Rentokil vs Anticimex Spain
The two largest pest-control companies operating in Spain — both ROESBA-certified, both with national coverage, both targeting the English-speaking expat market. Here is the honest head-to-head for 2026 based on price quotes, response times, and treatment outcomes.
Quick Verdict
Pick Rentokil if you want clearer English-speaking call-centre support, longer treatment guarantees (90 days), and the better heat-treatment infrastructure for bed bugs.
Pick Anticimex if you want 10–15% lower price on one-off treatments, faster callout times (often 24-48 hours), and stronger local-branch presence in coastal areas.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Criterion | Rentokil España | Anticimex España |
|---|---|---|
| One-off cockroach treatment | €140–220 | €120–180 |
| Annual contract (residential) | €380–650/yr | €350–600/yr |
| Bed bug treatment | €350–800 (chemical or heat) | €300–650 (chemical only standard) |
| Typical callout window | 48–72 hours | 24–48 hours |
| English-speaking call centre | Reliable nationally | Varies by branch (good on Costas) |
| Treatment guarantee | 90 days (cockroaches, ants, rodents) | 60 days (cockroaches, ants, rodents) |
| Heat treatment for bed bugs | Yes (major cities + Costas) | Add-on, fewer locations |
| ROESBA-certified | Yes | Yes |
| National coverage | Excellent (all provinces) | Excellent (slight gaps in interior north) |
Which to Call by Situation
Bed bug emergency (severe infestation)
Rentokil — heat-treatment availability and the 90-day guarantee tip the scales for severe cases.
Cockroach problem in apartment block
Anticimex — faster callout and lower price. Apartment blocks usually need building-wide treatment via comunidad anyway.
Annual prevention contract (villa)
Tie — pricing converges on annual contracts. Pick whichever has the stronger local branch in your area.
Termite treatment (older property)
Neither — for subterranean termites and woodworm, a specialist termite company usually delivers better results than the generalist firms.
See our full guide to finding English-speaking pest control companies in Spain for vetted local alternatives and pricing benchmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rentokil or Anticimex cheaper in Spain?
Anticimex is typically 10–15% cheaper than Rentokil for one-off residential treatments in Spain. A single cockroach treatment averages €120–180 with Anticimex versus €140–220 with Rentokil. On annual contracts the gap narrows — both run €350–600/year depending on property size and pest profile.
Which has better English-speaking support: Rentokil or Anticimex?
Rentokil generally has stronger English-speaking call-centre support in Spain because it operates the UK-based head office and routes inbound calls through bilingual staff. Anticimex relies more on local Spanish branch managers; English availability varies significantly by region. On the Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca, both offer reliable English service.
Do Rentokil and Anticimex offer the same guarantees?
Both offer 30-90 day re-treatment guarantees on standard residential treatments. Rentokil typically guarantees 90 days on cockroach, ant, and rodent treatments; Anticimex guarantees 60 days on the same. Bed bug treatments at both have shorter guarantees (30 days) because re-infestation from travel or visitors is hard to attribute.
Which is better for bed bugs: Rentokil or Anticimex?
Both use the same approved chemical treatments (typically deltamethrin + IGR) plus optional heat treatment add-ons. Rentokil has slightly more invested in heat-treatment equipment in Spain, making it the better choice for severe infestations. Anticimex is faster for chemical-only treatments — typically 24-48 hour callout window.
Are Rentokil and Anticimex both ROESBA-certified in Spain?
Yes. Both are registered with the Spanish Registro Oficial de Establecimientos y Servicios Biocidas (ROESBA), which is required to legally apply biocides in Spain. Both also hold ISO 9001 quality certification at the national level. ROESBA certification is the baseline requirement — never hire a company that cannot produce their ROESBA number on request.
Should I use Rentokil/Anticimex or a local pest controller?
For one-off problems in major cities (Madrid, Barcelona, Málaga, Valencia, Alicante, Palma, Tenerife), Rentokil or Anticimex usually offer faster response and clearer accountability. For rural fincas, older village houses, or specialty problems (termite re-treatment, woodworm, processionary caterpillars), a specialist local company often delivers better results at lower cost.