Terminix vs. Truly Nolen: Pest Control Companies Compared

Text: Terminix vs. Truly Nolen, Which Pest Control Company is Best for Your Needs? | Image: Dead CockroachY

Terminix and Truly Nolen are two pest control companies backed by decades of experience, so how do you choose which one is best for your needs?  

We did the research and compared factors like location, cost, services, pests treated, and customer reviews to help you make the best decision.

Terminix vs. Truly Nolen: Side-by-Side

Pests They Treat

PestsTerminix

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

ServiceTerminixTruly Nolen
Basic Pest ServicesStarts at $45 per month$45-$75 per month
Termite TreatmentStarts at $69 per monthN/A
Single Treatment$200-$400$300-$400

Main Features

FeatureTerminixTruly Nolen
How many states do they serve?45 (Excluding AK, MT, ND, SD, VT)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?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 ratingN/AA+
Additional Services Offered
Attic insulation
Moisture control
SanitationOnly available to commercial customers
Gutter guards
Lawn treatments for pests weeds, and diseasesOnly available in FL

Terminix and Truly Nolen both land in the Top 15 on Pest Control Technology’s Top 100 largest companies in the pest control industry. Both companies combine decades of experience with top-notch customer service. Choosing between the two comes down to your location and the value you place on environmentally-friendly treatments.

Terminix serves 45 states while Truly Nolen operates in 16. Both companies use Integrated Pest Management approaches to minimize environmental impact. IPM focuses on long-term pest prevention by treating the pest’s environment with traditional pesticides, baits, and traps.

While Terminix is committed to sustainable business practices, only Truly Nolen is 100% committed to using natural and environmentally-friendly pest control treatments whenever possible. 

Terminix offers complete wildlife control services and treats a comprehensive list of pests. Truly Nolen treats the same number of pests with the addition of fly control and offers bird control only in its wildlife services. 

Both Terminix and Truly Nolen offer instant online quotes for their general pest control plans and single treatment services. Specialty services require a free inspection. 

Both companies offer extended home services including insulation installation. Terminix offers moisture control services and commercial sanitation while Truly Nolen provides all customers with sanitation services. Truly Nolen’s Florida customers also have access to lawn treatments for pests, weeds, and diseases.

Choosing between these two companies is not easy. Consider your location and needs. If you find your house overtaken by fruit flies, it is time to call Truly Nolen. If termites are eating you out of house and home, it is probably best to let Terminix handle your infestation.

Terminix Highlights

Starting as a research laboratory in 1927, Terminix is the first company to develop termiticide, an insecticide specifically for termites. In 1955, it became the first company to offer annual termite control contracts and satisfaction guarantees. Franchises followed two years later. 

Since these humble beginnings in Memphis, Terminix has grown to provide full-service pest control to more than 300 U.S. locations and 22 countries. 

Well-known global pest control company Rentokil is combining forces with Terminix to better serve customers in the U.S. and abroad.

Integrated Pest Management

Terminix combines its 90 years of experience with an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach to provide 365 days of protection. IPM focuses on long-term prevention techniques that minimize environmental impact. Using a combination of traps, baits, and pesticides, Terminix develops customized plans for each customer to reduce the risk to children, pets, and pollinators like butterflies and honeybees.

Home Services

Terminix’s integrated approach extends to home solutions beyond traditional pest control. Terminix offers moisture control services including humidity monitoring and insulation installation. It also offers disinfecting services for commercial customers

Customer Support

Terminix customers can use a convenient online billing portal to schedule services and make changes to their accounts. A live chat feature is available through the website along with 24/7 customer support by phone. Customers also can receive service and technician text alerts of upcoming and completed treatments.

Sustainability

Terminix in a report released in 2021 detailed its enhanced commitment to the environment through its sustainable business practices. In the same year, the company was named the fourth best U.S. company for green vehicles. More than 60% of its 11,000-vehicle fleet is a green vehicle

Terminix is GreenPro certified, but the company has been slow to adopt more environmentally-friendly pest control solutions. Instead, it focuses on reducing its greenhouse emissions every year. 

Terminix does offer some eco-friendly services such as:

  • Natural tick and mosquito control
  • 85% recycled insulation installation
  • A commercial EcoControl program to reduce pesticide use

Termite Control

Terminix continues to be an industry leader in termite control. Terminix was the first company to hold a termite control patent, and the company continually researches and develops new methods of treatment. Terminix offers free termite inspections and monthly prevention packages for both drywood and subterranean termites.

Terminix Pricing

Terminix makes it easy to determine the approximate cost of most services online. Its pest control plans are customized to your needs and vary by location, the size of your home, your level of infestation, and the treatments needed to resolve your problem.

Terminix’s basic pest control plan works to resolve your current pest 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 this list of common pests is subject to additional charges and specialty services. Terminix’s basic pest service plan starts at $45 per month. Single treatment options start at $200 a month. The pest control company also offers monthly termite, mosquito, or tick control starting at $69 per month.

How to Get a Quote and Order Service from Terminix

Terminix offers instant quotes for most services. Terminix makes 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 pest 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:

  • 90+ years of experience
  • Satisfaction guaranteed
  • Free inspections
  • Staff entomologists

Cons:

  • Limited eco-friendly options
  • Customer service variations with franchise model
  • Unreliable billing portal

Customer Reviews: 

Free retreatments: “I’ve been using Terminix for more than 25 years. I’m scheduled for quarterly service. If anything comes up in between the service dates, all I have to do is call and speak to a representative and a Terminix technician comes out to retreat in a reasonable amount of time.” – M.D., Google

Ineffective outdoor treatment: “I’m confident the termite treatment and prevention worked. However, they assured me their mosquito treatments only targeted mosquitoes, but my caterpillars disappeared once I started the treatment. It also damaged the leaves of many of my plants, and I still had mosquitoes.” Terri J., Yelp

Love the text alerts: I have had Terminix service for quite a few years now and would highly recommend them. My technician is thorough, and I don’t have to worry if I am not going to be home. I receive a text the day before my scheduled visit and a text the day of the visit letting me know what time he will be arriving. I will also receive a text letting me know the service has been completed.– Sylvia C., BBB

Overall Rating: 4.2
Our rating is based on the average rating for 4,000 reviews found on Google, Consumer Affairs, and Yelp.

Truly Nolen Highlights

Truly Nolen prides itself on family and community. Founded in 1938 by Truly Wheatfield Nolen, the three-generation Miami business now operates in more than 65 countries and is one of the largest pest control companies in the U.S.

Environmental Commitments 

Truly Nolen embodies its all-inclusive environmental and community commitment. Extending beyond pest control, the company is involved with numerous organizations including Rotary clubs, schools, and non-profit organizations.

Three generations of Nolens later, their family-first approach continues to drive their entomological search for the most environmentally-friendly pest control methods. Truly Nolen also pledges sustainability in its everyday business practices. The pest control company is working to go completely paperless, consume less fuel in its famous yellow mouse cars, and increase sustainability across the board.

Four Seasons Pest Control

Truly Nolen utilizes an Integrated Pest Management approach to maximize results while minimizing pesticide use to remain pet- and kid-friendly. IPM focuses on long-term prevention through the treatment of the environment focusing on the pest’s lifecycle and habitat through each season. 

Truly Nolen offers treatments and specialized services to eliminate over 100 different pests. The company’s popular Four Seasons Pest Control plan treats and prevents 15 common pests including:

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

The Four Seasons Pest Control Program consists of quarterly treatments customized to meet your needs and is designed around seasonal pests unique to your location. 

Customer Service

Truly Nolen is committed to providing superior customer service 24/7 by phone. The company offers easy access to an online customer portal for account management, scheduling, and billing.

Home Services

Truly Nolen provides whole-home solutions including insulation installation and sanitation services. The pest control company also offers lawn treatments for Florida residents consisting of soil, plant, pest, and climate analysis to create a customized treatment plan for your yard.

The eco-friendly Truly Insulation Plus service is designed for attics, crawl spaces, and under flooring. It provides: 

  • Climate regulation
  • Pest prevention
  • Fire retardation
  • Enhanced acoustics

Truly Nolen Pricing

Truly Nolen tailors each service to fit your needs and property. The pest control company offers instant online quotes for both their recurring and one-time services. Some specialized services require a free inspection before an accurate quote can be given.

Each Truly Nolen service is priced based on your property size, the size of your infestation, the type of infestation, and your location. Its Four Seasons Pest Control service starts at $45 a month with one-time treatment options starting at $300.

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

Truly Nolen’s online estimator makes it easy to purchase a 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:

  • Eco-friendly treatment options
  • Satisfaction guarantee
  • Online scheduling and account management

Cons:

  • Retreatments sometimes necessary
  • Limited locations
  • No online chat

Customer Reviews: 

Honest same-day service: We discovered a nest of termite-looking insects. We called Truly Nolen, and they came out to inspect the nest the same day. The technician told us they were ants and didn’t try to upsell me a service I didn’t need.– Eric T., Google

On time and thorough: “We have used Truly Nolen for over a year. Today they came to check traps and ensure the attic area was clean. Our representative called ahead to let us know when we could expect him. He was on time, professional, and thorough.” – Kris G., Yelp

Retreatment needed: The technician was very knowledgeable, but we are still seeing roaches. Every day since he sprayed we have seen at least one or two. We need a retreatment service.– Clint J., Nextdoor

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

Buyers Guide to Choosing Between Terminix and Truly Nolen

Both Terminix and Truly Nolen treat a comprehensive list of pests using an Integrated Pest Management approach. Consider the following factors when making your decision.

Your Location

The first thing you need to determine is whether Terminix or Truly Nolen serves your area. 

Terminix: Services over 50,000 homes daily and has over 300 locations in 45 states

Truly Nolen: Has over 100 locations in 16 states and serves more than 150,000 customers

Pests Covered

Next, consider the type of pests each company treats.

Terminix: Covers all common pests and wildlife

Truly Nolen: Treat for all common pests, but wildlife services only covers birds

Eco-Friendly Options

Eco-friendly treatment options are available in many areas from both companies. Speak with your local Terminix or Truly Nolen representative to discover options in your area. Both Terminix and Truly Nolen use environmentally-friendly Integrated Pest Management approaches.

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

Truly Nolen: Committed to developing environmentally-friendly and natural pest control treatments since the 1990s

Customer Testimonials

Popular review sites like Google, Yelp, BBB, Nextdoor, and Trustpilot will give you an honest look into Terminix and Truly Nolen’s business practices.

Terminix: Customers agree fair prices, free retreatments, and timely services with text alerts are stand-out strengths for the company while ineffective treatments and difficulties canceling services are among the most complained-about topics.

Truly Nolen: Customers love the value they receive for the price and the knowledgeable technicians but don’t love the number of retreatments it takes to resolve some pest problems.

Cost

Both Terminix and Truly Nolen base their prices on location and customize treatments for their customers.

Terminix: General pest control plans start at approximately $550 per year. Specialized treatment options cost extra. Monthly mosquito, termite, or tick prevention starts at $69 per month and one-time service options start at $199.

Truly Nolen: General pest control costs between $550 to $1,000 per year. This includes general pest control, inspections, and retreatments. Specialized treatments cost extra. One-time treatment options start at $299.

FAQ About Pest Control

Why do I see more pests after my service?

It is normal to see an increase in insect activity after pest control treatments. This typically lasts 48 hours. Pests come in contact with treatment solutions as they are drawn out of hiding. 

Pest control treatments are not designed to work instantly. The size and type of your infestation play a role in the type of treatment your professional will use affecting how long it takes to see results. Sometimes follow-up treatments are necessary.

Is pest control worth it?

While there are plenty of DIY methods floating around the Internet, professional pest control provides more effective results. It might not seem like it in the beginning, but professional preventive pest control saves you time and money in the future by identifying problems early and eliminating them quickly. Infestations can rapidly get out of hand causing significant structural damage that would require costly repairs.

How do I prepare for treatment?

Preparing for your pest control treatment requires some routine cleaning such as:

– Mop and vacuum floors
– Wash dirty dishes and clear sinks
– Wipe down countertops
– Put away open food and containers
– Repair any leaks or standing water
– Reduce unnecessary clutter
– Contain pets
– Alert your technician to problem areas

DIY Pest Control

Regular pest control can seem like a big commitment. Luckily, there’s no shortage of DIY methods you can use to safely treat a variety of pests. Check out some of Pest Gnoe’s many resources.

Here are some helpful stories to get you started:

Other National Pest Control Companies to Consider

Consider other options before choosing your new pest control company. Check out these other large companies.

  • Orkin vs. Rentokil
  • Orkin vs. Truly Nolen
  • Orkin vs. Massey Services

When to Call a Pest Control Pro

Commitment issues aside, sometimes DIY methods just aren’t enough. If your infestation has gotten out of hand, call a pest control professional from Terminix or Truly Nolen to regain your peace of mind. 

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

Main photo credit: Nicholas_Demetriades / Pixabay

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.