Photo: istockphoto.com
A termite infestation is every homeowner’s nightmare. These small but mighty insects feed on wood and other dead plant matter, making them dangerous to a home’s internal structure. Homeowners with termite damage will spend an estimated $3,000 to repair their homes. What do termites look like? They may be easily confused for ants, but soft bodies and straight antennae are key in identifying them.
It’s critical for homeowners to hire the best termite control company that can effectively rid their property of termites at an affordable price. For homeowners searching for the best termite control companies in their area, we’ve compiled a list of our top picks.
- BEST OVERALL: Terminix
- RUNNER-UP: Ehrlich Pest Control
- ECO-FRIENDLY PICK: Arrow Exterminators
- ALSO CONSIDER: Orkin
Photo: istockphoto.com
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Termite Control Company for You
As homeowners search for “best termite control companies near me,” they’ll need to consider factors like experience, scheduling availability, and the methods used. Below are considerations for homeowners looking for the right company to help with their pest control needs.
Service Area
Because many termite control companies are also some of the best pest control companies, homeowners will want to confirm the company has extensive experience with the services they need. There are many different species of termites—roughly 2,000 of them—so it’s important that the termite company selected knows how to handle a homeowner’s specific situation.
When browsing through the list of termite protection companies, homeowners will want to take note of each company’s service range and area, as not all companies offer services in every state.
Inspection and Quote Process
Homeowners will want to consider the inspection and quote process of a company when searching for the best termite companies. Generally, a company will offer a home inspection for free; from there, customers will receive a quote for the services.
A good termite company will prepare customers in advance so they can understand the services they will be receiving and the expected cost of a termite inspection. A customer should come away from the inspection with a diagnosis of their problem and the necessary next steps—including treatment options, prices, and a timeline.
Scheduling and Recurring Visits
Although one treatment is usually sufficient, an infestation may require multiple visits from a termite control company to ensure the termites have been eradicated. Therefore, when homeowners are determining if a company fits their needs, they will want to consider how the company handles scheduling follow-up and recurring visits.
Many companies offer the option for homeowners to set up a schedule where treatments are routinely administered as a preventive measure to avoid additional infestations. Some companies allow homeowners to schedule visits online, while others require a phone call.
When booking, homeowners will also want to consider the company’s availability, as the longer they wait to take care of a pest infestation, the worse the situation will get.
Insurance, Certification, and Licensing
Before hiring a termite control company, homeowners will want to confirm its technicians are licensed and the company is bonded and insured. This information is generally available on a company’s website or by request. According to the EPA, each company is required to have at least one certified and licensed commercial pesticide applicator.
Any reputable company will carry insurance and licensing, as it protects both the company and the homeowner if something goes wrong when a homeowner obtains services. When misused, pesticides can cause harm to a family, home, and surrounding environment, so it’s wise to choose a company that carries the proper protection and has plenty of experience to show via customer reviews and referrals.
Guarantees
When looking for the best termite treatment company to help with an infestation, homeowners will want to find a company that guarantees its work. While every homeowner hopes their pest problem will be taken care of in one visit, sometimes pests do return. A good termite company will stand by its work and re-treat a home without cost should termites be spotted after the initial treatment. Guarantees can range from a 30-day window to 6 months—or even longer.
Customer Support
Because problems can arise unexpectedly, companies need to have a great customer support system so any concerns can be addressed and resolved quickly. Homeowners looking for the best company to treat termites will want to look for those that offer an elevated level of customer service.
Our Top Picks
Here are the best termite control companies available nationwide to tackle any termite infestation, no matter the size and scope.
Photo: terminix.com
Why It Made the Cut: Terminix’s multiple treatment plans and accessibility options with over 300 locations make it our top pick for the best overall termite control company.
Terminix is a U.S.-based company with easy online and phone scheduling options. Terminix offers basic to advanced termite treatment plans with variable levels of monitoring, return visits, and guarantees to fit every customer’s needs and budget. Terminix even provides an exclusive Drywood Defend System option to remedy drywood termite damage for customers who live in specific states with these frequently sighted pests.
The Basic Termite plan includes an annual termite inspection, bait stations placed around the home, and a re-treatment guarantee if any termites are spotted after the initial visit. The Advanced Termite Plan includes everything in the Basic Plan as well as the Nix & Fix guarantee, which covers both re-treatment and repairs to termite damage between appointments free of cost. Finally, the Premium Termite Plan includes all the features of the Advanced Termite Plan along with ongoing pest control. Customers will want to check the exact terms of each guarantee to ensure these plans are offered in their location.
Specs
- Service area: Nationwide
- Scheduling: Online, phone
- Certifications: State and locally certified
- Guarantee: Free re-treatment for termite-plan subscribers
- Customer support: 24/7 by phone and live chat
Pros
- More than 300 locations nationwide
- 3 ongoing termite treatment plans to choose from
- Exclusive Drywood Defend System available for qualified customers
- Convenient online inspection scheduling
Cons
- Guarantees may not apply to all geographic areas
Photo: jcehrlich.com
Why It Made the Cut: Ehrlich Pest Control specialists have an average of 8-plus years of termite treatment experience, and the company holds a National Pest Management Association GreenPro accreditation.
Ehrlich stays on top of the latest technology, environmentally friendly products, and pest control treatments to bring its customers a one-of-a-kind experience. The company prides itself on the experience of its employees who are licensed applicators, state certified, and participate in ongoing training programs. Ehrlich also provides its employees with a career advancement program that has kept many of its employees in the company for 15 to over 40 years. Ehrlich’s National Pest Management Association GreenPro accreditation confirms the company’s commitment to environmentally responsible practices.
The company’s locations are mainly limited to the east coast of the U.S., making Ehrlich an expert on pests that frequent the eastern states. Its services come with a transferable warranty, meaning if a customer sells their home, the warranty transfers to the new owners. This is a feature that sellers could highlight when listing their homes.
Specs
- Service area: 20 states
- Scheduling: Phone
- Certifications: National Pest Management Association GreenPro, state and locally certified
- Guarantee: Varies by location
- Customer support: 24/7 by phone and live chat
Pros
Cons
- Relatively limited service area
Photo: arrowexterminators.com
Why It Made the Cut: Arrow Exterminators offers sustainable and effective termite management, treatment, and prevention with industry-leading standards and eco-friendly options.
Arrow Exterminators is an ideal pest control company for homeowners who prioritize environmental concerns but don’t want to sacrifice efficacy. Arrow Exterminators is a National Pest Management Association QualityPro, which signifies the company’s high standards, training, and expertise as well as a commitment to environmental stewardship. The company further demonstrates this commitment with its Sustainability Through Environmental Practices and Solutions (STEPS) program. This company-wide initiative marks a resolution to use pesticides judiciously and responsibly.
The company offers a unique, industry-leading baiting system, known as the Sentricon System, to rid homes of termites—the same one that’s used at the White House and the Statue of Liberty. While Arrow Exterminators’ locations are mainly found in the southeast United States, termite infestations are far more common in this region of the country, making it an invaluable resource for homeowners in these states.
Specs
- Service area: 12 states
- Scheduling: Phone
- Certifications: National Pest Management Association QualityPro, state and locally certified
- Guarantee: Free re-treatment for termite-plan subscribers
- Customer support: Phone, email
Pros
Cons
- Relatively limited customer support availability
- Relatively limited service area
Photo: orkin.com
Why It Made the Cut: Orkin is a widely utilized and sought-out pest management company with high standards of training and employee expertise.
In business since 1901, Orkin offers multiple options for homeowners with termite infestations. Boasting a robust training program, Orkin has been recognized multiple times in Training Magazine’s Top 125 list and has been picked as one of the Editor’s Choice honorees. Orkin’s team members are among the top in the industry, as they’re required to participate in 160 hours of training simulations and modules in a virtual classroom and its own state-of-the-art training facility.
Orkin offers 24/7 customer service over the phone and has proven third-party credibility with a National Pest Management Association QualityPro accreditation. While consumers report Orkin’s cost may be higher than the national average, Orkin offers personalized plans specifically tailored to a home’s specific situation and unique needs.
Specs
- Service area: Nationwide
- Scheduling: Phone
- Certifications: National Pest Management Association QualityPro, state and locally certified
- Guarantee: 30-day money-back guarantee
- Customer support: 24/7 by phone
Pros
Cons
- Cost may be high compared to national average
- Relatively little information readily available regarding termite treatment methods
Our Verdict
Terminix is our pick as one of the best termite treatment companies because it’s available and well-known nationwide. The company has dedicated information and services for termite treatment that demonstrate a high level of concern and expertise. Our runner-up pick, Ehrlich Pest Control, is the next-best option because of its demonstrated expertise, robust training program, and transferable warranty.
How We Chose the Best Termite Control Companies
When choosing the best termite control companies, we conducted an extensive search for companies that would be widely accessible for homeowners in need of quick assistance. Terminix and Orkin both caught our attention for the number of locations spread across the country—over 300 and 400, respectively. Next, we sought out an eco-friendly option for homeowners hesitant about the effects certain chemicals have on their homes and surrounding property. Arrow Exterminators’ STEPS program fits the bill. Finally, we focused on companies experienced enough to deal with each homeowner’s unique situation, making Ehrlich’s focus on experienced technicians a large contributing factor to making it our runner-up choice.
Before You Hire the Best Termite Control Company for You
Before hiring one of the best termite companies, homeowners will want to consider their unique situations. If a home is not yet showing signs of an infestation, there may be options to perform preventive maintenance including utilizing one of the best termite treatments for DIY use.
Additionally, homeowners will want to do their research and ensure the termite control company they employ will follow proper procedures and fumigation processes to ensure the property and home will not be adversely affected by any termite-killing chemical measures. This includes creating a tight tent seal to ensure sulfuryl fluoride (a chemical often used for pest control) doesn’t leak out of the affected area. Homeowners will also want to consider protecting carpets and upholstery, as these items can hold on to chemicals for weeks after fumigation.
Cost of Hiring the Best Termite Control Company for You
The cost of termite treatment depends on a few factors, including how large the infestation is and how long the termites have been present inside the home. If a homeowner calls a termite control company as soon as they see signs of infestation, the cost could be under $200. However, full-blown termite infestations can cost upwards of $2,500 to treat. The average homeowner will pay between $221 and $916 as the cost for termite treatment. Prevention is the best bet for homes, especially those in the southern states where termite infestations are more prevalent.
The Advantages of Using the Best Termite Control Company for You
If left unattended, termites can cause immense damage to homes and property. The severity of the damage will depend on the type of termite present in the home. Some subterranean termite colonies, for example, can house millions of termites. However, it can just take a few thousand termites chewing through a wooden beam to seriously compromise the internal structure of a home.
It’s best to hire a professional termite control company immediately upon seeing any signs of termite damage. Homeowners who recently moved into a home or are renovating will want to ask a termite control company to help with preventive maintenance. A termite control company has the experience and knowledge to effectively rid a home of termites so homeowners won’t have to worry about a reinfestation.
- Experienced termite management technicians can effectively rid a home of termites.
- Termite control companies can work to prevent termites from entering a home.
- Homeowners can take advantage of a termite subscription service to enhance termite preventive measures.
FAQs
To help homeowners decide which termite control company is best for them, here are a few frequently asked questions and answers.
Q. How long does a termite treatment last?
The average termite treatment lasts around 5 years. Liquid termite treatments may last over 5 years, while termite bait stations last about 1 year and need to be annually renewed.
Q. Can termites go through concrete?
No, termites cannot eat through concrete. However, concrete will settle and create cracks where termites can make their way through to wood in a home.
Q. How can I tell if I have termites in my wall?
There are a few telltale signs of termite damage to a wall including small holes, bubbling paint, faint lines throughout drywall, and a hollow sound when tapping on the wall.
Q. Is monthly termite control necessary?
Most termite treatments will last around 5 years. However, routine home inspections and preventive maintenance are the best tools against a full-blown termite infestation. Depending on the type of treatment used, homeowners should hire a company for annual or biannual inspections.
Q. What is the best termite company?
Terminix is our choice for the best termite company, but any companies on this list are highly rated choices for homeowners.
