Orkin vs Terminix

Kalicia Bateman
Kalicia Bateman | Contributor

Orkin and Terminix rank highly among the most widely recognized and popular pest control services in the industry. Both offer a full suite of services designed for a wide range of insects, rodents, and other wildlife. With nearly 200 combined years of ridding homes of termites, ants, and mice, Orkin and Terminix carry a level of experience unrivaled by most pest control companies.

Both companies provide a number of competitive services and employ highly trained pest control professionals. To learn more about how these companies compare, where they differ, and what their customers have to say about them, continue below and see which company is right for you.

Orkin logo
#22 Orkin
6.2 Overall Score
1.6
star star_half star_border star_border star_border
(345)
Terminix logo
#32 Terminix
5.1 Overall Score
1.1
star star_border star_border star_border star_border
(479)

Overview

Orkin

Termite Control

Yes

Bed Bug Control

Yes

Wildlife Control

Yes

Lawn Services

No

QualityPro Certified

Yes

Time in Business

123 Years

Terminix

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

97 Years

Ratings

Orkin

Overall Score
6.2 of 10
Review Score
1.6
star star_half star_border star_border star_border
Value for Money
3.5
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Quality of Product or Service
3.6
star star star star_half star_border
Company Trustworthiness
3.5
star star star star_half star_border
Likely to Recommend
6.0 of 10

Terminix

5.1 of 10
1.1
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2.9
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3.0
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2.8
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4.2 of 10

Reviews

Orkin

Number of Reviews
345
Review Breakdown
1.6
star star_half star_border star_border star_border
1 star
25%
2 star
5%
3 star
8%
4 star
20%
5 star
42%

Terminix

479
1.1
star star_border star_border star_border star_border
1 star
44%
2 star
4%
3 star
7%
4 star
17%
5 star
28%

Reviews for Orkin

Helpful Favorable Review

star star star star star

Geri Underhill

May 19th, 2023

I really want to thank Julio M who came out today as I am a first time customer and he was super nice and took the time to explain what he was doing as he went through the process and provided information that was very helpful and informatitve. I like to know that these chemicals are safe as I have grandkids who are here and I believe we are off to a great start!! Looking forward to being a new Orkin customer and knowing my home is safe and pest free! Thank you Julio!!

Helpful Critical Review

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

AnK

October 27th, 2023

We were told they were putting a quote together and would call us back in a day or 2. After a week, we finally reached someone and were told the job was too big for them. We wasted a week waiting on them when they could’ve just been straight with us.

Reviews for Terminix

Helpful Favorable Review

star star star star star_border

Jesse and MaryAnn Hewett

December 20th, 2022

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Review Source

Great customer service and punctuation and very nice exterminator results from the house and then the office or any place you want them to get rid of all insects they are definitely going to get the job done

Helpful Critical Review

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Paola Hernández

March 20th, 2024

My experience with Terminix was a complete disaster. They escalated the situation by involving a debt collector for a service that was never provided, and then avoided all attempts at communication. Managers Derik T, Antonio B, and Luis S were unresponsive and unhelpful in resolving the issue. This company's lack of professionalism is appalling.

The Final Word

Money-Back Guarantee

The Orkin Guarantee Terminix Ultimate Protection® Guarantee
  • Provides additional treatment at no charge if pests return
  • Refunds last service payment if the problem is not solved*

*For customers only

  • Same-day solution — attempts to resolve complaints within 24 hours
  • Re-treats home at no extra charge if pests return
  • Refunds services within 30 days of treatment

Winner: Terminix. While both companies offer customers competitive guarantees that include free re-treatment as well as a refund, Terminix has taken additional steps to ensure customers are completely satisfied. The company's same-day solution guarantee gives it a slight edge over Orkin.

Nationwide Availability

Orkin Terminix

More than 400 locations. Available in every state, except the following:

  • Alaska
  • South Dakota
  • Wyoming

More than 300 locations. Available in every state, except the following:

  • Alaska
  • Montana
  • North Dakota
  • South Dakota
  • Vermont

Winner: Orkin. Although both pest control companies boast an impressive national presence, Orkins wins the category. Not only is Orkin represented in more states, but the company also operates across more than 400 locations, as opposed to the approximate 300 locations from Terminix.

Additional Services

Orkin Terminix
  • Lawn Treatments — Year-round lawn care includes pests, weeds, and diseases. (Florida residents only)
  • Moisture Control — Orkin DryCare® protects crawlspaces, attics, and other areas from structural-damaging moisture and monitors moisture levels throughout the year.
  • Attic Insulation — Orkin offers two insulation packages (OrkinTherm® and OrkinComfortZone®) that not only improve the energy efficiency of the home, but also protect against invasive pests. 
  • Gutter Protection — Terminix provides professionally installed rain gutters (normally an insect breeding ground) and gutter guards that prevent clogging.
  • Builder Services
    • New Construction Termite Pretreatment
    • Complete Insulation Packages
    • Moisture Control Services
  • Carpentry Services — Includes substructure repairs, siding repair and replacement, and a suite of other services ranging from floors to ceilings, to drywall, and more.

Winner: Terminix. Both Orkin and Terminix do more than just eradicate pests; however, Terminix offers a wider range of home services than its competitor that extends beyond moisture and attic maintenance. Terminix goes the extra mile by repairing, replacing, installing, and assisting with structural elements of the home that have been damaged by termites or other pests.

Industry Certifications

Both Orkin and Terminix have received multiple certifications from the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), a nonprofit organization that represents the interests of the pest control agency:

  • QualityPro Certification — To be QualityPro-certified, companies must pass a 16-point professionalism checklist that spans from more general items like regular drug and background checks, to more industry-specific items such as proper pesticide handling and storage and service agreements that meet industry requirements.
  • GreenPro Service Certification — GreenPro-certified companies focus on not just the prevention of pests, but also on the protection of humans, non-targeted animals, and the environment. To become GreenPro-certified, pest control companies must maintain high safety and professionalism standards, without sacrificing the effectiveness of their pest control solutions.

Winner: Both. Being both QualityPro- and GreenPro-certified sets these companies apart from less reputable pest control companies. Customers can be assured that both Orkin and Terminix maintain high standards in the people they hire, the products they use, and the pest control practices they implement.

Recommendation

Orkin and Terminix remain two of the leading pest control providers in the industry for a reason. They have received industry-recognized certifications for professionalism and safety, cover a near-nationwide service area, and provide a suite of supplemental services that support their exisiting pest control offering. As a result, these companies have almost identical overall scores.

However, while customers are likely to receive high-quality, as-advertised service from either company, Orkin's actual customers have reported higher satisfaction than customers who went with Terminix. Orkin customers feel they get more value for their money, experience better customer service, and are more likely to recommend Orkin to their friends and family than Terminix customers. For this reason, we recommend Orkin over Terminix to solve your pest control needs.

Top Choice

Orkin Logo
Orkin

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