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
All Articles
Roach ControlJuly 4, 2025

I Just Found A Big Roach In My Home!

I Just Found A Big Roach In My Home!

How To Identify Cockroachs in Hampton Roads, Va?

A water bug is larger than most cockroach species at an average of 3.8 cm long. Their color ranges from tan all the way to black. The body of a water bug is oval shaped and flat. They can be found in very warm, damp places often around organic decomposing waste such as trash cans, old food, waste, etc.

Book a free inspection

Do Roaches Carry Disease?

Roaches produce allergens that can cause an allergic response in humans. In fact, 30 million people in the U.S. are allergic to roaches. When cockroaches shed skin or defecate, proteins produced in their bodies are released into the environment. These proteins become airborne allergens that cause allergic responses in humans.

Get a free quote

How Do I Get Rid Of Them?

It is always better to prevent and infestation than to eradicate one. If you have notice one or two in your home and want to prevent an infestation be sure to keep your home tidy and clear of trash or old food, especially your kitchen.

Get a free quote

If your home has been infested, you must call a licensed pest control company with over 26 years experience. Due to the rate roaches reproduce, over the counter products will have little to no effect on getting rid of the infestation. Monthly treatments will be the best option to overcome the infestation.

German Roaches

Top view of a person reaching for a cup of tea on a wooden table with a camera and phone.

German Roaches Kitchen Infestation:

German roaches will most commonly be found in the kitchen of an infested home. They will come in through your pipes around the sink, stove and refrigerator. Dark, damp locations such as these are great access points for German roaches. They will most likely be isolated to a pantry, inside the cabinets, under/behind the stove and refrigerator, and any other dark, damp location that provides a food source.

How Do I Eradicate German Roaches From My Kitchen?

It is imperative to remove all items from your cabinets and pantry prior to a treatment. This allows all hiding/breeding spots to be properly treated. Due to the rate at which German Roaches breed, over the counter pest control products will not reduce or eliminate a roach infestation. Getting monthly services from a licensed pest company with at least 26 years of experience is a must. Once the infestation has been handled, quarterly preventative services are important to stop any future re-infestations.

Get a free quote

Exterminator kneeling, spraying kitchen cabinets for pests in Hampton Roads

Universal Pest & Termite: Protection & Prevention FAQ

1. Why is a professional barrier better than what I can do myself?

DIY “big box” sprays are often washed away by the first Virginia Beach rainstorm. At Universal Pest & Termite, we build a Coastal Barrier specifically designed for our humidity and soil. This professional-grade shield starts at just $34 monthly, providing a level of protection that store-bought products simply can’t match. We stop the ants, spiders, and silverfish before they ever cross your threshold.

See our termite protection

2. I’m already paying a different company, but I still see pests. What should I do?

Don’t settle for mediocre service. We specialize in our Initial Takeover Program, designed specifically for homeowners who are frustrated with their current provider. We don’t just pick up where they left off; we perform a deep-dive Free Inspection to find the “satellite colonies” and entry points the other guys missed. We take over their program and upgrade you to the Universal standard of excellence.

Get a free quote

3. What happens if I see a pest a week after you’ve treated?

Nature can be unpredictable, but our commitment isn’t. Our recurring services are backed by our Pest-Free Guarantee. This includes Free Emergency Return Visits if pests manage to breach our barrier between your scheduled services. If you see a problem, you call us, and we’re back out at no extra cost. We aren’t happy until your home is completely quiet.

Get a free quote

4. How do you catch a problem before it becomes an infestation?

Most pest companies are “reactive”—they wait for you to see a bug to act. We are proactive. As part of our comprehensive program, we provide continual monitoring to catch “hitchhikers” early. We place professional monitoring strips discreetly under beds and in hidden areas where no one can see them. This “silent alarm” allows our technicians to identify activity long before you ever see a pest in your living space.

Get a free quote

5. Does your service cover more than just insects?

Absolutely. We know that in Virginia, rodents are just as big a threat as roaches. Our integrated approach looks at the whole home. Whether it’s mice in the crawlspace or rats in the attic, we offer targeted plans that fit your budget. And because we are a family of companies, we can even coordinate with our Insulation and Duct Cleaning divisions to ensure your home is sealed, sanitized, and energy-efficient from the inside out.

Get a free quote

Who to Call?

Universal Pest will take steps to mitigate cockroach problems through barrier exclusion. Barrier exclusion involves preventing cockroaches from entering the home through small cracks in walls, gaps near electric sockets and switch plates, and up through drains. We use a silicone-based caulk to seal these openings.

Get a free quote

Our technicians are trained to identify the type of roach infestation you may have. This is very important when establishing a program that best fits your needs. Give us a call today for you free inspection. You will receive the best treatment options on the spot along with our best price guarantee. Call now and say no to roaches!

www.universalpest.com

info@universalpest.com

(757) 502-0200

Top view of a person reaching for a cup of tea on a wooden table with a camera and phone.

Top view of a person reaching for a cup of tea on a wooden table with a camera and phone.

Dealing with pests at home?

Get a free, no-obligation quote from Hampton Roads' trusted local pest & termite experts.

Request a Free Quote

Fill out the form below or call (757) 502-0200.

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 $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.