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.

🔎 How we research: The ServiCover Editorial Team compiles prices and guidance from published 2026 cost guides, manufacturer information and industry sources. Prices are national ranges and vary by location, home and provider, so always compare written quotes. We don't perform the work ourselves, and we may earn a commission when you request quotes through our partners — see our Advertiser Disclosure.