Latest news with #Terminix
Yahoo
05-08-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Battle of the Bugs: Which Pest Control Stock is Best?
Key Points Although Rentokil is bigger, Rollins has outperformed over the last three years. The market is concerned about Rentokil's massive 2023 Terminix acquisition. Rentokil's valuation and yield are superior to Rollins', but it also has bigger problems. 10 stocks we like better than Rentokil Initial Plc › If you've got unwanted houseguests like ants, roaches, or termites, you have a ton of options for how to deal with them, from do-it-yourself spray cans to local exterminators with names like "What's Bugging You" or "Buzz Kill." But if you want to invest in a U.S. pest exterminator company, you've basically got two pure-play exterminator options: Rollins (NYSE: ROL) or Rentokil (NYSE: RTO). Which one of these two bug-busting behemoths is the better buy right now? Bug business is big business Don't be surprised if you've never heard of "Rollins" or "Rentokil." Rollins is the parent company of exterminator brands Orkin and Critter Control, making it the largest pest control company in North America, raking in $3.4 billion in revenue in 2024. Rentokil, however, has long been the largest pest control company in the world, and it got even bigger after it purchased U.S. exterminator Terminix in 2023. In 2024, it brought in $6.8 billion in revenue -- about double that of Rollins. These two rivals still have plenty of room for further growth. The North American pest control market is fragmented, with more than 33,000 businesses competing for an estimated $25 billion market. Many of these smaller businesses could be targets for the acquisitive Rollins and Rentokil. Rentokil stumbled as Rollins surged Although Rentokil has a long history of growing through acquisition, the Terminix purchase -- the company's largest ever, by far -- has proven to be a challenge. Among other issues, Terminix's branches didn't have streamlined data and IT systems, and integration has been proceeding far more slowly than anticipated, which resulted in the company cutting its growth projections and losing market share. Rentokil CEO Andy Ransom now says he expects to achieve $100 million in cost reductions and a 20% operating margins in North America by 2026, but admits that "not all branches" may be fully integrated by then. Considering about 60% of the company's revenue comes from North America, these continuing problems have dragged down the company's overall profitability and revenue growth. Meanwhile, Rollins' revenue and net income have grown by more than 30% over the past three years, and the company has successfully integrated a number of smaller acquisitions during that time. The market has taken note: Rollins' share price has risen by 49.7% over the last three years, while Rentokil's has dropped by 27.7%. That's given Rentokil's stock an attractive valuation: it's trading at just 17.1 times forward earnings, compared to 51.6 times forward earnings for Rollins. That same sinking share price has boosted Rentokil's dividend yield to about 2.5%, currently much higher than Rollins' 1.1%. Which is the better bug... uh... buy? Rollins is a solid company and a solid investment. Meanwhile, Rentokil's poor performance is due to one thing: the Terminix acquisition. If Rentokil can (finally) integrate Terminix successfully, it should benefit from the same economies of scale in a fragmented U.S. pest control market as Rollins, with both companies poised for long-term success. Luckily, there are signs Rentokil's North American business is indeed turning around: in Q2 2025, its North American organic growth rate doubled quarter-over-quarter to 1.4%, with its customer retention continuing to improve. If you believe, as I do, that Rentokil will eventually turn its U.S. operations around successfully, there's plenty of upside to buying shares of Rentokil now while they're still attractively valued. Plus you'll get a nice dividend to reward you for your patience. Although it's a bit riskier, Rentokil looks like the better buy. Should you buy stock in Rentokil Initial Plc right now? Before you buy stock in Rentokil Initial Plc, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the for investors to buy now… and Rentokil Initial Plc wasn't one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $631,505!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $1,103,313!* Now, it's worth noting Stock Advisor's total average return is 1,039% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 181% for the S&P 500. Don't miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join Stock Advisor. See the 10 stocks » *Stock Advisor returns as of August 4, 2025 John Bromels has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Rollins. The Motley Fool recommends Rentokil Initial Plc. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Battle of the Bugs: Which Pest Control Stock is Best? was originally published by The Motley Fool Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Spider Season Is Here—These Expert-Approved Tips Will Keep Them Out of Your Home for Good
To keep spiders out, seal up entry points, keep your home clean and clutter-free, eliminate other bugs they feed on, and tidy up your yard. For stubborn infestations, calling in a pest control pro can help identify the species and create a targeted treatment plan. Though they're not ideal inside the home, most spiders are harmless to humans except two dangerous species to watch out are a scary-looking bunch. They have their eight legs, beady little eyes, some fur (that is often microscopic), and fangs! This combination of features can be terrifying, but thankfully most spiders (which are part of the arachnid class that includes scorpions, ticks, and mites) are harmless to humans and can be beneficial to their natural environment—they indirectly help with pollination and consume pests like mosquitos! So while spiders certainly have their positives, they're not exactly the most desirable housemates. If you're dealing with creepy-crawlies, there are steps you can take to remedy the situation—we asked a pest control expert for their best tips and advice on how to keep spiders out of your house. Related: 7 Surprising Mistakes That Could Be Inviting Spiders Into Your Home Fear not! There are plenty of steps you can take to ensure you'll be spidey-free. Because spiders are so itty-bitty, they can navigate through the cracks and crevices of your home with ease. According to Jay Dihonov, ACE, PCQI, Technical Services Manager at Terminix, the most frequent points of entry are windows, doors, roof eaves, foundation cracks, and ventilation openings. He suggests addressing many of these zones by doing the below: A weather-flexible caulk or sealant should be used to eliminate any cracks or openings. Any damaged door strips and sweeps should be replaced preventing access to the inside. Proper screening mesh material should be used behind the crawl space and attic vent openings. Placing caps over the fireplace chimney and exhaust pipe openings should be completed as well. A well-maintained home bustling with lots of activity is not an ideal location for spiders. Dihonov explains, 'Spiders prefer dark, undisturbed areas like stored boxes in basements, attics, closets, and areas of the home that don't get much daily activity, as well as under and behind furniture.' Constantly tidying up is a must to keep spiders at bay. He suggests vacuuming both inside and outside the home, recommending the long extension of your vacuum to reach all the corners, nooks, and crannies. (When you're done, always empty the vacuum or dispose of the collecting bag.) A dusting tool fitted with a telescoping handle can be used for web removal as well. He adds, 'Clutter is the ideal invitation for them—a pile of clothes on the floor, accumulated garbage bags, holiday decorations scattered around and so on.' So it's crucial to keep things in order. Dihonov says the only way to truly deter spiders is to minimize the insect activity around your home. 'No prey means no food for them and they will move away searching for it. So pest-proofing your home is the biggest deterrent in spider control,' he says. You can opt to use chemical-free solutions to curb eight-legged guests, such as essential oils and homemade concoctions (like soapy water), but Dihonov notes those will only go so far, saying 'The results are objectively unreliable with short-term relief in the overall issue.' He does say that mint, lavender, and lemongrass have natural insect repellency. According to him, 'Incorporating those types of plants into your garden, flower beds, or exterior perimeter can reduce the overall pest pressure and help decrease the attractiveness of your home to spiders, as well.' So if you want to go the natural route, that's probably your best bet. However, he adds that the best and time-proven method of reducing spider activity around your home is to keep your home in good physical condition by utilizing preventative, sanitation, and mechanical measures. You've addressed the interior of your home, but you really shouldn't forget the exterior—that's where they're coming from after all! Dihonov says there are many important steps you can take to decrease the attractiveness of your home to spiders, such as: Sealing or screening doors, windows, and other gaps around the structure. Move lights to off-building locations or simply point the lighting towards the house rather than having them on it. Change the bulbs near the entrance doors or the porch from the bright white to the yellow hue ones. Keep both inside and outside premises free of debris and clutter. Mow your grass to 3 inches or less, and keep other vegetation trimmed and away from the building. Remove any new spider webbing that you see and inspect your house at least monthly for that. If you find that the spiders have seriously taken over your home, and the actions you've taken to mitigate this haven't helped, it might be time to call a professional. Dihonov recommends taking a high-quality, clear photo of the spider (or even capturing one in a plastic zip top bag or jar) to help them identify the species. He says this 'is paramount in preparing a comprehensive plan of attack.' A thorough inspection will be performed, and insect monitors might be placed around the home. He details the rest of the process saying, 'An outside perimeter treatment with approved chemicals will be completed as well. Physical removal of webbing and possible spider egg sacs will take place. Some trained professionals also offer exclusion services.' There are over 3,000 types of spiders in North America but a majority of them are safe to coexist with! However, Dihonov warns of two spiders that are major threats to humans—the brown recluse spider and the black widow spider. Brown recluses are primarily in the South, but black widows can actually be found across the country. Dihonov strongly recommends inspecting these outdoor areas regularly so they don't creep into your home: Firewood or rock piles Behind siding or rain gutters and downspouts Any electrical or cable boxes Foundation cracks and gaps Under decks and patios Window shutters Under the eaves and corner gathering areas Related: 7 Bad Habits That Are Attracting Bugs to Your House Read the original article on Real Simple
CBS News
02-07-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Asian needle ant's sting left Massachusetts man feeling sick: "I could feel the pain spreading."
Man says he was stung by Asian needle ant near his backyard pool Man says he was stung by Asian needle ant near his backyard pool Man says he was stung by Asian needle ant near his backyard pool A Massachusetts man said the sting of an Asian needle ant left him feeling sick. The invasive insect has been spreading across the U.S., and experts say their venomous sting can potentially be deadly. Norman Chipman was cleaning his backyard pool in Bridgewater in June when he felt a pain in his hand. "I didn't really pay attention to it until it kept stinging me," he said. "That's when I looked down and saw that it was an ant." Painful sting He shook the ant off and kept going about his business - but the sting kept hurting. "I could feel the pain spreading a little bit throughout my hand," Chipman said. "After about 20 minutes I started to just not feel well. I got a little bit of a headache, just felt lethargic." He said he continued to feel sick the next day, but has felt fine since then. Chipman said it was a "good-sized" ant, and he fished more out of his pool. He said pest control company Terminix confirmed he had Asian needle ants on his property. "I thought, this might be the one of those needle ants that are showing up on my Facebook feed," he said. "When Terminix came out, he looked at it and said, 'yeah, that looks like what we've been told about.'" The invasive Asian needle ant. American Association for the Advancement of Science Asian needle ants A Terminix scientist told WBZ-TV that Asian needle ants are outcompeting native ants in local ecosystems, and reports of them in the northeast are on the rise. They say the ants prefer wet areas like pools, and homeowners should limit moisture around their home by checking hose faucets and air conditioning for any leaks. A U.S. Forest Service report from 2021 says the ants are "beginning to cause problems in North America." It said the most troubling characteristic of the invasive species is their sting. "While they are not terribly aggressive, like the more familiar red imported fire ants, their stings are painful, often affecting different people in different ways," the report said. "In fact, the sting can result in life-threatening anaphylaxis, an acute allergic response." People who are sensitive to ant or bee stings should always keep an epinephrine auto-injection device on hand, experts say. "Unfortunately, as with many invasive species, it appears Asian needle ants are here to stay," the Forest Service said.
Tom's Guide
22-06-2025
- Tom's Guide
I'm a mattress expert — this is the one thing I recommend to control bed bugs this summer
I hope you haven't just eaten: Terminix has released its annual guide to the Top 50 bed-bug infested cities in the US and yes, it's just as horrifying as you were expecting. With a top 50 that bounces across the US you might be rethinking your 4th of July trip for fear of creepy crawlies. However, the right bed bug treatment can keep your home pest free, no matter how far and wide you travel. As a mattress expert I've heard every type of bed bug removal method, from never-going-to-work old wives tales to skin-peelingly harsh chemicals. But there's one bed bug control tip that continuously comes up as effective, affordable and safe to use: diatomaceous earth. Harris Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth 2lb: from $16.98 at AmazonDiatomaceous earth is an effective (and pet safe) pest control that's widely available at hardware stores and from online retailers. Available in both pool grade (or garden grade) and food grade options, opt for food grade to fight against bed bugs as due to its lower levels of crystalline silica, it's safer to use indoors. As well as fighting bed bugs, diatomaceous earth is commonly used in garden pest control so this one bag can have a lot of useful applications. If your home city cracks the bed bug top 50, or your upcoming long weekend getaway is in a bed bug heartland, I recommend investing in a bag of diatomaceous earth and below I'll explain why and how to use it. Of course, bed bugs are a global problem so before you head off on your vacation, check out our travel tips to avoid bringing bed bugs home. Diatomaceous earth is the fossilized remains of diatoms; a type of algae. Containing a high amount of silica, this soft rock is crumbled into sand for easy application. When bed bugs (and other types of insects) come into contact with diatomaceous earth the fine powder sticks to the exoskeleton and absorbs moisture, causing the bug to die of dehydration. Unlike some forms of pest control, diatomaceous earth doesn't lose potency. Once you've set your trap, you can leave it to work for as long as necessary. Diatomaceous earth is also safe to use around pets, although you should avoid getting it directly on the skin as this can cause irritation. I can't guarantee that diatomaceous earth will keep your home bed bug free — these pests are annoyingly hard to spot, impressively fast and capable of surviving a long time without food. However, following these methods can help prevent a bed bug outbreak before they've destroyed your mattress... As mentioned, I've probably thought more about bed bugs than the average person, which means I've been exposed to pretty much every bed bug treatment under the sun (although I'm always willing to learn more.) A quick response is the best way to save your bed but if it's too far gone, our guide to the best mattresses we've tested can help you find a new one. But while the methods below aren't guaranteed to fix a bed bug problem (except maybe the last one...) they do have a good hit rate and are typically either inexpensive or rely on common household appliances:
Yahoo
22-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Check those sheets: This Georgia city is one of the worst in US for bed bugs
A city in Georgia has landed on a list no city wants to top, the top 10 bed bug-infested cities in the U.S. The study, by Terminix, is based on the number of bed bug control services across the country. With Atlanta consistently near the top, experts say residents and travelers alike should take extra precautions to avoid them. Here is what we know. According to the study, Atlanta takes the No. 6 spot, making it the most bed bug-prone city in Georgia. Philadelphia New York Cleveland-Akron (Canton) Los Angeles Dallas - Ft. Worth Atlanta Houston Washington, D.C (Hagerstown) San Francisco - Oak - San Jose Indianapolis Bedbugs are tiny pests capable of causing significant disruption with just one infestation. These small, brown, oval-shaped bugs spread rapidly. Adult females produce 200-500 eggs over their 6-12 month lifespan. Bedbugs were eradicated in the middle of the 20th century but made a triumphant return as the human population began to travel more, according to the UC Riverside Center for Invasive Species Research. Today, they can be found in dark, tight, hidden spaces. Here are some ways you can protect yourself and your belongings against infestation: Reduce clutter Vacuum frequently Keep your belongings away from others' Seal cracks Check and clean secondhand furniture and clothes Other than checking for the live bugs themselves, look for signs of: Reddish stains from bedbugs being crushed Dark spots from bedbug excrement Eggs, eggshells and shedding skins Wash bedsheets, clothing, linens and curtains in hot water. Then, put them in the dryer on the hot setting for at least 30 minutes. Use a stiff brush on mattress seams to remove bedbugs and their eggs. Vacuum your bed and the surrounding area. Place the vacuum cleaner bag in a plastic bag and put it in a trash can outside. Encase your mattress in a bed bug mattress cover and keep this on for at least a year since bed bugs can survive up to that long without feeding. Repair cracks in walls or plaster and glue down peeling wallpaper to limit hiding places. Get rid of clutter around the bed. While these tips can help, using chemicals is the most effective way to exterminate bed bugs. WebMD suggests hiring an experienced exterminator for the best results. Vanessa Countryman is the Trending Topics Reporter for the the Deep South Connect Team Georgia. Email her at Vcountryman@ This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Georgia city ranks worst in America for bed bugs. Check your sheets
