Illustration of a home with pests being removed under a protection shield
Original illustration — ServiCover
📌 Key Takeaway: General pest control plans run $40-$70/month or $300-$900/year. Termite treatment ranges $550-$2,500 depending on severity, with tent fumigation running $1,200-$3,800. Termites alone cause more than $5 billion in property damage annually nationwide.

Top Providers, Compared

Terminix
Monthly: ~$40/month  |  One-time visit: $100-$500  |  Annual plan: $500-$800/year
The largest US network with 90+ years of experience, serving 2.9 million customers. Its "Nix & Fix It" termite guarantee includes re-treatment plus repair coverage for new termite damage while your plan is active — a genuine standout most competitors don't match.
Orkin
Monthly: ~$45/month  |  Termite inspection: Free (except real estate transactions)  |  Guarantee: 30-day money-back
120+ years of experience with a strong termite-prevention focus and extensive online educational resources, including a pest identification library. Charges for most non-termite inspections, unlike Terminix.
Aptive Environmental
Best for: Value & fast scheduling  |  Notable: Eco-conscious product options
Competitive pricing with quick scheduling — a solid pick for straightforward general pest control without needing the extensive service menu of the two largest national brands.
Bulwark Exterminating
Best for: Premium, personalized service  |  Notable: Family-owned, strong customer satisfaction scores
A more personalized alternative to the national giants, with treatment plans tailored specifically to your property rather than a one-size-fits-all standard plan.

Pricing Snapshot

ServiceTypical Cost
General pest control (monthly plan)$40-$70/month
General pest control (annual plan)$300-$900/year
One-time treatment$100-$600
Termite treatment$550-$2,500
Tent fumigation$1,200-$3,800

DIY vs. Professional Treatment

DIY products — spot foam treatments, borate wood treatment, bait stations — handle most early-stage pest problems well and cost a fraction of professional service. For severe, hidden, or recurring infestations, though, professionals bring tools, chemicals, and warranties that DIY simply can't match — especially for termites, where hidden structural damage can accumulate long before it's visible.

Know Before You Cancel

Both major providers penalize early cancellation, but differently: Terminix charges a cancellation fee, while Orkin charges you for the remainder of the contract term — a meaningfully different (and often costlier) structure worth understanding before signing a multi-year agreement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a national brand always better than a local exterminator?

Not necessarily — local, family-owned companies often build treatment plans around pest patterns specific to your region (like subterranean termite activity common to certain areas), which a standardized national plan may not address as precisely.

Are termite inspections really free?

Usually, yes, at both Terminix and Orkin — though Orkin charges for termite inspections specifically tied to a real estate transaction, and both companies typically charge for non-termite pest inspections.

How much does termite damage actually cost if left untreated?

Termites cause more than $5 billion in property damage nationally each year — individual home repair costs vary widely by infestation severity and how long it went undetected, which is exactly why early inspection matters.