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SmartPest

The Best Options in 2026 - Tested by Experts

Our team spent thousands of hours researching and testing to bring you this definitive ranking. Updated monthly.

2,500+ research hours1,000+ customers surveyed6 products recommended

Quick Comparison

RankProviderRatingPricingBest For 
#1
Terminix
Editor's Choice
4.7
General pest from ~$50/mo, Termite from ~$75/moExcellentVisit Site →
#2
Orkin
Best Training & Expertise
4.6
General pest from ~$50/mo, Termite from ~$70/moExcellentVisit Site →
#3
Aptive Environmental
Best Customer Experience
4.5
General pest from ~$45/moVery GoodVisit Site →
#4
ABC Home & Commercial Services
Best Regional Provider
4.4
General pest from ~$40/moVery GoodVisit Site →
#5
DIY Pest Control Kits
Best DIY Option
4.1
From ~$15-$30/mo for subscription kitsVery GoodVisit Site →
#6
Local Independent Companies
4
General pest from ~$30-$45/moGoodVisit Site →

Detailed Reviews

#2 - Best Training & Expertise
Orkin logo

Orkin

4.6Excellent

Orkin has been in pest control for over 120 years and is known for having the most thoroughly trained technicians in the industry. Every Orkin technician completes 160+ hours of training before servicing homes. Their customized treatment plans are built around Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles.

120+ years of pest control experience
160+ hours of technician training - most in the industry
Integrated Pest Management approach minimizes chemical use
Available in 47 states with consistent service standards

Pros

  • +Most thoroughly trained technicians in the industry ensure quality service
  • +IPM approach is more effective long-term and uses fewer chemicals
  • +Strong satisfaction guarantee - free re-treatments if pests return
  • +Custom treatment plans based on home inspection, not one-size-fits-all

Cons

  • Premium pricing reflects training investment
  • Contracts may include early termination fees
  • Scheduling can be less flexible than smaller local companies
Our Verdict: Orkin is the best choice for homeowners who value expertise and a scientific approach to pest control. Their IPM methodology focuses on identifying and eliminating the root cause of infestations rather than just spraying chemicals. The 160+ hours of technician training translates to better diagnostics and more effective treatments. Choose Orkin if you want the most knowledgeable technicians in your home.
General pest from ~$50/mo, Termite from ~$70/mo
Get an Orkin Quote
#3 - Best Customer Experience
Aptive Environmental logo

Aptive Environmental

4.5Very Good

Aptive is the fastest-growing pest control company in America, built around a modern customer experience. Their app-based scheduling, eco-conscious treatment options, and flexible plans without long-term contracts have earned them top customer satisfaction ratings among national providers.

No long-term contracts required - cancel anytime
Modern app for scheduling, communication, and service tracking
Eco-friendly treatment options available
Quarterly service with free re-treatments between visits

Pros

  • +No long-term contract commitment - rare among national pest control companies
  • +Best-in-class app and digital experience for scheduling and tracking
  • +Eco-friendly treatment options for environmentally conscious homeowners
  • +Free re-treatments between quarterly visits if pests return

Cons

  • Newer company (founded 2015) with shorter track record than Terminix/Orkin
  • Not available in all states - growing but regional coverage gaps exist
  • Termite services not available in all markets
Our Verdict: Aptive is the best choice for homeowners who want modern, flexible pest control without long-term contract commitments. Their no-contract approach, excellent app, and eco-friendly options align with what today's homeowners want. If you're tired of high-pressure sales and inflexible contracts from traditional pest companies, Aptive is a refreshing alternative.
General pest from ~$45/mo
Get an Aptive Quote
#4 - Best Regional Provider
ABC Home & Commercial Services logo

ABC Home & Commercial Services

4.4Very Good

ABC Home & Commercial is a family-owned, multi-service home company operating across the South and Southwest. Their pest control division benefits from deep local expertise - technicians understand regional pest pressures, seasonal patterns, and treatment approaches specific to your area.

Deep local expertise in Southern and Southwestern pest challenges
Multi-service company - can bundle pest with lawn, HVAC, and plumbing
Family-owned with strong community reputation
Custom treatment plans based on local pest pressures

Pros

  • +Superior local knowledge of regional pest challenges and seasonal patterns
  • +Bundle discounts when combining pest control with other home services
  • +Strong community reputation with long-term customer relationships
  • +Technicians are employees, not subcontractors - consistent quality

Cons

  • Limited geographic availability - primarily Southern and Southwestern states
  • Smaller scale means fewer resources than Terminix or Orkin
  • Online scheduling and digital tools lag behind Aptive
Our Verdict: ABC is the best choice for homeowners in their service areas (primarily Texas, Florida, and surrounding states) who want a local company with deep regional expertise. Their technicians understand the specific pest challenges of your area better than national companies. The ability to bundle pest control with other home services adds convenience and value.
General pest from ~$40/mo
Get an ABC Quote
#5 - Best DIY Option
DIY Pest Control Kits logo

DIY Pest Control Kits

4.1Very Good

Professional-grade DIY pest control has become increasingly accessible through subscription services and online retailers. Companies like DoMyOwn, Solutions Pest & Lawn, and Pestie deliver professional-grade products with instructions tailored to your specific pest problem and region.

60-80% cheaper than professional service
Professional-grade products - same chemicals the pros use
Subscription kits customized to your region and pest type
Treatment on your own schedule

Pros

  • +Dramatically lower cost - $15-$30/month vs. $45-$75 for professional service
  • +Same professional-grade active ingredients used by licensed companies
  • +Treat on your own schedule without waiting for appointments
  • +Subscription services customize products to your region and pest pressure

Cons

  • Requires your own time and effort to apply treatments correctly
  • No guarantee or callback service if pests persist
  • Not recommended for termites, bed bugs, or severe infestations
  • Improper application can be less effective or even hazardous
Our Verdict: DIY pest control is the best value for minor to moderate pest issues (ants, spiders, roaches, general perimeter treatment). Modern subscription kits deliver professional-grade products with clear instructions. However, DIY is not appropriate for termites, bed bugs, rodent infestations, or any severe pest problem - these require professional expertise, specialized equipment, and guaranteed follow-up.
From ~$15-$30/mo for subscription kits
Explore DIY Options
#6
Local Independent Companies logo

Local Independent Companies

4Good

Independent local pest control companies often provide the most personalized service, competitive pricing, and flexible scheduling. A well-vetted local company can deliver results equal to or better than national chains - the key is thorough vetting of licensing, insurance, reviews, and treatment methods.

Often 20-40% cheaper than national chains
More personalized service and flexible scheduling
Owner-operators tend to be more responsive and accountable
Support local businesses in your community

Pros

  • +Lower overhead means lower prices than national companies
  • +More personalized attention and relationship with your technician
  • +Flexible scheduling and often faster response for urgent issues
  • +Owner-operators have personal reputation at stake - higher accountability

Cons

  • Quality varies dramatically - thorough vetting is essential
  • May lack resources for specialized treatments (fumigation, heat treatment)
  • Less likely to offer satisfaction guarantees as robust as national companies
Our Verdict: A well-vetted local pest control company can deliver excellent results at a lower price than national chains. The key word is well-vetted: verify licensing, insurance, reviews, and ask about treatment methods before hiring. For general pest control, a quality local company is often the best value. For termites or severe infestations requiring specialized equipment, national companies with dedicated termite divisions may be more reliable.
General pest from ~$30-$45/mo
How to Vet Local Companies

How We Rank & Review

Our rankings are the result of a rigorous, multi-step evaluation process. We start with extensive market research to identify every viable option, then narrow the field based on reputation, customer feedback, and feature sets.

Each product on our list undergoes hands-on testing by our expert reviewers. We evaluate ease of setup, day-to-day usability, feature quality, customer support responsiveness, and overall value for money.

We also survey real customers to understand long-term satisfaction and reliability. Our ratings combine expert scores with customer sentiment to give you a complete, balanced picture.

We update these rankings monthly as new products launch, prices change, and we gather more data. Our goal is to always give you the most current, accurate recommendations possible.