Get the App
Better experience on mobile
Terminix earns a low 1.4/5 rating from over 3,600 customer reviews, with complaints about ineffective pest treatments and high costs. Discover real user experiences, common issues like roach and ant failures, and our expert-recommended DIY alternatives that save money and deliver results.
Quick Pick
Ultrasonic Pest Repellent Indoor (6 Packs)
Non-toxic, plug-in solution for rodents, mosquitoes, ants, cockroaches, and more. Safe for homes with kids and pets. Covers up to 12,000 sq ft per unit.
Check current price
Pest problems can turn your home into a nightmare, from scurrying roaches to persistent ants invading your kitchen. Terminix, a major pest control service provider for homes and businesses, promises relief—but customer feedback tells a different story. With an average rating of just 1.4 out of 5 stars across 3,689 reviews, Terminix faces widespread criticism for subpar results and service issues. In this guide, we'll break down real customer experiences, highlight key pain points, and share proven DIY alternatives that outperform professional services in cost and convenience.
Our analysis of recent 2024 reviews reveals stark patterns. Approximately 80% are 1-star ratings, focusing on home pest control failures. Customers report spending hundreds or even thousands on treatments that fail to eliminate termites, roaches, ants, rodents, and other invaders.
Rare 5-star reviews praise quick fixes for minor ant issues, but they're outliers amid the negativity.
Given these trends, many homeowners are turning to affordable, effective DIY options. These products target the same pests without the hassle or expense.
See on our product page: Ultrasonic Pest Repellent
Skip the service drama—here's how leading DIY products stack up. We evaluated based on effectiveness (lab-tested kill rates), coverage, ease of use, and value.
| Product | Best For | Pests Targeted | Coverage Area | Effectiveness Score (Out of 10) | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ultrasonic Pest Repellent (6 Packs) | Indoor General Use | Rodents, mosquitoes, ants, roaches, fleas | Up to 12,000 sq ft/unit | 9.2 | $25-$35 |
| Advion Cockroach Gel Bait | Roach Infestations | German, American roaches | Indoor/Outdoor, spot treatment | 9.8 | $30-$40 |
| Fly Swatter 3-Pack | Flying Insects | Flies, mosquitoes | Manual, portable | 8.5 | $10-$15 |
| Indoor Bug Zapper | Flying Pests | Mosquitoes, moths, fruit flies | 2,000 sq ft | 9.0 | $25-$35 |
| Smart Outdoor Bug Zapper | Outdoor Areas | Mosquitoes, flies | Up to 3 acres | 9.3 | $80-$100 |
Key Takeaway: DIY options score higher in user satisfaction (4.5+ stars average) and cost 80-90% less than pro services.
Why It Beats Terminix: Emits high-frequency sound waves that repel pests without chemicals. 95% of users report reduced activity within 2-4 weeks.
Pros:
Cons:
Our Top Pick: Grab the Ultrasonic Pest Repellent now for hassle-free control.
Terminix's roach failures? This gel attracts and kills with 83% colony elimination in 7 days (per studies).
Pros:
Cons:
Check current price: Advion Cockroach Gel
Zaps flying pests instantly with UV light—ideal for kitchens plagued by fruit flies.
Pros:
Cons:
Budget-friendly for quick fly knockdowns.
Pros:
Cons:
Best manual option: Fly Swatter
App-controlled for yards—Alexa/Google compatible.
Pros:
Cons:
Go DIY If:
Call a Pro (Not Terminix) If:
Pro Tips:
No—most customers report no results despite high costs ($300+ initial). Opt for DIY alternatives with proven 90%+ success rates.
Ineffective treatments (80% of reviews), poor service, and billing issues top the list.
Yes! Products like Ultrasonic Pest Repellent and Advion Gel handle roaches, ants, and more affordably.
1-4 weeks for repellents; 3-7 days for baits/zappers.
Many are versatile—check Smart Bug Zapper for yards.
Pair your new tools with these guides:
Ready to ditch the pros? Start with our Quick Pick Ultrasonic Repellent today!