Beware Of Bed Bugs!

Published July 4, 2025Updated February 11, 2026

Bed bugs are members of the cimicid family that feed solely on human blood. Cimex lectularius is the most common bed bug. They prefer to feed on human blood. Other Cimex species specialize in the feeding of other animals.

Bed Bugs Characteristics

Adult bed bugs appearance is light to reddish-brown, flat and oval-shaped, with no hind wings. Bed bugs have segmented abdomens with microscopic hairs. Adults grow to 0.16–0.20 in. in length and 0.059–0.118 in. in width.

Newly hatched bed bugs, or nymphs, are almost translucent or lighter in color and become browner as they get older. A bed bug nymph of any age that has just consumed a blood meal has a red, translucent abdomen, fading to brown over the next several hours, and then to black within two days as the insect digests its meal.

Why Get Bed Bugs Treatment?

Numerous problematic health effects may result from bed bug bites. Some include but are not limited to skin rashes, psychological effects, and allergic symptoms and reactions. Bed bugs are what is know as disease vectors meaning they can carry any pathogen.

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After realizing your home may be infected with bed bugs, the first thing to do is to consult a doctor and notify them of any bed bug bites. Use soap and water to wash the bites as is highly recommended. This will help prevent skin infection and help reduce itchiness. If the bites itch, apply a corticosteroid cream to the bites.

Call Universal Pest & Termite For Bed Bugs Treatment

After any health issues have been taken care of, the next step is to rid your home of the bed bugs. This is not a job that can be taken lightly. A professional is a must. At Universal Pest & Termite, we are trained and dedicated to keeping you and your family safe and pest free. Give us a call today for a free inspection! (757) 502-0200

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A close-up of an adult bed bug on cream woven fabric: a flat, oval, reddish-brown body with a banded abdomen, six legs and short antennae, about the size of an apple seed.

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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.
What to compare	Universal Pest Control	Most pest control companies
UniGuard ProgramExclusive	Universal Pest ControlUniGuard Program combines termite protection and full pest control in one membership for one low monthly payment — from $63/month, with the termite warranty and quarterly pest service included together.	Most pest control companiesTermite 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 companiesFinancing, where it is offered, is commonly arranged separately through a third-party lender.
Pest Guard Attic Insulation™Exclusive	Universal Pest ControlHampton 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 companiesAttic insulation is typically referred out, and standard fiberglass has no pest deterrent built into the material.
Total Home Health Network	Universal Pest ControlPest 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 companiesPest control only. Insulation and duct work are usually booked with separate vendors on separate timelines.
A+ BBB rating	Universal Pest ControlBBB accredited since 2007 with an A+ rating, earned through consistent, honest work in the same community.	Most pest control companiesAccreditation and ratings vary by company — worth checking before you book anyone.
26+ years in business	Universal Pest ControlProtecting Hampton Roads homes since 2000 — more than 26 years in the same market, with over 100,000+ homes serviced.	Most pest control companiesTenure in the area varies widely; newer branches and recently opened franchises are common.
Family owned & operated	Universal Pest ControlOwned 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 companiesOwnership varies — many local branches are franchises of national brands, with crews dispatched from outside the area.
Guarantees in writing	Universal Pest ControlPest-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 companiesRetreatment 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.