Orkin is a leading pest control franchise founded in 1901 by Otto Orkin in Walnutport, Pennsylvania. The company relocated its headquarters to Atlanta, Georgia in 1926, where it remains today. Orkin is a subsidiary of Rollins Inc., a publicly traded service company with a global presence.

The Orkin franchise system began expanding years ago and now includes nearly 50 franchise locations in the United States. It also operates more than 350 company-owned branches nationwide.

Internationally, Orkin maintains a presence through franchises and subsidiaries in regions such as Canada, Latin America, Europe, the Caribbean, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia-Pacific.

Orkin specializes in integrated pest management services, addressing issues such as termites, rodents, mosquitoes, and general insects. The company serves residential, commercial, and industrial clients using its proprietary A.I.M. process—Assess, Implement, Monitor.

Training

Orkin provides a comprehensive and mandatory training program for its franchisees to ensure operational excellence and alignment with company standards:

1. Initial Training: Franchisees or their designated managers must complete up to 25 days of classroom and self-directed training, along with 10 days of on-the-job training. Topics include pest control operations, management, financial practices, and sales. This training must be completed before the franchise opens.
2. Training Evaluation and Waivers: If a franchisee has prior experience in pest or termite control, Orkin may adjust or waive portions of the training program upon mutual agreement. However, failure to complete training satisfactorily can result in the termination of the Franchise Agreement.
3. Ongoing and Remote Training: Orkin offers continuing training via conferences, webinars, and remote or on-site sessions. These sessions may be mandatory and can include additional costs for travel and participation.
4. Replacement Manager Training: If a designated manager is replaced, the new manager must attend and complete Orkin’s training within three months at the franchisee’s expense.

Territory Protection

Orkin provides defined territory protection to its franchisees by assigning exclusive areas based on population and zip codes. Territories are categorized by size (e.g., Small, Medium, Premium) and must be approved by Orkin Systems.

Within these boundaries, Orkin Systems and its affiliates agree not to operate company-owned branches or grant additional franchises for similar services under the Orkin brand [Orkin 2023 Q, page 43].

However, the exclusivity has limits. Franchisees cannot service customers outside their territory without written authorization, and Orkin reserves rights to service certain "Multi-Territorial Accounts" directly or via other parties.