Last updated: September 2026 · Company terms checked against current provider information
Pest Price Guide is independent. We do not sell termite-control services and do not receive referral fees from the companies discussed on this page. Company guarantees and services can vary by location, property and plan. Always read the agreement offered for your specific home.
The best termite control company for your home cannot be determined from a brand name alone. Termite species, treatment method, local branch availability, inspection findings and warranty terms can all change what you are actually buying.
Therefore, this guide does not assign companies a star rating or declare one national winner. Instead, it compares the questions homeowners should ask when evaluating Terminix, Orkin and qualified local termite companies.
The biggest difference may not be the chemical used. In many cases, it is what the company promises to do if termites return after treatment.
Start by comparing the inspection, proposed treatment, retreatment terms, repair coverage, renewal cost and exclusions. Terminix currently advertises termite plans ranging from retreatment protection to qualifying repair coverage of up to $250,000. Orkin currently advertises free termite inspections, customized treatment, ongoing inspections, free retreatment and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Local companies may offer different terms, so compare the written agreements rather than the brand names alone.
What actually makes a termite company worth comparing?
A termite company does more than apply pesticide.
First, it must identify the termite problem correctly. Next, it needs to select a treatment appropriate for the species, infestation and structure. Finally, the contract determines what happens after treatment.
The EPA lists several recognized termite-control approaches, including liquid soil-applied termiticides, termite baits and wood treatments. Consequently, homeowners should be cautious when a company presents one method as the correct solution for every property.
| What to compare | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Inspection | The treatment plan depends on what species and activity the inspector finds. |
| Treatment method | Liquid barriers, bait systems, localized treatments and fumigation solve different problems. |
| Retreatment guarantee | Determines whether the company returns without another treatment charge if covered termites return. |
| Repair coverage | Determines whether qualifying new termite damage may also be covered. |
| Annual renewal | Long-term protection may depend on keeping the plan active. |
| Exclusions | Species, moisture conditions, inaccessible areas or property changes may affect coverage. |
Retreatment and repair coverage are not the same thing
This distinction deserves special attention because both plans may be marketed as termite protection.
| Retreatment coverage | Repair coverage | |
|---|---|---|
| If covered termites return | Company returns to treat again according to the agreement | Company may retreat and may also cover qualifying new termite damage |
| Structural repairs | Usually not included unless contract says otherwise | May be included subject to limits and exclusions |
| Coverage limit | Not applicable to repairs | Check the dollar cap and whether it is aggregate or per occurrence |
| Renewal | Often required to maintain protection | Often required to maintain protection |
Therefore, the phrase “termite warranty” does not tell you enough.
Ask what happens in this specific scenario: new termite activity appears three years after treatment and new structural damage is discovered.
The written answer is much more valuable than the warranty name.
Terminix termite protection
Terminix currently advertises multiple levels of termite protection.
Its basic termite protection includes retreatment under the Terminix termite guarantee when covered termite activity returns or new signs of activity appear. In addition, qualifying plans can include repair coverage for new termite damage.
Terminix currently advertises up to $250,000 in new termite damage repair coverage under its repair guarantee.
Terminix’s own plan materials state that repair coverage is for qualifying homes, is not available in all areas and is subject to additional limitations. Published plan language also describes the $250,000 as an aggregate limit over the life of the plan, including renewal periods. Therefore, do not read the headline amount as an automatic $250,000 payment for every future termite problem.
Current Terminix materials also show that the appropriate treatment depends on termite type, infestation severity and other property factors.
As a result, homeowners should request the actual plan document offered for their address rather than relying only on national marketing.
For a broader look at the company, see our Terminix review.
Questions to ask Terminix
- Is this the retreatment plan or the repair-coverage plan?
- Does the repair guarantee apply to my property and ZIP code?
- Which termite species are covered?
- What is the aggregate repair limit?
- What conditions can exclude a repair claim?
- What annual payment keeps the protection active?
- What happens if I sell the home?
Orkin termite protection
Orkin currently advertises free termite inspections for homeowners. After inspection, the company prepares a termite inspection report and service agreement and recommends a treatment plan for the property.
Current Orkin materials describe treatment options that can include liquid applications, bait and monitoring systems, and foam treatments for difficult-to-reach areas.
In addition, Orkin states that its termite services include free retreatment when treatment does not eliminate the infestation.
The company also advertises a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. If the customer reports dissatisfaction within that period and Orkin cannot resolve the problem during the following 30 days, its published terms state that it will refund the treatment and prepaid monitoring.
Do not assume Orkin’s general satisfaction guarantee is the same product as a termite damage-repair guarantee. Ask the local branch whether the specific termite agreement offered to you includes structural repair coverage and, if so, request the limits and exclusions in writing.
For our broader review of pricing, services and guarantees, see the Orkin review.
Questions to ask Orkin
- Which treatment method is proposed and why?
- How often will the property be inspected or monitored?
- What exactly triggers free retreatment?
- Does my termite agreement include repair coverage?
- What is excluded from the agreement?
- What is the renewal cost?
- Does coverage continue if I sell the property?
What about a local termite company?
A national brand is not automatically a better or worse choice than a local provider.
Instead, compare the actual company operating in your market.
A qualified local termite company may offer treatment methods and warranty terms that compete directly with national providers. However, those terms vary too much to make universal claims about faster response, better repair work or longer warranties.
Therefore, treat a local company as a third proposal rather than assuming what it will offer.
Request proposals from two established providers plus one well-established local or regional termite company. Give all three the same information, then compare treatment scope and warranty terms side by side.
How to check a local termite company
The EPA recommends choosing termite companies carefully and confirming that firms providing termite services are properly licensed by the state.
Before signing, check:
- The company’s current state pesticide or structural-pest license
- How long the local business or branch has operated
- Who performs the inspection
- Who performs treatment
- Whether structural repairs are performed in-house or separately
- Which termite species are covered
- The exact retreatment and repair language
- Annual renewal requirements
- Transfer terms if the home is sold
In addition, ask for a specimen or blank copy of the service agreement before committing to treatment.
Termite treatment cost matters too
A strong warranty does not automatically make an expensive quote reasonable.
Current Angi data puts professional termite treatment between approximately $75 and $1,750, with a national average around $621. However, whole-structure fumigation and extensive infestations can cost much more. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Meanwhile, current termite damage repair data puts repairs around $1,000 to $10,000 or more, with an average near $3,000. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Those numbers help explain why treatment price and warranty coverage should be evaluated together.
For method-specific pricing, see our termite treatment cost guide.
Do not compare quotes by upfront price alone
Suppose three companies inspect the same property.
| Hypothetical quote | Initial treatment | Annual renewal | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company A | $1,400 | $250 | Retreatment |
| Company B | $1,650 | $325 | Retreatment + qualifying repair coverage |
| Company C | $1,250 | $300 | Retreatment with different exclusions |
Company C appears cheapest initially. However, the three products are not identical.
Therefore, calculate both the long-term cost and what each contract actually covers.
Five-year termite plan calculator
Use this simple formula:
Initial treatment + (annual renewal × 4) + mandatory fees = approximate five-year cost.
Using the hypothetical quotes above:
| Company | Calculation | 5-year cost |
|---|---|---|
| A | $1,400 + ($250 × 4) | $2,400 |
| B | $1,650 + ($325 × 4) | $2,950 |
| C | $1,250 + ($300 × 4) | $2,450 |
Company B costs $550 more than Company A over five years. However, if B’s written agreement includes meaningful qualifying repair coverage and A’s does not, the products are different.
That does not automatically make either proposal better. Instead, it tells you what the extra $550 is buying.
The Termite Warranty Comparison Matrix
This is the part of the article worth taking with you when you request quotes.
| Question | Company #1 | Company #2 | Company #3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Termite species identified | _____ | _____ | _____ |
| Treatment method | _____ | _____ | _____ |
| Initial treatment cost | $_____ | $_____ | $_____ |
| Annual renewal | $_____ | $_____ | $_____ |
| Free retreatment? | _____ | _____ | _____ |
| Repair coverage? | _____ | _____ | _____ |
| Repair limit | $_____ | $_____ | $_____ |
| Aggregate or per claim? | _____ | _____ | _____ |
| Annual inspection required? | _____ | _____ | _____ |
| Transferable? | _____ | _____ | _____ |
| Transfer fee | $_____ | $_____ | $_____ |
| Major exclusions | _____ | _____ | _____ |
| 5-year estimated cost | $_____ | $_____ | $_____ |
Read the exclusions before the coverage limit
A large repair limit looks impressive. Nevertheless, the exclusions determine when that limit can actually be used.
For example, Terminix’s published materials make clear that its repair guarantee applies only to qualifying homes, is not available everywhere and carries additional limitations.
Likewise, any provider may define covered termites, covered damage, required inspections, property modifications or other conditions in its agreement.
Therefore, ask the salesperson to show you the exact clause rather than summarizing it verbally.
Seven contract questions to ask before signing
- Which termite species does this agreement cover?
- What happens if covered termites return?
- Does the company pay for new damage or only retreat?
- What is the maximum repair benefit?
- What can void or limit coverage?
- How much does renewal cost?
- What happens to the agreement if the property is sold?
If the representative cannot answer one of these questions, ask where the answer appears in the written agreement.
Check the treatment plan, not only the warranty
Warranty terms matter, but they should not distract from the treatment itself.
The EPA notes that recognized termite treatments can include liquid soil treatments, bait systems and wood treatments. The correct approach depends on the structure and infestation.
Consequently, ask each inspector:
- What termite species did you identify?
- Where did you find evidence?
- Is the treatment localized or whole-structure?
- Why is this treatment method appropriate?
- What areas cannot be inspected or treated?
- What monitoring or follow-up is included?
If two companies propose dramatically different solutions, ask each one to explain why before comparing price.
Do homeowners insurance policies cover termite damage?
Homeowners should not assume ordinary home insurance will substitute for termite protection.
Termite damage is commonly treated differently from sudden accidental losses because infestations develop over time. However, policy language and circumstances matter.
Therefore, check your own insurance policy or ask your insurer about the specific damage scenario rather than relying on a universal statement that every possible termite-related loss is excluded.
What about cancellation and renewal?
A termite protection plan can continue for years, so the renewal terms matter.
Before signing, identify:
- Initial contract term
- Annual renewal amount
- Whether the renewal price can change
- Inspection requirements
- Cancellation procedure
- Any early-termination charge
- What happens to coverage after cancellation
Do not assume that stopping automatic payments automatically terminates the underlying service agreement.
For more detail, see our pest control cancellation fee guide.
How Pest Price Guide compares termite companies
We do not assign an overall winner because termite plans are not standardized nationally.
Instead, our comparison uses six dimensions:
| Dimension | What we examine |
|---|---|
| Inspection | How the company identifies the pest and documents the property |
| Treatment | Methods offered and whether the recommendation fits the infestation |
| Retreatment | What happens if covered termites return |
| Repair coverage | Whether new qualifying damage is covered and the applicable limit |
| Long-term cost | Initial treatment plus required renewals and fees |
| Contract | Exclusions, cancellation, transfer and maintenance requirements |
This framework allows a homeowner to compare a national company with a local provider without pretending that every branch offers identical service.
Our methodology
For current company-specific claims, Pest Price Guide prioritizes the providers’ own published materials.
Terminix’s current materials confirm retreatment protection and qualifying repair coverage up to $250,000, while also stating that the repair guarantee has eligibility, geographic and contractual limitations.
Orkin’s current materials confirm free homeowner termite inspections, customized termite plans, ongoing inspection options, free retreatment and its published 30-day satisfaction guarantee.
For treatment methods and company-selection guidance, we use the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. In particular, the EPA recommends hiring appropriately licensed termite professionals and recognizes multiple treatment approaches rather than one universal method.
For market pricing, we use current 2026 Angi data. These figures are market estimates, not provider quotes.
We do not reproduce third-party company rankings or convert review-site scores into our own ranking. Likewise, we do not assume that national marketing terms apply to every address.
Finally, the five-year calculator and Termite Warranty Comparison Matrix are Pest Price Guide tools designed to help homeowners compare the actual financial and contractual differences between proposals.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best termite control companies?
There is no single company that fits every home. Compare established national providers such as Terminix and Orkin with a qualified local termite company, then evaluate treatment method, retreatment terms, repair coverage, renewal cost and exclusions.
Does Terminix cover termite damage repairs?
Terminix currently advertises qualifying termite plans with up to $250,000 in new termite damage repair coverage. However, eligibility, geographic availability and additional limitations apply, so check the plan offered for your property.
Does Orkin offer free termite inspections?
Yes. Orkin currently states that it offers free termite inspections to homeowners and prepares a termite inspection report and service agreement based on the property.
Will Orkin retreat my home if termites return?
Orkin’s current termite materials state that ongoing service includes free retreatment when treatments do not eliminate the infestation. Review the service agreement offered by your local branch for exact conditions.
Is repair coverage better than a retreatment guarantee?
They provide different protection. Retreatment addresses covered termite activity returning, while qualifying repair coverage may also address new structural damage. Compare the cost, exclusions and coverage limits before deciding.
Should I get a quote from a local termite company?
Yes, a local or regional provider can be useful as one of several comparable proposals. Verify the company’s state license and compare its treatment and warranty documents with the national providers.
How many termite quotes should I get?
Three comparable proposals provide a useful starting point, especially for an expensive treatment. Make sure each company is pricing the same infestation and explain any major difference in the proposed method.
How much does termite treatment cost?
Current Angi data puts many professional termite treatments between $75 and $1,750, with an average around $621. Whole-structure fumigation, extensive infestations and structural repairs can cost considerably more.
Final thoughts
Searching for the best termite control companies should not end with a list of brand names.
First, compare what each inspector found. Next, compare the proposed treatment. Then read the retreatment, repair, renewal and exclusion clauses.
Finally, calculate what the protection costs over several years rather than focusing only on the initial treatment price.
Terminix, Orkin and local termite companies can offer materially different contracts. Therefore, the most useful comparison is the one based on the agreement actually offered for your home.
For pricing by treatment method, see our termite treatment cost guide. You can also compare broader company information in our Terminix review and Orkin review.
