Cook’s Pest Control
Our Rating: 8.5
Call (877) 241-0291 to verify service in your area.
90 years in business
36 locations
5 states
1,600 employees
About Cook’s Pest Control
For almost 90 years, Cook’s Pest Control has made a name for itself among regional pest control companies by offering the South innovative pest management solutions provided with the service ethic of a small company. At the same time, it has quietly grown from a small family business to the nation’s 8th largest pest control enterprise, and now employs 1,600 full-time employees in five states. Still family-owned and operated, the Cook customer service ethic continues to this day.
Our Rating
Cook’s reach is limited, with only 36 district offices in five states. But the company is noted for its effectiveness at treating all pests affecting its Southern customer base. In addition, their rigorous service training has brought the company’s technicians praise for their professionalism.
Reliability: 8 / out of 10
Features & Services: 9 / out of 10
Customer Service & Reviews: 8 / out of 10
Costs: 9 / out of 10
In This Review:
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Reliability
John L. Cook founded North Alabama Termite Control in 1928, back when there was no specialized equipment or trade publications in the industry. His son, a trained architect, took over the company after Cook’s death and added additional pest control services. Customers generally give Cook’s technicians high marks for their professional, effective, and reliable pest control approaches, a sign that Cook’s proprietary technician training programs translate into value for consumers. In addition, the company’s website offers homeowners–and educators–useful information about pests and can educate potential customers about the problem on their hands even before the technician arrives.
Our Rating: 8 / out of 10
Pro
Cook’s is well known for reliable pest control and for their rigorous technician training.
Con
Cook’s operates only in Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Florida, and Mississippi.
Cook’s currently operates only in Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Florida, and Mississippi. Its offices are mainly in Alabama and Tennessee, however, with less complete coverage in other states.
Features & Services Provided
Cook’s Pest Control is well positioned to treat all pests common to its service area in the southeast. Along with special services for mosquitoes and termites, there are tailored pest services for brown recluse spiders, fire ants, carpenter bees, bed bugs, and nuisance birds. The company also offers services for roaches, which is especially helpful for its customers in Florida where the pests can be a big problem.
Our Rating: 9 / out of 10
Pro
The company offers an industry-leading variety of free inspections and consultations.
Con
Wildlife removal is not offered.
Cook’s four-step Perimeter Protection System is its flagship service. It includes:
- Inspection: a home inspection meant to identify any environmental conditions that might lead to infestations. Afterward, the technician will prescribe a control program specific to the pest problem.
- Interior Prescription Treatment: At the first service visit, the technician will look for places pests could be nesting and treat cracks, crevices, and hidden spaces.
- Perimeter Protection: Cook’s also seals and caulks exterior points vulnerable to pest access. Technicians then place baits and other products to form a protective barrier.
- Monitoring and Prevention: As seasons change, technicians will monitor the barrier and provide regular exterior treatments that do not require the customer’s presence.
Here are highlights from among Cook’s other features:
- Free evaluations. One clear advantage of Cook’s services is the array of free evaluations, which are provided to both residential homes and businesses. These go beyond the standard free first-time inspection to include a suite of complimentary offerings that set Cook apart:
- Free pest and termite evaluation with no obligation
- Free pest and termite identification
- Free damage identification
- Free pest and termite evaluation
These services are available for both residential and commercial pest control, although for commercial pest control the company does offer services tailored specifically for larger buildings and offices.
- “Green” treatment. Cook’s services are eco-sensitive, and technicians strategically place products to guarantee maximum protection to family or pets. The Sentricon termite pest protection product that the company uses, for example, is known for both its effectiveness and optimal green pest control. It is the only termite control product that has received the Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award.
- Technician training. Cook’s champions a unique Cook’s emphasis on corporate staff training, claiming that no other company invests the same amount of time and resources to train its employees within the pest control industry. Each Cook’s inspector and technician must complete comprehensive, personalized instruction at Cook’s Academy of Customer Service at the Corporate Training Center. Each section of the training program must be passed before joining the staff, after which the technician receives continuing education at a district office.
- Specialized services. Cook’s also installs moisture barriers and automatic foundation vents to combat excess moisture in crawlspaces.
Customer Support & Reviews
Cook’s customer reviews include quite a bit of praise for their professional pest control, an indication that their rigorous training program is serving the company–and its customers–well. In addition, customers routinely expressed satisfaction with the company’s Sentricon termite treatment products. Beyond this, the company does get some of the standard online complaints about administrative issues.
Our Rating: 8 / out of 10
Pro
Their rigorous technician training has served Cook’s well, earning the company praise for their professionalism.
Con
Some customers raised issues related to administrative problems and poor communication about pricing.
Cost
Pest control costs vary by geography, property, and type and severity of pest infestation, making it notoriously difficult to compare pest control pricing among competitors. At the same time, Cook’s does offer some features that stand out by giving consumers an informed choice. The array of free estimates and inspections Cook’s provides is huge service, in keeping with the company’s noted service ethic. In addition, Cook’s is unique in offering a 110-percent money-back guarantee if the customer is not satisfied.
Our Rating: 9 / out of 10
Pro
Cook’s Pest Control offers a 110-percent money-back guarantee, unmatched by its competitors in the industry.
Con
Some online reviewers questioned the inflexibility of Cook’s service packages.
Conclusion
While Cook’s reach is limited to Southern United States, they are skilled in handling the pests native to the region, with a solid record of termite control. In addition, Cook’s long history in the industry and stringent technician training has given them a reputation for reliable service and professionalism.
Reliability: 8 / out of 10
Features & Services: 9 / out of 10
Customer Service & Reviews: 8 / out of 10
Costs: 9 / out of 10
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