be contacted by Terminix and click “Continue to Schedule.”

Step 4. Here, you will see a calendar of dates and times. Select the option that works best for your schedule and click, “Submit.” You can expect to receive a call from your local representative confirming your free inspection.

If You Need Basic Pest Control

Step 2. If you select a basic service like pest control, you can choose between service types and billing options. Select your desired pest control frequency.

Step 3. Enter your address to receive your personalized price estimate.

Step 4. Here, you have the option of selecting a one-time or quarterly service. Terminix’s quarterly service plans offer two billing options, quarterly and monthly. 

Select your service and click “Add to Cart” followed by “View Cart.”

The prices shown below are based on pest control services for a Central Texas address. These prices will vary based on your location. 

Step 5. Next, you can choose whether you wish to add additional specialty services such as mosquito or tick control. You are presented with your initial service fee, a one-time charge, along with your ongoing service fee based on your monthly or quarterly selection.

Step 6. Once you have made your decisions, click “Continue to Checkout.”

Step 7. Here, you can complete your purchase and schedule your first service.

Customer service is available 24/7 to answer any questions you may have before making your selections. Additionally, you can find answers to common questions via the chat feature on Terminix’s homepage.

States Covered: 45; not available in AK, MT, ND, SD, VT

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:

• Decades of experience
• National reach
• On-staff entomologists
• Satisfaction guarantees
• Free inspections

Cons:

• Franchise model variations
• Limited eco-friendly options
• Unreliable account portal
• Difficult cancellation process

Customer Reviews: 

Fast and effective service: “We have had very good monthly service from Terminix for several years now. The technician never fails to call us before he comes out and always leaves a report. When we had trouble with carpenter ants, they identified the source of the colony and wiped it out quickly.”  – James, Consumer Affairs

Thorough treatment: “We’ve been using Terminix at our house for almost a year now. Our technician comes quarterly to do pest control. He asks what bugs we’ve been seeing and then explains what services he’s doing to prevent those bugs. Afterward, he shows us what he did. He is so friendly and hardworking.” – Amanda R., Google

Got rid of rodents: “Terminix is a great company! I see why they have been in business so long. I had rats and purchased their exclusion package. After three weeks the rodents were completely gone.” – Shakim G., Yelp

Arrow Exterminators Highlights

Arrow Exterminators is on a mission to become the largest family-owned and operated pest control company. Founded in 1964 by James S. Thomas Sr. and his wife, Imogene, the Atlanta-based business is now the eighth-largest pest control company in the U.S.

Family-owned and operated for more than 50 years, Arrow Exterminators started in the termite industry before expanding to offer full-service pest control and complete home solutions, becoming the largest independent termite and pest control company in Georgia.

Today, Arrow Exterminators has 156 locations in 12 states and serves more than 500,000 customers. 

The company now owns and operates a family of brands including: 

STEPS Total Protection System

Introduced in 2009, Arrow Exterminators’ proprietary STEPS Total Protection System uses an Integrated Pest Management approach representing the company’s commitment to sustainable pest control. IPM focuses on long-term pest prevention and seeks to use targeted, effective treatments to reduce the risk to children, pets, and the environment.

STEPS Total Protection System consists of quarterly pest control treatments backed by customer satisfaction guarantees. Each customized treatment consists of three steps:

1. Inspection to identify the pest issue
2. Identify the root cause
3. Treat and prevent the issue in the most environmentally-responsible way

Environment and Community 

Arrow Exterminators believes pest control should extend beyond the environment to the health and safety of the communities they serve. They strive to increase their business operation’s sustainability while maintaining an eco-friendly treatment approach. They are actively involved with numerous charitable and community organizations and have a leadership role with the National Pest Management Association to further foster community health and wellness.

Technician Training

Arrow Exterminators’ success stems from its highly trained technicians. Their technicians are committed to the company mission and values and are active members of their communities. Arrow Exterminators trains technicians to perform specific treatments to the highest industry standards. Their technician types include: 

• Termite Renewal Technician
• Sentricon Technician
• Pest Control Technician
• Commercial Pest Control Technician
• Wildlife Technician
• Termite Technician

Home Solutions

Arrow Exterminators has extended whole-home solutions to benefit the health and safety of its customers. Arrow offers insulation installation for climate regulation, pest control, and noise reduction. Additionally, commercial customers have access to disinfecting services, warehouse bird control, and drain management.

Arrow’s professional contractors offer skilled carpentry and handyman services including:

• Interior and exterior trim work
• Window and sill installation
• Garage door trim and jambs
• Interior and exterior door installation
• Drywall
• Siding
• Decking, steps, and railings
• Chimney repairs and cleaning
• Gutter installation

Arrow also provides moisture control solutions to prevent termite infestations, warped floorboards, wood rot, fungus, mold, and odors including:

• Automatic foundation vents to increase energy efficiency and control moisture
• Gutter guards to prevent water, pest, and structural damage
• Vapor barriers to reduce moisture
• Encapsulation to increase energy efficiency, improve air quality, and reduce moisture

Florida residents can benefit from Arrow Exterminators’ lawn treatments. These include:

• Exterior pest control to prevent aphids, mites, grubs, chinch bugs, and more 
• Fertilization and weed control to ensure optimal lawn health
• Fire ant control to protect the health of your lawn

Online Account Management

Arrow Exterminators has moved from paperless billing to electronic service tickets across its family of brands. Customers have access to an online portal where they can manage their accounts, pay for their services, and schedule treatments. Technicians use handheld devices to upload information at service completions to decrease paper use, ensure accuracy, and update important account information quickly. 

Arrow Exterminators Pricing

Arrow Exterminators customizes each STEPS Total Protection System to your needs and property. Arrow offers recurring and one-time services as well as specialty treatment options. Free inspections are provided for all services except bed bug treatments. Bed bug inspections cost $250. However, $200 of the inspection fee will be applied to the cost of your treatment. 

STEPS Total Protection System quarterly pest control treats and prevents 10 common pests:

• Ants
• Cockroaches
• Spiders
• Stink bugs
• Silverfish
• Millipedes
• Centipedes
• Earwigs
• Crickets
• Pill bugs

Each plan is based on the size of your property and infestation, the type of infestation you are dealing with, your location, and the number of treatments needed to eliminate your problem. Arrow Exterminators requires a free inspection before giving a quote. 

Arrow’s single treatment options are approximately $125 to $375. Mosquito control starts at $55 per month and termite treatments range from $800 to $1,800.

How to Get a Quote and Order Service from Arrow Exterminators

Arrow Exterminators does not provide instant online quotes, however, Arrow makes it easy to request a free inspection. There are three ways to do so.

Step 1. Go to Arrow Exterminators’ homepage and start by clicking on “I’d Like a Free Pest Inspection,” “I’d Like to Order Services,” or “I’d Like to Contact Arrow.”

If You Need a Free Inspection

Step 2. If you clicked on “I’d Like a Free Pest Inspection,” you should see something similar to the image below.

Step 3. Enter your contact information and select the pests you are dealing with. Here, you can enter detailed information about your problem. You can expect your local representative to contact you to schedule your inspection.

If You Need to Order Services

Step 2. If you clicked on “I’d Like to Order Services” you should see something similar to the following image. Start by selecting all the pests you are experiencing a problem with followed by specialized services you need.

Step 3. Enter your ZIP code followed by your address. You will be asked to provide some basic information about your home. Be as detailed and accurate as possible but note that these fields are not required to complete your order.

Step 4. Recommended services will populate. Select any services you wish to add and enter your contact information to request your free estimate. You can expect a local representative to contact you to schedule your inspection and services.

If You Need to Contact Arrow Exterminators

Step 2. If you clicked on “I’d Like to Contact Arrow” you should see something similar to the image below.

Step 3. Enter your contact information and select the problem you are dealing with.

Step 4. Next, enter detailed information about your inquiry. The more details you can provide your local representative, the faster they can resolve your problem when you receive your callback.

States Covered: 12; AL, AZ, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, NC, SC, TN, TX, VA

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:

• Additional services performed by licensed contractors
• No franchises
• Satisfaction guarantee
• Online portal

Cons:

• Limited locations
• Customer service not 24/7
• Inspections required for price quotes
• Costly bed bug inspections

Customer Reviews: 

Service reminders: “We originally called Arrow Exterminators for a problem with ants. They were gone within a couple of weeks, which is what the technician told us to expect. We were very pleased. We continued maintenance service and have not seen any more pests. I appreciate the reminder calls as well as the flexible scheduling.” – Kat R., Google

Paperless account: “They come on schedule. I get an email to tell me they are due to come.  The invoice comes by email, too. It is all seamless. They get the job done, and I have no bugs.” – Barb D., Yelp

Great price: “Arrow Exterminators’ prices are better than other companies. The technician was friendly, professional, and knowledgeable. He explained things in a way that I understood and even gave me advice for what to do in between appointments.” – Crystal W., Nextdoor

Buyers Guide to Choosing Between Terminix and Arrow Exterminators

Both Terminix and Arrow Exterminators treat almost any pest you could ever deal with using an Integrated Pest Management approach. Consider the following five factors to help you make a decision.

Your Location

First, check to ensure Terminix or Arrow Exterminators serves your area.

Terminix: Has over 300 locations spread across 45 states and services over 50,000 homes daily

Arrow Exterminators: Has over 156 southeastern locations across 12 states

Pests Covered

Next, consider the type of infestation you are dealing with.

Terminix and Arrow Exterminators: Both treat all types of pests and wildlife.

Eco-Friendly Options

Terminix and Arrow Exterminators both offer eco-friendly pest control options in some areas. Speak with your local representative to learn what options are available to you.

Terminix: Member of U.S. Green Business Council, GreePro certified

Arrow Exterminators: GreenPro certified

Customer Testimonials

Get an honest look into Terminix’s and Arrow Exterminators’ business practices by visiting popular review sites like Yelp, Google, Nextdoor, Trustpilot, and Consumer Affairs.

Terminix: Customers praise the customized text alerts, timely service, and free retreatments. Customers say they could do without the difficult cancellation process and ineffective treatments that sometimes damage beneficial insects. 

Arrow Exterminators: Customers love the competitive prices but don’t love how difficult the information is to obtain. Knowledgeable technicians and effective treatments round out the company’s strengths while the limited locations and costly bed bug inspections are less than desirable for customers.

Cost

Terminix and Arrow Exterminators’ prices are based on services customized to fit your needs.

Terminix: Quarterly pest control starts at $45 per month. Optional add-ons, including termite prevention and mosquito or tick control, start at $69 per month. One-time treatments have a starting price of $199. All inspections are free and free retreatments are offered for most services.

Arrow Exterminators: The STEPS Total Protection System is customized to your needs and property. Prices are based on your level of infestation, how many treatments are needed, the size of your home, and your location. Single treatment options are available and cost between $125 to $375.

Termite treatments cost between $800 to $1,800, depending on your level of infestation and damage. Free inspections are offered for all services except bed bugs. Bed bug treatments require a $250 inspection fee. $200 of the initial fee is applied to the cost of your treatment.

FAQ About Pest Control

Is pest control safe?

Most pest control companies prioritize the health and safety of their customers. After all, that’s why they exterminate pests that can be harmful to your health. The chemicals they use are EPA-approved and applied by trained technicians to minimize the risk to your family and pets.

Are pests dangerous?

Pests pose numerous health threats to you and potential structural damages to your home. Some pests, like rodents and cockroaches, contain allergens that can trigger asthma. Others, like bed bugs and fire ants, cause painful bites. Many pests spread food-borne illnesses like E. coli and salmonella. Regular pest control treatments can help give you peace of mind and prevent any unwanted damage to your home or potential health risks.

How are pests getting into my house?

Many pests like ants, roaches, and mice can squeeze through the smallest cracks looking for food and warmth. Sometimes you don’t even know the cracks are there.

Some steps you can take to lessen your chance of uninvited guests include:

• Maintain landscapes and trim tree branches and shrubs
• Store firewood away from your home and off the ground
• Check all cable, heating, and pipe entrances to ensure there are no cracks or gaps
• Seal doors and windows

DIY Pest Control

Looking to save money? Some pests can be safely handled by ingredients in your pantry. Try your hand at some DIY methods. Check out Pest Gnome’s resources.

Here are some helpful articles to get you started:

• How to Get Rid of Silverfish
• Which Household Pests Can Aggravate Your Allergies?
• Does Peppermint Oil Repel Spiders?

Other National Pest Control Companies to Consider

It is important to weigh all your options before committing to a pest control service. Check out these other large companies.

• Orkin vs. Rentokil: Pest Control Companies Compared
• Orkin vs. Truly Nolen: Pest Control Companies Compared
• Terminix vs. Aptive Environmental: Pest Control Companies Compared 

When to Call a Pest Control Pro

DIY pest control is not meant for long-term prevention, and sometimes, it can get expensive. If you find your pests returning or your infestation has gotten out of hand, call a pest control professional from Terminix or Arrow Exterminators.

Pest Gnome participates in Terminix’s affiliate program and may earn revenue from connecting you to Terminix for pest control.

Photo by Erik Karits on Unsplash with text and logo overlay