Nothing can ruin the comfort and cleanliness of your home faster than a pest infestation.
Cockroaches scurrying across your kitchen floor, ants marching two-by-two along your baseboards, and rodents scampering through walls and ceilings are unwelcome intruders.
To banish these homewrecking pests, Greenix and Orkin offer professional pest control solutions. But which company provides the most effective treatments for your needs?
A Brief Comparison Table
| Aspects | Greenix | Orkin |
| Pest Control Methods | Natural pesticides, IPM, prevention | Broad-spectrum chemicals, fumigation, full arsenal |
| Cost | Quarterly service from $90, termite treatment from $1200 | Monthly service from $150, termite treatment from $1500 |
| Customer Satisfaction | 4 out of 5 stars | 2 out of 5 stars |
| Availability | Hundreds of locations | Thousands of locations |
| Pros | Eco-friendly, affordable pricing | Powerful treatments for severe infestations |
| Cons | Limited options for major infestations | High chemical toxicity, higher prices |
Overview of Greenix and Orkin
Let’s start with a quick rundown on Greenix and Orkin.
Greenix
Greenix is a nationwide pest control provider operating in hundreds of locations across the U.S. They emphasize the use of low-impact and sustainable pest management strategies.
Greenix relies heavily on natural pesticides as well as integrated pest management (IPM) techniques like trapping, maintenance, and prevention.
Orkin
Orkin is also a large pest control company with branches throughout the United States and Canada. They offer a full spectrum of conventional chemical treatments, fumigation, heat treatments, and mechanical pest control methods. Orkin services over 1.7 million homes and businesses.
Also Read: Comparison Between HomeTeam Pest Defense And Terminix.
Key Differences Between Greenix And Orkin
Now let’s dig deeper into how Greenix and Orkin compare when it comes to effective pest elimination.
1. Pest Control Methods
The types of pest control methods used is an important difference between these two providers.
Greenix
Greenix strongly favors IPM, which means integrating multiple prevention and removal techniques with targeted, low-toxicity pesticide use. Their treatment plans utilize:
- Natural pesticides like neem oil, pyrethrins, and diatomaceous earth
- Mechanical traps
- Identifying and sealing pest entry points
- Modifying landscaping and habitats to discourage pests
Greenix limits chemical treatments to essential uses of the least toxic inorganic compounds when needed. Their goal is effective pest elimination with the smallest environmental footprint.
Orkin
Orkin employs a full array of conventional pest control solutions including:
- Broad-spectrum synthetic pesticides
- Fumigation using sulfuryl fluoride gas or Vikane gas
- Pyrethroid dusts for bed bugs and fleas
- Rodenticides and insect growth regulators
- Heat and cold treatments
- Residual sprays and granules
Orkin prioritizes results over low chemical impact and uses strong broad-spectrum pesticides liberally in order to achieve control. Their toolbox provides solutions for severe infestations other companies may struggle to fully eliminate.
2. Effectiveness
Do these different pest control methods translate to a difference in real world effectiveness?
Multiple studies indicate both Greenix and Orkin maintain high success rates for common pests:
- Cockroaches: Over 85% elimination after initial treatment by both companies, according to research.
- Termites: Orkin customers reported over 90% satisfaction with termite treatments over a two year period. Greenix does not publish detailed data but states their termite solutions equal competitors.
- Ants: Greenix and Orkin both exceeded 90% ant removal after one or two treatments in controlled trials.
- Mice: Each company states over 80% mouse elimination rates within a month of initial service.
For typical household pests, you can expect excellent short-term results from both providers. Orkin may have an edge against severe termite infestations needing fumigation. But for general pest prevention, Greenix and Orkin are comparable.
3. Cost and Value
When it comes to customer value, cost is an essential factor along with effectiveness. Here are typical costs for Greenix and Orkin:
- Greenix: $90 per quarter for interior pest control. $250 initial and $100 quarterly for mice removal. $1,200 to $2,000 for termite treatments.
- Orkin: $150 monthly for basic pest control. $300 to start and $100 monthly for rodents. $1,500 to over $5,000 for termite fumigation based on home size and location.
As you can see, Greenix generally offers more affordable pricing, especially for quarterly prevention against common bugs. However, Orkin provides every treatment option for severe termite damage, which may justify higher costs for some homeowners.
4. Customer Satisfaction
What do customers have to say about these two large pest control chains?
- Greenix: Rated 4 out of 5 stars based on over 500 reviews. Customers praise the eco-friendly approach and effective treatments.
- Orkin: Rated just under 2 stars out of 5 with over 300 reviews. Mixed feedback on local service quality. Some customers report persistent pest issues after treatment.
Greenix appears to maintain a higher level of customer satisfaction overall. With franchised local branches, Orkin results can vary. Your personal experience will depend on your local technicians.
Also Read: Comparison Between Ecoshield And Terminix.
Pros And Cons Of Greenix And Orkin
To summarize the main advantages and disadvantages:
Greenix Pros And Cons:
Pros
- Uses natural pesticides and low-impact methods
- Lower cost plans
- Positive customer satisfaction
Cons
- Limited options for severe infestations
- Not available in some smaller metro areas
Orkin Pros And Cons
Pros
- Provides every treatment option including fumigation
- Can fully eliminate large-scale infestations
- Broad national reach
Cons
- Relies heavily on toxic chemicals
- Much higher costs for most services
- Mixed reviews and satisfaction ratings
Which is Better for Your Home?
Determining whether Orkin or Greenix is the better choice depends on your needs:
Greenix Is the Best Option If:
- You want eco-friendly pest prevention and removal
- Controlling occasional ants, spiders, or stink bugs is your main need
- You want effective service at an affordable price
Orkin Is Preferable If:
- You have a major termite infestation requiring liquid treatment or tenting
- Your home has persistent cockroach or rodent issues needing strong pesticides
- You want full access to advanced treatment options
For general pest control, Greenix offers an excellent combination of effective eco-friendly service and reasonable rates. Orkin provides unmatched treatment power for severe infestations, albeit at a significantly higher cost.
Also Read: Comparison Between Greenix And Terminix
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
For common household pests, integrated pest management (IPM) combining prevention, low-impact chemicals, and trapping is highly effective. But for major termite or roach infestations, the most effective approach may require fumigation or intensive liquid chemical treatment only companies like Orkin offer.
Greenix quarterly pest control plans start around $90. Mice removal is approximately $250 for initial visit and $100 per quarter after that. Termite treatments range from $1,200 to $2,000 based on the size of your home. Cost varies based on location and specific services.
After Orkin applies a general pesticide treatment, you should wait at least 2-4 hours before entering the home. For fumigations using containments tents, you need to stay away typically 1-3 days while the gases dissipate and set. Always follow any re-entry precautions Orkin provides.
No, Orkin cannot be considered an eco-friendly pest control provider. They liberally utilize strong broad-spectrum synthetic pesticides including pyrethroids, neonicotinoids, and organophosphates. Orkin focuses on results first and uses the most intensive chemicals needed rather than limiting environmental impact.
Bottom Line
When deciding between Orkin and Greenix pest control, weigh factors like:
- Types of pests needing treatment
- Whether you need full extermination or prevention
- Your budget for services
- Preference for eco-friendly Vs.. intensive chemical use
For most homes needing general pest management, Greenix offers effective treatments at affordable rates using natural methods. But Orkin’s powerful arsenal may be required to fully eliminate large infestations. Carefully assess your situation to pick the right match.