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Pest ControlJune 18, 2026

Can Professional Pest Control Actually Get Rid of Spiders?

Can Professional Pest Control Actually Get Rid of Spiders?

The short answer is yes. But treating a spider infestation isn’t as simple as spraying for ants or roaches. If you’ve spotted an influx of eight-legged guests in your home recently, you aren’t alone—and it’s completely natural to feel uneasy.

One of the biggest challenges with spiders is identification. When you’re standing face-to-face with a spider in a dark crawl space or corner, it’s hard to stay calm enough to figure out if it’s a harmless house spider or a dangerous widow. That’s exactly why the safest move is to eliminate them from your living spaces entirely.

However, what works for termites, ants, or rodents won’t necessarily work against spiders. Spiders don’t groom themselves like insects do, meaning they don’t easily track traditional residual pesticides back to a nest. To truly solve a spider problem, you need a highly specialized approach.

1. Start with a Thorough Inspection to Uncover the Root Cause

The first step to solving any pest issue is a professional inspection. While many companies advertise “free” inspections, it is crucial to read the fine print—some sneaky fees can catch you off guard. You want to partner with a transparent team from day one.

Beyond checking if they handle spiders, ask exactly how they handle them. We highly recommend Universal Pest & Termite. They don’t rely on a lazy, “one-size-fits-all” baseboard spray hoping for the best. They build a targeted strategy unique to the specific spider species and environmental factors at play in your home.

During a proper inspection, a technician will locate both the source and the extent of the issue. Spiders are predators; they go where the food is. Often, an influx of spiders means you have an underlying issue with smaller insects. Furthermore, things like leaky pipes or high humidity create the dark, damp habitats they love. A great inspection gives you a complete blueprint of what needs to be fixed—like sealing entry points or correcting moisture issues—to keep them from coming back.

2. Match the Treatment Plan to the Scale of the Problem

Because spiders trigger deep fears for many homeowners, some less-than-reputable companies will exploit that anxiety. They might recommend unnecessarily aggressive, harsh chemical treatments just to give you immediate peace of mind.

As a homeowner, your priority is eliminating the pests without compromising the indoor air quality for your family and pets. Don’t be afraid to ask for a clear explanation of what products are being used and why.

Modern, professional-grade pest control products are highly advanced. They are engineered to target pests precisely while being completely safe for family and pets once dried. Still, a quality team will walk you through their exact process so you know exactly what to expect before, during, and after the service.

3. How to Know You’re Working with the Right Company

A trustworthy pest control provider will always show you exactly what they found during the inspection—whether it’s active webs, egg sacs, or a secondary pest food source—before presenting a customized action plan.

If you voice concerns about your children or pets, a true professional will answer them clearly and confidently. If a company gives you vague answers or pressures you into a contract, walk away.

Ultimately, the true test of a pest control service is a home that stays spider-free over time. The best way to guarantee that outcome is to choose a company with deep roots and an excellent reputation in your local community.

4. Proactive, Routine Maintenance is the Real Secret

Depending on the local weather and your home’s surroundings, spider activity fluctuates throughout the year. If you live in an area prone to seasonal pest surges, waiting until you see a spider to call for help means you’re already playing catch-up.

The most effective way to protect your home is through consistent, routine barrier treatments. By keeping the general insect population around your perimeter at zero, spiders will naturally look elsewhere for food.

If you want to keep those creepy encounters to an absolute minimum, talk to a top-tier team like Universal Pest & Termite to set up a preventative maintenance schedule. It’s the simplest way to keep your home secure, clean, and comfortable all year long.

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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.
UniGuard ProgramExclusive
Universal Pest Control

Termite protection and full pest control combined in one membership for one low monthly payment — from $59/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.