CBS picks top pest control companies of 2023

CBS News recently compiled a list of the top pest control companies of 2023.

This list names six pest control companies in different categories, showed its qualifications and a list of pros and cons for each company.

“When looking for the best pest control company, consider these key factors to ensure effective and reliable services,” Nicole Carpenter, CEO at Black Pest Prevention, Charlotte, N.C., told CBS News.

The following is a transcript of CBS News’ recommendations. Do you agree with their rankings and reasoning? Let us know in the comments if you agree.

Best overall: Terminix

Terminix offers services, including 24/7 customer support, to households across 45 states. With more than 95 years under its belt, this company has a solid track record to go along with a number of notable plan options.

Pros:

• Established company with 90-plus years in business serving more than 2.8 million customers worldwide
• Free inspections plus a service guarantee against re-infestation within the first 30 days
• Customizable plans with reasonable prices

Cons:

• Some mixed customer reviews based on location
• Terminix is not accredited with the Better Business Bureau (BBB)

Why CBS recommends Terminix: “A balance of accessible plans targeting a variety of pests (especially if you’re dealing with termites in particular), 24-hour customer service, and the Ultimate Protection Guarantee make this a top choice for best pest control companies of 2023.”

Editor’s Note: The company is now technically Rentokil Terminix.

Best for next-day service: Orkin

Orkin has more than 400 franchise locations spread across the continental U.S. and Hawaii. Touting an A+ rating, Orkin has been accredited with the BBB since 2013 and has been in business for more than 100 years.

Pros:

• Same-day service for most locations and situations if you call before noon
• Integrated pest management (IPM) services services to remove pests at the source with minimal impact
• Targeted pest control services that specifically treat for termites or bed bugs

Cons:

• Some individual customer reviews report steep prices
• No free pest inspections

Why CBS recommends Orkin: “This pest control company can come in clutch with same-day service that’s available to 1.7 million residential and commercial customers across 49 U.S. states.”

Best for mosquitoes: Mosquito Joe

Mosquito Joe has more than 170 locations nationwide. Most of those can be found in the eastern half of the country, but there are also locations in Texas, Arizona, and the Dakotas. Basically, if you live where the pesky insects are the most common, you’re probably near a Mosquito Joe location.

Pros:

• Comprehensive mosquito pest control treatments that also includes ticks and fleas
• 14-day moneyback guarantee thanks to the “Neighborly Done Right Promise”
• Your choice of natural or chemical treatments

Cons:

• Services limited to outdoor pest control
• No free inspections
• Limited services for problems other than mosquito infestations

Why CBS recommends Mosquito Joe: “We appreciate Mosquito Joe’s natural pest control treatment options for a hazard-free solution to outdoor insects, plus the 14-day moneyback promise offered by the “Neighborly Done Right Promise” guarantee is a nice bonus.”

Best for handling a variety of pests: Ehrlich

With roots going back to its founding in 1928, Ehrlich Pest Control has more 90 years of pest management experience under its belt.

Pros:

• Comprehensive pest management plans that treat 30-plus types of pests
• Free quote and inspection prior to treatment services
• Nearly 100-year track record of service

Cons:

• Potentially higher than average prices
• Some customer reviews reporting ineffective services depending on location
• Not accredited with the BBB

Why CBS recommends Ehrlich: This pest control company’s practical pest management plans that deal with a number of unwanted pests, plus benefits like a free quote and inspection that ensure accurate service, were enough to outweigh a few negatives in our opinion.

Best family-owned: Truly Nolen

If you live in one of the 21 states where Truly Nolen is available, you can pay for pest management services by a family-owned company. This is also a great choice for environmentally friendly treatments, since the company uses natural products for treatment whenever possible.

Pros:

• Environmentally friendly treatments that tackle different pests
• Family-owned company with 85 years of experience
• Comprehensive Four Seasons Pest Control plan offers year-round relief from unwanted pests

Cons:

• Limited availability throughout the U.S.
• Not BBB accredited

Why CBS recommends Truly Nolen: Truly Nolen made the list of best pest control companies of 2023 thanks to comprehensive treatments that are environmentally friendly, year-round service bundles, and a 30-day or 90-day moneyback guarantee (depending on your requested service).

Best EPA-approved: Massey Services

Massey Services is a voluntary member of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program (PESP). This program promotes effective alternative pest control practices across the board (such as IPM services).

Pros:

• EPA-approved methods and treatment plans
• General pest control services on a quarterly, bi-monthly or monthly basis are available
• Additional services such as landscaping are also available

Cons:

• No online or over-the-phone quotes
• Only available in nine US states
• Not accredited with the BBB

Why CBS recommends Massey Services: Massey Services won its spot on our list thanks to its dedication to environmentally friendly pest control treatments — things like service add-ons and a 30-day moneyback guarantee only further sealed the deal.