Orkin vs. Arrow Exterminators: Pest Control Companies Compared

When you are faced with a pest infestation in your home, you want to call a top-rated pest control company like Orkin or Arrow Exterminators to handle the job. But which one is better to wipe out your pest problem?

In this article, we’ll compare Orkin, the largest pest control company in the country, and Arrow Exterminators, the eighth-largest pest control company in the U.S. We did the research and compared the two companies on pests they treat, other services they offer, price, customer reviews and more.

Though Pest Gnome has an affiliate relationship with Orkin, this pest control review is fair and unbiased. We dug deep with our research so you don’t have to.

Orkin vs. Arrow Exterminators: Side-by-Side

Pest They Treat

Pricing

Main Features

 Pests They Treat

Pests	Orkin	Arrow Exterminators
Ants	✔	✔
Bed bugs	✔	✔
Bettles	✔	✔
Carpenter ants	✔	✔
Centipedes and millipedes	✔	✔
Cockroaches	✔	✔
Crickets	✔	✔
Earwigs	✔	✔
Fleas	✔	✔
Flies	✔	✔
Mites	✔	✔
Mosquitoes	✔	✔
Moths	✔	✔
Pantry pests	Pantry Beetles Only	✔
Rodents (mice, rats, etc.)	✔	✔
Scorpions	✔	✔
Silverfish	✔	✔
Spiders	✔	✔
Stinging pests (bees, wasps, etc.)	✔	✔
Stink bugs	✔	✔
Termites	✔	✔
Ticks	✔	✔
Wildlife	✔	✔

Pricing

Service	Orkin	Arrow Exterminators
Inspection	Free	Free
Initial treatment	$170-$180	$130
Basic Pest Services	$45-$85 per month	$75 per month
Single Treatment	$250-$600	$125-$375
Termite Treatment	$600-$1,200	$800-$1,800
Bed Bug Treatment	$1,000-$3,200	$500-$2,800
Mosquito Control	N/A	$55 per month
Wildlife Removal	N/A	$140-$600

Main Features

Feature	Orkin	Arrow Exterminators
How many states do they serve?	47 (Excluding AR, SD, WY)	12 (AL, AZ, FL, GA, IL, KY, LA, MS, NS, SC, TX, VA)
Service Plans Offered
One-time service?	✔	✔
Monthly service?	✔	✔
Quarterly service?	✗	✔
Offers eco-friendly options?	✔	✔
Does it serve commercial properties?	✔	✔
Customer Service
Gives instant quotes online?	✗	✗
Has an online portal for scheduling, billing, etc?	✔	✔
24/7 customer support?	✔	✗
Better Business Bureau rating	A+	A+
Additional Services Offered
Attic insulation	✔	✔
Moisture control	✔	✔
Sanitation	✔	Only available to commercial customers
Gutter guards	✔	✔
Lawn treatments for pests, weeds, and diseases	Only available in FL	Only available in FL

Both Orkin and Arrow Exterminators are large national companies ranked in the Top 10 on Pest Control Technology’s Top 100 largest companies in the industry. Both companies treat an extensive list of household pests and even wildlife. 

Orkin has locations in 47 states while Arrow Exterminators serves a more limited area of 12 states in the Southeastern U.S. 

Both companies offer home services beyond basic pest control. Orkin and Arrow both offer attic insulation, moisture control, gutter guards, and lawn treatments for Florida residents. Orkin also offers residential sanitation services, but Arrow provides that extra service only to businesses. But if you need some wood replaced after termites destroy it, Arrow Exterminators can provide a licensed contractor through its handyman service.

Neither Orkin nor Arrow gives instant quotes online, but Orkin does provide 24/7 customer service if you have a question.

Orkin Highlights

Orkin was founded in 1901 in Walnutport, Pennsylvania, by Otto Orkin. Since then, the residential and commercial pest control giant has grown to include over 50 countries and 400 U.S. locations.

Orkin, now based in Atlanta, is the largest and oldest pest control company in the U.S.

Experience and Training

With Orkin, you get service backed by more than 120 years of experience and a tried-and-true technician training program that Training magazine calls one of the best in the country. Orkin takes its reputation as the oldest and largest pest control company in the U.S. seriously, so every technician undergoes 160 hours of hands-on simulations before going in the field.

Integrated Pest Management

Orkin also offers the option to set up an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program instead of traditional pest control methods. IPM means developing ways to control pests using fewer pesticides and minimizing risk to beneficial organisms such as bees, butterflies, and wildlife.

Orkin uses the following methods to reduce pesticides:

• Repellents to keep insects away and come in non-toxic varieties
• Pheromone traps utilize synthetic versions of pheromones to lure pests into sticky traps
• Fly lights use light to lure flying pests onto sticky boards

Additional Home Services

In addition to pest control, Orkin offers a variety of home services to make it easier for you to get all your services done through one company. Orkin provides attic insulation installation, moisture control, gutter guards, and sanitation services. 

Attic Insulation

Orkin installs attic insulation that protects your home from pests invasions and cuts the cost of your heating and cooling bills.

There are three types of insulation:

• OrkinTherm is an EPA-approved insulation for your attic and walls that is made of 85% recycled materials and has an Energy Star label.
• Orkin ComfortZone is installed in your attic or garage to save energy, extend the life of your HVAC system, and increase your storage space
• Rolled batting insulation is formaldehyde-free insulation for your attic and crawl space that improves indoor air quality and controls outdoor noise

Moisture Control

To control moisture that can cause mold and mildew, invite termites, and lead to structure damage, Orkin offers DryZone.

If you think moisture is a problem in your home, an Orkin technician will do a free assessment of your home and provide a customized plan:

Assess: Orkin will test the moisture levels in your home and determine any current or possible future moisture-related damages

Implement: The technician will create a plan to rid your home of moisture, such as cleaning out the affected space, sealing up vents, putting in moisture-blocking barriers, and installing moisture meters.

Monitor: A technician will conduct regular inspections of your home and check the moisture meters

Gutter Guards

Orkin will install custom-fit gutter guards, called Leaf Stopper, to protect your gutters from debris and water buildup, which can cause damage to your foundation. It also prevents pests like mosquitoes and little critters from living in your gutters. And, you will never have to clean your gutters again.

Sanitation Service

Orkin offers a cleaning service for businesses – VitalClean. The company uses a powerful disinfectant that kills 100% of bacteria and viruses listed on its label, including those that cause the flu, the common cold, and COVID-19, on hard, non-porous surfaces.

Orkin Guarantee

With Okin you get what you pay for. After the inspection, Orkin’s technicians will develop a customized plan for your property to get rid of current pests and prevent pests in the future. If your pest problem comes back in between your regular services, a technician will take care of it for free. 

Orkin Pricing

Okin offers a variety of services at varying price points. After a free inspection, the initial service is $170 to $180. After that, basic pest visits are between $70 and $80. The frequency of these visits depends on your infestation (every three, six, or 12 months).  

Termites treatments usually cost $600 to $1,200. Bed bug treatments are the most expensive at $1,000-$3,200 depending on the severity of the infestation. A single treatment from Orkin is typically $70-$80.

Rat removal is $100-$300 depending on the number of traps needed.

House pre-purchase inspections cost $279 to $350.

How to Get a Quote and Order Service from Orkin

Orkin does not offer instant quotes. However, Orkin makes it easy to schedule a callback for a free quote from your local branch representative. All you have to do is enter some basic information. 

Step 1. Start by clicking on “Get a Quote” or “Get a Free Quote” anywhere on Orkin’s website.

Step 2. Next, select the reason for your inquiry and input some basic contact information. Here, you have the option to select a date and time that best suits your schedule to receive your callback and quote.

It’s important to note that some pest control services require an inspection to diagnose. The service representative who contacts you will likely ask what pest you are dealing with, how long the issue has been occurring, and how large your property is.

States Covered: 47; not available in AR, SD, or WY

Pests Covered: Ants, bed bugs, beetles, centipedes, millipedes, cockroaches, carpenter ants, crickets, earwigs, fleas, flies, mites, mosquitoes, moths, rodents, silverfish, spiders, stinging pests, stink bugs, termites, ticks, wildlife 

Pros:

• 120 years in business  
• Extensive hands-on training for all technicians 
• Offers several services besides pest control including attic insulation, moisture control, gutters, and wildlife control  
• IPM plans available to reduce use of pesticides  

Cons:

• Can be expensive compared to other companies 
• Does not offer instant online quotes

Customer Reviews: 

They solve the problem: “Orkin was a well-oiled machine among customer service, techs and supervisors. I’m very pleased with his (tech’s) professionalism, attention and willingness to solve a problem. The man who services our home is awesome, very professional.” – Seth N., Yelp

Great communication: “If I ever had any questions, I can call the Lincoln office and get some commentary from them, and the technicians that come to visit. They’ve upped their game in terms of communication to the customer.” – Jeff B., Yelp

Thorough termite inspection: “Inspector did a very thorough review. He also made us aware of signs that might indicate we could have termites. He was very professional and courteous. My husband and I are pleased with the service provided.” – Martha L., Google

Arrow Exterminators Highlights

Founded by Starkey Thomas in 1964, Arrow Exterminators is still family owned and operated. Now in its third generation of owners, Arrow has acquired over 100 companies since the 1980s.  

Headquartered in Atlanta, Arrow is currently the eighth-largest pest control company in the United States. 

Arrow Exterminators is a pest control company that believes in going “Beyond the call for our customers to protect their families, homes and businesses using the most effective and environmentally responsible methods available on the market today.”

STEPS

Since 2009, Arrow has used the “STEPS” Sustainability Through Environmental Practices and Solutions program, providing the most environmentally friendly pest management. STEPS aim is to provide customers with a healthier home, community and planet.

Arrow implements Integrated Pest Management to prevent pests by controlling environmental factors. This leads to using fewer pesticides and minimizing the risk to beneficial organisms such as bees, butterflies, and wildlife.

Wildlife Control

Arrow Exterminators also offers wildlife control services to keep animals seeking food and shelter out of your home.

Arrow specializing in the removal of:

• Birds
• Rats
• Mice
• Squirrels
• Raccoons
• Possums
• Snakes
• Skunks

Handyman Service

Unlike most other pest control companies, Arrow Exterminators offers customers handyman services. If you have damage caused by termites, mice, or other critters, Arrow can provide an experienced craftsman to repair: 

• Interior and exterior trim work
• Window and sill installation
• Garage door trim and jambs
• Interior and exterior door installation
• Drywall
• Siding
• Decking, steps, and railings
• Chimney repairs and cleaning
• Gutter installation

Arrow wants to be your one-stop shop for extermination and home repair.

Whole-Home Services

In addition to the handyman service, Arrow Exterminators installs attic insulation, moisture control, and gutter guards. 

The attic insulation can replace damaged insulation or be used to upgrade old insulation. It will prevent pests from entering your home, cut down on heat and air loss, and reduce outside noise.

Moisture can invite termites and cause wood rot, fungus, mold, mildew, and odors. Arrow Exterminators’ moisture control solutions include:

• Automatic foundation vents to increase energy efficiency and control moisture
• Gutter guards to prevent water, pest, and structural damage
• Vapor barriers to reduce moisture
• Encapsulation to increase energy efficiency, improve air quality, and reduce moisture

Florida residents can take advantage of Arrow Exterminators’ lawn care services. These include:

• Exterior pest control to prevent aphids, mites, grubs, chinch bugs, and more 
• Fertilization and weed control to ensure optimal lawn health
• Fire ant control to protect the health of your lawn

Arrow Exterminators Pricing

Arrow Exterminators offers a variety of services at varying price points. After a free inspection, the initial service is around $130. Follow-up treatments are around $75 per visit. The frequency of these visits depends on your infestation (every three, six, or 12 months).  

Termite treatments usually cost $800 to $1,800. Bed bug treatments are the most expensive at $500 to $2,800, depending on the severity of the infestation. A single treatment from Orkin typically costs $125 to $375.

Mosquito treatments are $55 each, and wildlife removal generally costs from $140 to $600, depending on the infestation.

How to Get a Quote and Order Service Online from Arrow Exterminators

Arrow Exterminators doesn’t offer instant online quotes. You must fill out a form and a sales representative will contact you. There are three ways to get a quote.

Step 1. Go to the Arrow Exterminators homepage and start by clicking on “I’d Like a Free Pest Inspection,” “I’d Like to Order Services,” or “I’d Like to Contact Arrow.”

If You Need a Free Inspection

Step 2. If you clicked on “I’d Like a Free Pest Inspection,” you should see something similar to the image below.

Step 3. Enter your contact information and select the pests you are dealing with. Here, you can enter detailed information about your problem. You can expect your local representative to contact you to schedule your inspection.

If You Need to Order Services

Step 2. If you clicked on “I’d Like to Order Services” you should see something similar to the following image. Start by selecting all the pests you are experiencing a problem with followed by specialized services you need.

Step 3. Here, enter your ZIP code followed by your address. You will be asked to provide some basic information about your home. Be as detailed and accurate as possible but note that these fields are not required to complete your order.

Step 4. Recommended services will populate. Select any services you wish to add and enter your contact information to request your free estimate. You can expect a local representative to contact you to schedule your inspection and services.

If You Need to Contact Arrow Exterminators

Step 2. If you clicked on “I’d Like to Contact Arrow” you should see something similar to the image below.

Step 3. Enter your contact information and select the problem you are dealing with.

Step 4. Next, enter detailed information about your inquiry. The more details you can provide your local representative, the faster they can resolve your problem when you receive your callback.

States Covered: 12 (available in AL, AZ, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, NC, SC, TX, VA)

Pests Covered: Ants, bed bugs, carpenter ants, centipedes, millipedes, cockroaches, crickets, earwigs, fleas, flies, mosquitos, rodents, scorpions, silverfish, spiders, stinging insects, stink bugs, termites, wildlife

Pros:

• Additional services performed by licensed contractors
• No franchises
• Satisfaction guarantee
• Online portal

Cons:

• Limited locations
• Customer service not 24/7
• Inspections required for price quotes
• Costly bed bug inspections

Customer Reviews: 

Respectful: ”The service the owner provided for my parents was amazing. Not only did they treat the bug issue, they treated my parents with such respect and went above and beyond to take care of them. Thank you!” – Rebecca W., Google

Professional: “We have used them for probably three years. They are very punctual, responsible and professional. I do not have any criticism over them. They are very responsive. They exterminate mosquitoes. I have a contract with them. The quality is very good.” – Jess T., Yelp

Friendly: “I love the friendly, courteous service I receive from them. They are always on time with my services, which includes pest and termite control. They offer great pricing as well!” – Amelia F., Best Company

Buyers Guide to Choosing Between Orkin and Arrow Exterminators

Still having trouble deciding between Orkin and Arrow? Here are some of the most important factors to consider when choosing a pest control company. 

Your Location

The first question to answer is: Which company serves your area? You need to dig deeper than the state level, though. Just because a company has technicians in your state doesn’t mean they serve your specific city or subdivision.

Orkin: Has over 400 locations spread across 47 states

Arrow Exterminators: Available in select cities in 12 southern states

Pests Treated

Next, you need to know if the company can handle the type of pest infestation you’re dealing with. Many general pest control companies don’t have the means to treat bed bugs or termites because those jobs require specialized equipment and knowledge.

Orkin: Does not treat pill bugs and does not treat all pantry pests

Arrow Exterminators: Does not treat beetles, flies, mites, moths, and stink bugs 

Customer Reviews

Always read customer reviews before hiring a contractor who will come inside your home. Yelp, Nextdoor, Google, Facebook, and the Better Business Bureau are some good sources of unbiased reviews on your local branch. 

Orkin: Orkin reviews indicate that Orkin’s technicians are helpful, punctual, and professional. A common complaint is that Orkin services are a bit pricey. 

Arrow Exterminators: Reviews highlight the variety of Arrow’s services and positive interactions with employees.  Also, some customers say it was easy to set up services. The most common complaints mentioned how slow Arrow was to respond to clerical/billing issues.

Eco-Friendly Options

It’s important to consider companies that provide pest control while protecting your family and the environment. It’s best to speak with an Orkin or Arrow Exterminators representative to learn more about the best environmentally friendly treatment for your specific situation.

Orkin and Arrow Exterminators: Both use Integrated Pest Management approaches to minimize environmental impact

Cost

Finally, consider the value of the pest control service you’ll receive compared to the price you’ll pay. The cost of pest control depends on the size of your home, the cost of living in your area, the type of pest you’re dealing with, and countless other factors, so it’s important to get a quote for your specific situation to compare the prices of services. 

Orkin: An annual plan for a 3-bedroom/2-bathroom house would cost about $733 per year.

Arrow: An annual plan for a house of similar size would range anywhere from $800 to $1,800 (after the free inspection)

Here are examples of a single pest quote and an annual plan quote so you can see the relative costs. The house in this example is a 3-bedroom/2-bathroom house with a medium-sized yard. You can expect your costs to be higher if your house is larger or lower if your house is smaller.

Orkin:

Arrow:

Your final price depends on where you live, the size of your home, severity of the infestation, and the type of treatment recommended.

FAQ About Pest Control

What should I ask my exterminator?

When a pest control technician visits your home, be prepared to ask these questions:

• What kind of pests are in my home? 
• What stage of life are the insects in? Egg? Larva? Pupae? Adult?
• How serious is the infestation?
• How long have the pests been in my home?
• How long will it take to eliminate the infestation?
• Will the pests ever come back?
• Are you licensed and bonded?

How long does it take for pest control to work?

In most cases, you can expect to notice a reduction in pest activity within one to two days. 

In some cases, you might see a slight increase in pest activity right after the initial treatment. This means the pesticides disrupted the pest’s normal breeding and feeding habits, and are looking for a way to escape. Typically the pests will be gone in a week or two.  If not, you may need another round of insecticide.

Do I need to leave my home after treatment?

Depending on the course of treatment, you may or may not be asked to vacate the premises.  However, if you are asked to step out, most treatments will allow you to return within two to four hours.

DIY Pest Control

If you believe you can manage your pest problem, your local hardware store has many pesticides available.

Just be careful when using products such as Raid, Ortho, and Spectracide. Read the directions carefully. Some need to be diluted with water. Also, pay attention to whether your product is for indoor or outdoor use. 

For specific pest control stories, check out the Pest Gnome’s resources.

Some of those stories include:.

• How to Get Rid of Ants in Your Yard
• Integrated Pest Management for the Lawn
• Integrated Pest Management for the Home
• The Limits, Dangers of DIY Pest Control

Other National Pest Control Companies to Consider

Weigh all your options. Check out these other large pest control companies.

• 9 Best Pest Control Companies of 2022 [Reviews]
• Orkin vs. Rentokil: Pest Control Companies Compared
• Orkin vs. Massey Services

When to Call a Pest Control Pro

Call an exterminator as soon as you see a pest infestation. Better yet, prevent pest problems before they happen with preventative treatments.

Call a pest control professional from Orkin or Arrow Exterminators to give you some piece of mind.

Main Photo by Erik Karits on Unsplash