Universal Pest & Termite logo with ant badge
  • Over 26 Years Protecting Hampton Roads
  • 100% Pest Free Guarantee
  • Same-Day / Next-Day Service Available
  • Family & Locally Owned

Pest Control Blog

Practical tips, local pest guides, and expert advice to help Hampton Roads homeowners keep pests, termites, and moisture out for good.

By topic
By city
By problem

Showing 12 of 283 articles

A pest technician and homeowner reviewing an inspection area beside a foundation vent.
Pest ControlOct 6, 2026

Found a Bug or Rodent in Your Hampton Roads Home? What to Photograph and What Happens Next

A clear photo can help narrow down an insect, rodent, or termite sign. Learn what to capture, what a photo ID can tell you, and when to request an inspection.

Read Article
Termite mud tubes and damage crossing crawl-space joists and subfloor framing.
Termite ControlOct 4, 2026

Termites Behind Insulation: A Chesapeake Inspection

A Chesapeake inspection found active termites and extensive wood damage behind insulation near a dirt-filled porch. See why concealed framing matters.

Read Article
Dense termite mud tubes and visible damage on wood framing during an inspection in Great Neck, Virginia Beach.
Termite ControlSep 26, 2026

Extensive Termite Infestation in Great Neck, Virginia Beach

A Great Neck inspection uncovered dense termite mud tubes and visible activity around structural wood. See what the footage shows and what a Virginia Beach inspection should check next.

Read Article
Illustrative post-storm scene: a displaced crawl-space vent beside pooled rainwater.
Rodent ControlSep 26, 2026

Hampton Roads Nor’easter 2026: Attic Pests, Flooded Crawl Spaces & Damaged Vents

Calls have spiked for attic rodents and squirrels, tidal flooding in low-lying Virginia Beach and Norfolk crawl spaces, and blown-out foundation vents in Newport News.

Read Article
Rodent control technician inspecting a Hampton Roads home for seasonal entry points.
Rodent ControlSep 24, 2026

Fall & Winter Rodent Projection for Hampton Roads: Local Risk Factors

A practical Hampton Roads rodent projection for fall and winter, connecting local waterways, development edges, building types, and published service prices to the entry points worth checking now.

Read Article
A pale live cockroach on exterior trim in Little Neck, Virginia Beach.
Roach ControlSep 14, 2026

A Live Cockroach Molting in Little Neck, Virginia Beach: What It Means

A field video from Little Neck shows a live cockroach molting on exterior trim. Learn what a molt means, why it can point to nearby activity, and what to inspect next.

Read Article
White and gray growth-like material visible on wood framing in a Virginia Beach crawl space.
Crawl Space ServicesSep 11, 2026

Microbial Growth in a Virginia Beach Crawl Space: Causes and Damage

A Virginia Beach crawl-space case shows why white growth on wood is a moisture warning. Learn what causes microbial growth, what it can damage, and what an inspection should check next.

Read Article
Finished Hampton Roads crawl space with a sealed white liner and a covered sump pump basin.
Crawl Space ServicesSep 10, 2026

Sump Pump Installation and Crawl Space Encapsulation in Hampton Roads

A sump pump handles liquid water; encapsulation controls ground moisture and humid air. See how the two pieces fit together in a Hampton Roads crawl space.

Read Article
A Chesapeake homeowner considering safer rodent-control steps around a home.
Rodent ControlSep 10, 2026

Are Mice Active During the Day in Chesapeake?

Daytime mouse activity in Chesapeake is a clue, not a species test. Learn what repeated sightings can mean and where to look for the entry route.

Read Article
Technician working in a crawl space during a residential cleanup and inspection.
Rodent ControlSep 9, 2026

Rodent Dropping Cleanup in Hampton Roads: What Can Be Safely DIY'd?

Rodent droppings are more than a mess to vacuum away. Learn what to do safely, when insulation or ductwork needs attention, and what professional cleanup includes.

Read Article
Local pest control technicians standing together outside a Hampton Roads home.
Pest ControlSep 9, 2026

What to Look for When Choosing a Pest Control Company

Comparing pest control companies in Hampton Roads? Use this practical checklist for inspections, written service plans, guarantees, reviews, BBB standing, and local ownership.

Read Article
Neighborhood homes in Newport News near the James River, with varied foundations and mature landscaping.
Rodent ControlSep 7, 2026

What Causes Sudden Mice Infestations in Newport News?

A Newport News mouse problem may seem overnight. Learn how weather, food, building gaps, and hidden activity make mice suddenly visible.

Read Article
…
Browse all 283 articles

2026

2025

2023

2022

Ready to protect your home?

Call now or request a free quote online. Same-day service often available.

Why Universal

How We Compare to Other Pest Control Companies

Not every pest control company in Hampton Roads offers the same thing. Here is a straight comparison of what you get with Universal Pest Control and what is common elsewhere in the industry.

Comparison of Universal Pest & Termite, Inc. against common practice among other pest control companies serving Hampton Roads.
UniGuard ProgramExclusive
Universal Pest Control

Termite protection and full pest control combined in one membership for one low monthly payment — from $63/month, with the termite warranty and quarterly pest service included together.

Most pest control companies

Termite protection and pest control are usually sold as two separate agreements, with two renewals and two bills to keep track of.

SmartPay financingExclusive
Universal Pest Control

$0-down payment options on termite treatments, baiting systems, and repairs, so the work can start before payday. Simple, predictable monthly payments.

Most pest control companies

Financing, where it is offered, is commonly arranged separately through a third-party lender.

Pest Guard Attic Insulation™Exclusive
Universal Pest Control

Hampton Roads' only licensed Pest Guard Insulation™ installer, through our sister company Universal Insulation Doctor — insulation manufactured with an EPA-registered pest preventative, so the replacement itself resists the insects that ruined the original.

Most pest control companies

Attic insulation is typically referred out, and standard fiberglass has no pest deterrent built into the material.

Total Home Health Network
Universal Pest Control

Pest and termite control, attic insulation, and duct cleaning coordinated under one roof through the Universal family of companies — one point of contact for the whole job, done in the right order.

Most pest control companies

Pest control only. Insulation and duct work are usually booked with separate vendors on separate timelines.

A+ BBB rating
Universal Pest Control

BBB accredited since 2007 with an A+ rating, earned through consistent, honest work in the same community.

Most pest control companies

Accreditation and ratings vary by company — worth checking before you book anyone.

26+ years in business
Universal Pest Control

Protecting Hampton Roads homes since 2000 — more than 26 years in the same market, with over 100,000+ homes serviced.

Most pest control companies

Tenure in the area varies widely; newer branches and recently opened franchises are common.

Family owned & operated
Universal Pest Control

Owned and run by a family that has lived in Hampton Roads their whole lives. The people who answer the phone and the crews at your door are your neighbors.

Most pest control companies

Ownership varies — many local branches are franchises of national brands, with crews dispatched from outside the area.

Guarantees in writing
Universal Pest Control

Pest-Free Guarantee and Termite-Free Guarantee: if pests come back between scheduled visits, so do we, at no extra charge. Free inspections, plus same-day and next-day service.

Most pest control companies

Retreatment terms, callback windows, and what counts as covered differ from contract to contract.

The highlighted Universal Pest & Termite column reflects services we provide directly or through the Universal family of companies. The “Most pest control companies” column describes common industry practice in general terms and is not a statement about any particular company — some companies may offer services that are similar, so ask any provider exactly what their plan, warranty, and quote include before you sign. Financing on approved credit.