What Orkin does and how to contact them
Orkin is a pest control company that sends technicians to your home or business to treat infestations and prevent future pest problems. They handle common household pests like ants, roaches, termites, bed bugs, spiders, and rodents, as well as wildlife removal in some areas. You contact them by phone, their website, or through their mobile app to request an inspection and quote.
Orkin operates in all 50 states and has been in business since 1901. They are owned by Rollins Inc., a publicly traded company. When you call or request a quote online, a local Orkin branch schedules a technician to visit your property, assess the problem, and provide a price estimate before any work begins.
The company offers both one-time treatments for active infestations and ongoing prevention plans. Many customers sign up for quarterly or monthly service to keep pests from returning. Pricing varies widely depending on the type of pest, the size of your property, and your location.
Key Takeaways
- Orkin sends a technician to inspect your property and provide a written estimate before charging you anything.
- They offer one-time treatments for current infestations and recurring service plans to prevent future problems.
- Pricing depends on your location, the pest type, and the size of the area to be treated, so quotes vary significantly between customers.
- You can contact Orkin by phone, website, or mobile app, and most branches can schedule an inspection within a few days.
- Orkin guarantees their work in writing, meaning they will return to retreat at no charge if pests return during the may provide period.
How the inspection and estimate process works
When you contact Orkin, you will be asked basic questions about the pest problem: what you have seen, where you have seen it, and how long the problem has been going on. The representative will schedule a technician to visit your home or business. This inspection is usually free, though some branches may charge a small fee that gets credited toward service if you proceed.
During the inspection, the technician walks through the affected areas, looks for entry points, droppings, nests, or other signs of pest activity, and asks you follow-up questions. They then provide a written estimate that lists the treatment plan, the cost, and the may provide terms. You are under no obligation to accept the estimate. Many customers get quotes from multiple pest control companies before deciding.
The estimate will specify what type of treatment Orkin recommends—for example, interior and exterior spraying for roaches, bait stations for rodents, or heat treatment for bed bugs. It will also state how long the may provide lasts. Some guarantees cover 30 days; others cover a full year of quarterly service.
Treatment methods and what happens during service
Orkin uses several treatment approaches depending on the pest and the situation. For insects like roaches and ants, they typically explore liquid pesticides or gel baits to baseboards, under sinks, and other areas where pests hide or travel. For termites, they may install bait stations in the soil around your foundation or inject treatment into walls. For bed bugs, they often use heat treatment, which raises the temperature in a room or the entire home to a level that kills bed bugs at all life stages.
When a technician arrives for treatment, they will ask you to remove pets and people from the treated area for a specified time—usually a few hours for standard spraying, longer for heat treatment. They will lay down protective coverings, explore the treatment according to the label instructions, and provide you with written information about what was done and any precautions to take afterward.
For ongoing service plans, a technician returns on a set schedule—monthly, quarterly, or as agreed—to inspect, treat, and monitor. They keep records of what they find and what they treat, so you have a documented history of the service.
Pricing and service plan options
Orkin does not publish standard prices because costs depend on many factors: your zip code, the type of pest, the size of your property, the severity of the infestation, and the treatment method required. A one-time roach treatment in an apartment might cost $150 to $300, while a termite treatment for a house could range from $800 to $2,500 or more. Quarterly prevention plans typically run $100 to $300 per visit, depending on the same variables.
The company offers several plan types. A one-time service treats an active problem and includes a may provide—usually 30 days—that they will return free if the pest returns. A quarterly plan sends a technician four times a year for inspection and preventive treatment, which costs less per visit than one-time service but requires a commitment. Some customers choose monthly service for ongoing monitoring, especially for bed bugs or in commercial settings.
Orkin often runs promotions, such as discounts on the first service or waived inspection fees. Ask about current offers when you call. Many homeowners insurance policies do not cover pest control, but some renters insurance policies may include a small reimbursement if you pay out of pocket.
Guarantees and what to do if pests return
Orkin backs its work with a written may provide. The terms vary by service type and location, but typically they promise to return and retreat at no charge if you see the same pest during the may provide period. For example, if you sign up for quarterly service and see a roach in week 8 of a 12-week cycle, Orkin will come back and treat again without charging you.
To use the may provide, you must report the problem promptly—usually within a few days of seeing the pest. Have details ready: where you saw it, when, and how many. The technician will inspect, determine whether the pest is the same type they treated, and retreat if warranted. If the problem is unrelated (for example, you see a different type of ant), they may recommend additional service at a separate cost.
The may provide does not cover pests that enter from outside after treatment, nor does it cover damage caused by pests before treatment began. It also does not explore if you stop paying for service or if you do not follow the technician's instructions—for example, if they tell you not to wash treated surfaces for 48 hours and you do anyway.
Cancellation, contracts, and payment terms
Orkin service plans typically require a contract, usually for 12 months. The contract locks in the price and guarantees the service schedule. If you want to cancel before the contract ends, you may owe an early termination fee, which varies by location and plan type. Read the contract carefully before signing to understand the cancellation terms.
Payment is usually monthly by credit card, debit card, or bank account draft. Some branches offer discounts if you pay annually upfront. If you have questions about your bill or want to discuss payment options, contact your local Orkin branch directly—they have more flexibility than the national customer service line.
If you move or no longer need service, you can cancel by phone or in writing. Provide at least 30 days' notice to avoid being charged for the next billing cycle. Keep a copy of your cancellation confirmation for your records.
Comparing Orkin to other pest control options
Orkin is one of the largest pest control companies in the United States, but it is not the only option. Local, independent pest control businesses often charge less and may offer more personalized service. National chains like Terminix and Aptive also operate nationwide and have similar pricing and service models. Some people use a combination: a local company for routine prevention and Orkin or a specialist for complex problems like termites or bed bugs.
Before choosing any pest control company, get at least two or three estimates. Compare what each company proposes to treat, how long the may provide lasts, and the total cost. Ask whether they are licensed and insured in your state—this is required by law. Check online reviews on Google, Trustpilot, or the Better Business Bureau, but remember that people are more likely to leave reviews after a bad experience than a good one.
Some pests can be managed without professional help—for example, setting traps for mice or using over-the-counter roach baits. However, if the problem is widespread or recurring, professional treatment usually works faster and more reliably than DIY methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to sign a contract with Orkin?
Most ongoing service plans require a 12-month contract, but one-time treatments usually do not. Ask your local branch whether they offer month-to-month plans or shorter contracts. Some branches are more flexible than others, especially if you are a new customer or if you commit to paying upfront.
Is Orkin treatment safe for pets and children?
Orkin uses pesticides that are approved by the EPA and applied according to label instructions, which include safety precautions for pets and children. You will be asked to keep people and pets out of treated areas for a set time—usually a few hours. If you have concerns about specific chemicals or have a pet with health issues, tell the technician before treatment so they can discuss options or recommend alternatives.
How long does it take to see results?
Results depend on the pest and the treatment method. For roaches and ants, you may see a reduction within a few days. For termites, it can take weeks or months to see full results because the bait stations work slowly. Heat treatment for bed bugs shows results within 24 hours. Ask the technician what timeline to expect for your specific situation.
What if I am renting and my landlord will not pay for pest control?
In most states, landlords are legally required to maintain pest-free housing, so pest control is typically the landlord's responsibility. Check your state or local tenant rights laws. If your landlord refuses, you may be able to pay for treatment yourself and deduct the cost from rent, or file a complaint with your local housing authority. Orkin can provide an invoice showing what was treated, which may help if you need to document the expense.
Can Orkin treat bed bugs in an apartment without treating the whole building?
Bed bugs can spread between units, so treating only your apartment may not solve the problem long-term. Orkin will treat your unit, but they will recommend that your landlord notify neighbors and coordinate building-wide treatment. If neighboring units are not treated, bed bugs may return to your apartment. This is a conversation to have with your landlord and the pest control company together.