Many homeowners instinctively trust large, well-known pest control companies. They assume big names come with better guarantees, better service, and better results. But bigger isn’t always better—especially in the termite and pest control industry.

When Pest Control Becomes Sales

Over time, large companies tend to evolve into sales organizations. Growth becomes the goal. Owners and shareholders want to see increasing profits, so they place pressure on local branches to deliver. That pressure trickles down to sales managers, who hire “sales-first” applicants—not necessarily the best termite inspectors.

The result? The companies and their salespeople pushing every service under the sun, whether you need it or not.

Mosquito control, in San Diego? I moved here from Pennsylvania—plenty of bugs there—but I can’t remember the last time I was bitten by a mosquito in San Diego. Attic insulation assessments? Termite inspectors aren’t even supposed to discuss R-values. Gutter protection?! From what?

Higher Overhead, Higher Prices

Large companies have more layers of management, bigger buildings, and higher advertising budgets. That overhead gets passed on to you. In some industries, economies of scale help drive prices down. That’s not always the case in pest control. In fact, big companies often pay more to market themselves than smaller companies do.

Selling Peace of Mind… Without a Termite Treatment

At one large company I worked for, we were encouraged to sell a subterranean termite “assurance plan” that didn’t include an actual treatment. The customer paid a monthly fee, and if they ever got subterranean termites, the company would then do the treatment and repair the damage.

Sounds good in theory—but here’s the reality. Subterranean termites usually enter through cracks in the foundation and tunnel through hidden wall voids. Most of the damage is superficial and hidden. A customer could pay for that assurance for years, cancel, and be left with nothing.

If you’re concerned about subterranean termites, it’s better to pay for an actual treatment. Modern soil treatments can last up to eight years and are designed to eliminate entire colonies.

Drywood vs. Subterranean Termites

In San Diego, drywood termites are more common than subterranean termites. Over the years, less than 20% of the homes I inspected had subterranean termites. Still, large companies push bundled “total termite control” plans. Not because you need it—but because it boosts their average sale.

And that’s the real motivation: average sale. Because no two homes are alike, it’s difficult to set standard pricing. Instead, large companies track how much each inspector sells. The higher the average sale, the better the inspector looks to management. That pressure encourages upselling, regardless of what’s actually needed.

Unnecessary Extras and Rigid Policies

Some big companies refuse to offer simple local treatments. Got termites in one fascia board? You might still be pitched a “comprehensive” treatment that includes a borate treatment—whether or not one was already completed. Borate treatments, when done correctly, can last indefinitely. But that won’t stop a big company from recommending (or insisting on) another. The companies will always claim, “Well, we didn’t complete the treatment, so how do we know if it was done correctly?”

But I worked for a company that wouldn’t reinstate a lapsed warranty—even if the lapse was brief. Instead, they made the customer pay for an entirely new treatment, even if it duplicated work already completed. 

The Termite Tenting Trap

The biggest name in pest control doesn’t offer localized drywood termite treatments. If they find termites in one or two areas, they’ll recommend full fumigation. Push back, and they’ll try to scare you with talk of hidden infestations behind your walls. It doesn’t help that the state requires all companies to label local treatments as secondary recommendations. It’s true that no one knows what is going on inside a wall but unless it’s a problem that has existed for years, how would the termites get in there? 

Why Smaller Is Often Smarter

Smaller companies come with lower overhead—and lower prices. They don’t see you as a sales target. They treat you like a person. They’re more flexible, more honest, and more responsive. 

So if you prefer to spend more and be treated like a number, go ahead—call one of the big guys. But if you want personalized service, honest advice, and fair pricing—give smaller companies a chance.