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Best Pest Control Companies in Columbus, OH

We compared 13 brands and chose the top pest control companies

  • Best overall
    Terminix
    4.4(12,759)
  • Customer service
    Orkin Pest Control
    3.7(2,026)
  • Custom treatment plans
    Aptive Environmental
    4.9(36)

Best Pest Control Companies in Columbus, OH

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By: Kathryn Parkman
+1 more
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Edited by: Jon Bortin

Our picks for Columbus pest control companies

  1. Best overall: Terminix
  2. Best customer service: Orkin Pest Control
  3. Best custom treatment plans: Aptive Environmental

The ConsumerAffairs Research Team picked the top pest control companies in Columbus, Ohio, based on availability of services, local customer feedback and other key factors. Read our full methodology for details on how we selected our top picks.

Best overall
Terminix
Terminix
4.4
12,759 reviews
Response time
Two hours
Guarantee
Termite + Retreat/Repair Guarantee
Annual cost
$550 to $700
Read Reviews

Terminix is a solid choice for either emergency services or proactive treatment plans. The company has a long history specializing in termite control, dating back to its founding in 1927, and holds patents for some of its treatment methods. It also offers eco-friendly options that minimize chemical usage.

Pros

  • Skilled technicians
  • Customizable treatment plans
  • Competitive pricing
  • Re-treatment guarantee

Cons

  • Some customer service complaints
  • Occasional issues with recurring infestations
“Overall, Terminix is a good company to work with. If you have any issues, all you have to do is call and they'll resolve them without a problem. The value for your money is good.”
DavidColumbus, OH
“Scheduling service is very convenient and the techs are all great.”
DavidColumbus, OH
“The techs let me know when they were done, and would advise me on what they've seen, any problems, or what they felt I need to take care of. I've had a very good experience.”
FionaColumbus, OH

Terminix’s average prices range from $550 to $700 yearly for a 2,000-square-foot home. If you sign up for a yearly service plan, you can pay for each treatment individually or settle the annual cost at once.

The Columbus branch also serves Butler, Caledonia, Irwin and Ashley.

  • General pest control: Termites, cockroaches, crickets, scorpions, silverfish, centipedes, millipedes, ants, mosquitoes, rodents, bedbugs, spiders, ticks and stinging insects
  • Home services: Attic insulation, crawl space services, gutter protection and wildlife removal
2025 Buyers Choice Award Winner
Orkin Pest Control
Orkin Pest Control
3.7
2,026 reviews
Response time
Within 24 hours
Guarantee
Money-back guarantee
Annual cost
$870
Read Reviews

People in Columbus have positive experiences with Orkin Pest Control. Many customers appreciate the professionalism and knowledge of the exterminators who come to their homes. We also like that Orkin emphasizes Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which focuses on long-term solutions for rodent control.

Pros

  • Free estimates
  • Same-day services
  • Integrated pest management
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • Available 24/7

Cons

  • Inspection fees may apply
  • Some communication issues
  • Occasional billing issues
“Our technician, Joe, does a great job. He is very friendly and clearly enjoys what he does. Orkin reacts immediately when we need help. They also communicate very well before visiting so that we know exactly when they will arrive.”
JosephColumbus, OH
“The technician is very skilled and courteous and always exactly on time.”
MaheshColumbus, OH
“Orkin customer service is very friendly. … Since we had service, the bugs are gone. Orkin, on the whole, is fast, easy, affordable, and efficient. Their website is easy to navigate.”
HeatherColumbus, OH
We requested a quote for annual services for a three-bedroom home. The estimated cost was two $195 payments over two months, followed by 10 more monthly payments of $48. That’s a yearly total of $870.

Orkin has branches in Columbus, Worthington and Gahanna. Services are available throughout the area, including Grove City, Pickerington and Westerville.

  • Residential treatments: Bedbugs, birds, fleas, mosquitoes, ticks, termites, flies, stinging insects, carpenter ants
  • Commercial treatments: Bedbugs, birds, flies, rodents
2x Award Winner
Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Customer Service and Best Technicians
Best custom treatment plans
Aptive Environmental
Aptive Environmental
4.9
36 reviews
Response time
Varies
Guarantee
Free retreatment
Annual cost
-
Read Reviews

Instead of specializing in one-time solutions, Aptive Environmental offers customizable, ongoing plans to stop and prevent infestations. One of its standout features is the free re-treatment guarantee — if pests return between scheduled appointments, technicians will return at no additional cost. We also like that it is a member of the EPA’s Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program (PESP) and the National Pest Management Association (NPMA).

Pros

  • Pet-safe treatments
  • Year-round pest control services
  • Free re-treatments if needed
  • Comprehensive services

Cons

  • Contract required
  • Cancellation fee
  • No bedbug treatments
“Scheduling a service with Aptive Environmental is straightforward and even when I needed to reschedule, they were very accommodating. The technicians who come to my home have been thorough and know what they're doing. … Overall, I would highly recommend Aptive Environmental, and I'd give them a 5 out of 5 for the service I've received.”
WilliamColumbus, OH

The initial treatment costs $399, and monthly fees range from $49 to $99, depending on service frequency and pest type. This adds up to $938 to $1,488 per year. Ending the contract early costs $199.

Aptive Environmental’s branch in Worthington is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Services are available throughout the Columbus area, including Grove City, Pickerington and Westerville.

  • General pest control: Ants, spiders, cockroaches, rodents, wasps, snails, flies, fleas, and ticks
  • Treatment options: Interior treatments, full yard protection

Pest Control in Columbus, OH Buyers Guide

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In this guide

Top Picks

See who reviewers like

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Orkin Pest Control logo
Aptive Environmental logo
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Columbus pest control buyers guide

Battling an infestation can feel overwhelming. Whether you need eco-friendly solutions, emergency services or a budget-friendly plan, we'll help you navigate the crowded field of pest control companies.

Key insights

Columbus’s humid continental climate makes it a haven for many pests.

Jump to insight

A one-time pest control service typically costs between $150 and $500.

Jump to insight

A reputable exterminator usually displays its license number on its website, vehicle or marketing materials.

Jump to insight

Common pest issues in Columbus

Subterranean termites can be a year-round problem, while boxelder bugs are more seasonal nuisances. You’re likely to see lots of mosquitoes in the summer and rodents in the winter. You might also have problems with gnats, silverfish and carpenter ants.

cockroach
Logo
Cockroaches
  • Often found in kitchens, bathrooms and crawl spaces.
  • Infestations can contaminate food and cause health problems.
  • Exterminators use boric acid, insecticides, baiting, fumigation and heat treatments.
rat
Logo
Rodents
  • Rats and mice can be a problem in older buildings or areas with easy access to food.
  • Infestations lead to property damage, diseases and fire hazards.
  • Exterminators use traps, poison baits, fumigation and structural repairs.
bedbug
Logo
Bedbugs
  • Common in high-turnover areas, like college dorms, hospitals and nursing homes.
  • Infestations lead to red, itchy welts on the skin.
  • Exterminators typically use heat and steam treatments, encasements and insecticides.

Pest control costs in Columbus

Columbus exterminator costs vary depending on the severity of your infestations. Expect to pay between $150 and $500 for a one-time service. However, on the high end, dealing with an extreme bedbug, rodent or termite infestation can cost $2,000 or more. About two-thirds of the homeowners who treated pests in the past year paid up to $1,000, and 30% spent up to $5,000, according to a ConsumerAffairs survey.

» MORE: Pest control statistics

How to hire an exterminator in Columbus

You might handle a small infestation yourself, but professional treatment is often necessary to solve the underlying problem and prevent pests from returning. Here’s what to consider before making your final decision.

  • Read reviews: Avoid exterminators with recurring complaints about billing errors, bad communication and unmet expectations. A few negative reviews are normal, but try to hire a pest control company with consistently positive feedback on technician expertise and treatment effectiveness.
  • Check credentials: You can confirm a company’s license through the Ohio Department of Agriculture. We also suggest hiring companies with additional certifications through organizations like the National Pest Management Association (NPMA).
  • Compare quotes: Get quotes from at least three different exterminators. Make sure your estimates are detailed, including the type of treatment, frequency of visits and total costs. Be wary of companies that only highlight their low prices without mentioning the quality of service or offering a satisfaction guarantee.
  • Ask questions: If you’re signing up for recurring treatments, make sure you understand the contract terms. You might also want to ask about organic and nontoxic treatments that use steam or heat rather than harsh chemicals, especially if you have children or pets.

Pest problems need quick action

Minor issues like moths might seem harmless, but rodents cause health problems, and termites ruin property. About 16% of Americans report experiencing health issues due to pest infestations, a ConsumerAffairs survey found, and about 7% said they had to leave their homes for good.

» MORE: Pest control statistics

Columbus pest control FAQ

Does home insurance cover termite damage?

Termite damage isn’t usually covered by home insurance, but some home warranty plans do.

» MORE: Home warranty vs. home insurance

How often should you get pest control in Columbus?

It depends. How comfortable are you with seeing any pests at all? A lower tolerance might mean more frequent service. Homes with lots of landscaping, nearby water sources or older construction might need more frequent pest control.

  • Quarterly: Every three months is a common frequency for general pest control in Columbus. It helps maintain a protective barrier and catches infestations early.
  • Bi-monthly: If you have a higher pest pressure or a lower tolerance for pests, every two months frequency might be more suitable.
  • Monthly: This is usually reserved for severe infestations or pests requiring more frequent attention, like German cockroaches.
  • Annual: Some treatments, like termite bait stations, require annual checks and replenishment.
What is the difference between pest control and an exterminator?

Even though the terms “pest control” and “exterminator” are often used interchangeably, there are some key distinctions:

  • Exterminators quickly eliminate an existing infestation. They often rely heavily on pesticides to kill pests quickly and may not address the underlying causes of your infestation. If you have a sudden influx of roaches, call an exterminator to get rid of them.
  • Pest control companies focus on long-term prevention. They typically use exclusion, sanitation and targeted pesticide application (often with a preference for less toxic options). A pest control technician will identify entry points, recommend sanitation improvements and use targeted treatments to prevent pests from entering your home in the first place.

Compare more pest control companies

Showing 10 of 13

Methodology

The ConsumerAffairs Research Team considered pest control company services, availability and reviews to make our top picks.

  • Customer reviews and testimonials: We analyzed more than 5,000 verified pest control reviews left on our site between January 2022 through January 2025. Companies with the most 4- and 5-star reviews from customers in and around Columbus, Ohio, were selected.
  • Local services and availability: We gave preference to pest control companies with a variety of services and treatment plans available.
  • Estimates, inspections and guarantees: We carefully compared the most important factors you should care about when hiring a pest control company or exterminator, including hours of operation, estimation and inspection costs, satisfaction guarantees and time in business.

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    Local pest control company information

    Protective Thermal Solutions

    Protective Thermal Solutions specializes in thermal treatments to eradicate bedbugs. Treatments also available for roaches, ants, silverfish, spiders, bats and centipedes.

    • Phone number: 614-312-5770
    • Website: pts-pest.com
    • Address: 854 E. Broad St., Columbus, Ohio 43205
    Champion Pest & Termite Control

    Champion Pest & Termite Control features multiple plans that provide various levels of treatment to get pest problems under control.

    • Phone number: 614-215-9242
    • Website: championpestandtermite.com
    • Address: 647 Hill Road North, Ste. C, Pickerington, Ohio 43147
    Ecofive Pest Control

    Ecofive Pest Control provides residential and commercial services to exterminate ants, spiders, cockroaches, silverfish, flies and more. The company offers free estimates and inspections with no obligation.

    • Phone number: 614-825-3090
    • Website: ecofivepc.com
    • Address: 1985 W. Henderson Road, Ste. 3234, Columbus, Ohio 43220
    1st Response Pest Management

    1st Response Pest Management employs trained technicians who utilize the highest quality methods and products to deliver effective results that are safe for people and pets while also being eco-friendly.

    • Phone number: 614-591-7767
    • Website: 1stresponse.biz
    • Address: 10346 Sawmill Road, Powell, Ohio 43065
    Zuckerman's Pest Management

    Zuckerman's Pest Management provides treatments to eliminate any unwanted pests from homes, including ants, bedbugs, cockroaches, termites, wildlife, ticks, spiders and other common critters.

    • Phone number: 614-434-6645
    • Website: zpestmanagement.com
    • Address: 14450 E. Broad St., Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068
    Guide sources

    ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:

    1. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “Regulatory and Guidance Information by Topic: Pesticides.” Accessed April 9, 2025.
    2. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “Citizen's Guide to Pest Control and Pesticide Safety.” Accessed April 9, 2025.
    3. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “Tips for Selecting a Pest Control Service.” Accessed April 9, 2025.

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