<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-21
<SEQUENCE>29
<FILENAME>g76849exv21.txt
<DESCRIPTION>EX-21 LIST OF SUBSIDIARIES
<TEXT>
<PAGE>

                                                                      EXHIBIT 21

                       NATIONAL SERVICE INDUSTRIES, INC.

                              LIST OF SUBSIDIARIES

<Table>
<Caption>
                                                                                       STATE OR OTHER
                                                                                        JURISDICTION
                                                                                     OF INCORPORATION OR
SUBSIDIARY OR AFFILIATE                                       PRINCIPAL LOCATION        ORGANIZATION
-----------------------                                       ------------------     -------------------
<S>                                                           <C>                    <C>
National Service Industries, Inc. ..........................  Atlanta, Georgia       California
(fka NSI Enterprises, Inc.)
</Table>

                                        81

</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>