A few weeks ago, one of technicians was approached by a little girl, who told them “please don’t kill all the bugs, we need them!” And while some people do want ALL the bugs gone, we are a pest control company. The technician replied to 4-year-old, “I agree, we do need bugs. And that is why we are a pest CONTROL company. My job is to keep the bug population in check, and to keep them out of places where they do not belong.”
The fact is, many people are not sure the difference between a pest control company and an exterminator? While many people use these terms interchangeably, there is a difference—and knowing that difference can help you make the best choice for long-term results.
Exterminators: The Old-School Approach
Exterminators focus on immediate elimination of pests. Think of them as the emergency response team. Their job is to get rid of the problem quickly, often through heavy applications of chemical pesticides. This method can be effective in the short term, but it doesn’t always address the root cause of the infestation.
Exterminators typically:
- Use high-volume chemical treatments
- Focus on eradicating pests, not preventing them
- Offer one-time services rather than long-term solutions
If you’ve ever dealt with a serious infestation—like a wasp nest in your wall or a swarm of ants in your kitchen—you may have called an exterminator to get the situation under control fast.
Pest Control: A Long-Term Strategy
Pest control professionals, on the other hand, take a more holistic and preventative approach. Rather than just spraying and leaving, a our pest control technicians work to identify how and why pests are getting in. We use a combination of methods—exclusion, habitat modification, biological controls, and targeted treatments—to keep your home or business from pest invasions.
Pest control services typically include:
- Thorough inspections and customized treatment plans
- Targeted treatments that minimize pesticide use
- Ongoing maintenance to prevent future infestations
- Education on pest behavior and prevention
This modern approach is more environmentally friendly and more effective in the long run—especially in places like Colorado Springs, where seasonal pests like ants, spiders, rodents, and wasps are common.

Why Pest Control Is the Better Choice
While exterminators might seem like the quicker fix, pest control professionals are in it for the long haul. At Complete Pest Control, we believe in solving the problem—not just addressing the symptoms for a quick fix.
We focus on:
- Identifying entry points and sealing them up
- Understanding pest behavior to prevent re-entry
- Using eco-friendly methods whenever possible
- Creating customized treatment plans for your home or business
Whether you’re a homeowner, property manager, or business owner, our goal is to provide long-term protection—not just temporary relief.
In short, the difference between pest control and exterminators – exterminators may offer a quick fix, but pest control offers a smart fix. If you’re tired of the cycle of recurring infestations, it’s time to switch from one-and-done treatments to proactive, preventative care.
Need help now? We’ve got you covered. As your neighbors, we are a local pest control company committed to our community. Give us a call at 719.331-969 or contact us here.
We regularly share tips and tricks to keep the pests at bay on our social media as well. Give us follow on Facebook and Instagram.
