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Pest ControlJune 18, 2026

Is It Worth Paying for Pest Control?

Is It Worth Paying for Pest Control?

If you are like the majority of Americans, then your house is your most important investment. When you purchase a house, you are investing in the property. At some point, you will likely consider selling the property. When this time comes, the property must be in good condition. This will ensure that your house sells more quickly and at the price at which its valued.

But, your house is more than just an investment property. It is your home, your safe space, the place where your children will grow up. The majority of your time will be spent in your home, so it is important to take care of it and make it a place of comfort, happiness, and relaxation.

Preventative pest control is vital to the upkeep of your home. Pests are a pest. They are annoying, bothersome, and distracting. As if that is not bad enough, many pests cause property damage and could even harm the members of your family.

How Much Should Pest Control Cost?

The cost of pest control varies depending on the frequency and services provided. It is often more cost-effective to receive preventative, quarterly pest control than extermination services. Once an infestation has started, you will require an exterminator to eliminate the pests from your home. This can cost thousands of dollars depending on the type of infestation and the severity of it. Preventative pest control can reduce the chances of many different kinds of infestations.

Compare plans and pricing

The average cost of a single pest control visit varies from $34 to $125. You can expect to pay between $34 and $65 per month for monthly preventative visits. Bimonthly preventative visits average between $65 and $95 per month. The most popular option, quarterly services, typically cost between $100 and $300.

In comparison, extermination services cost quite a bit more. If you require fumigation, the cost averages between $200 and $400 per room. To eliminate rodents, the cost for a home is averaged to cost around $1000. Extermination visits often require a follow-up. These follow-up visits are typically not included in the initial cost and increase the total cost of extermination.

Factors to Consider

Preventative pest control is a form of insurance for your home. We pay monthly payments for car insurance, homeowners insurance, medical insurance, and various other things. These monthly payments protect us from large and unexpected expenses in the future. Paying for preventative pest control can protect you from paying large and unexpected extermination fees in the future. The benefits far outweigh the costs. However, the need for pest control does vary based on the following factors.

Where You Live

The area you live in plays a large role in determining the frequency and type of preventative pest control your home will require. The type of weather common in your area and the population density of your region are two factors that affect your need for routine pest control.

Temperate, humid areas seem to be more buggy than others, Pest control in Virginia Beach is a must! In southern regions, termites are a common pest that homeowners must eradicate. In the southwest, some homeowners require pest control for scorpions. In populated areas like New York, rats, bed bugs, and cockroaches are the most common pests.

Stay informed and be aware of the common pests in your regions. Knowing the signs of an infestation can help you stop one in its tracks. Pest control can prevent an infestation altogether. Trash, humidity, vegetation, and sitting water are all factors that increase your homes risk of attracting pests. If any of these four factors apply to your home, then pest control is more than insurance. It is a necessity.

Your Homes Neighborhood and History

A couple more factors to consider include the neighborhood you live in and your home’s history with pests and infestations. If your home has been infested before it is more likely that it will become infested with the same pest again. A previous infestation means that your home is located in an area where these pests are more populated or it may be easier for pests to enter based on foundation issues, sealing issues, and various other home maintenance issues.

It is also important to consider the neighborhood you live in. If there are many homes in the neighborhood with infestations then your neighbors infestation can spill over and become your problem too. The chance of catching an infestation from your neighbor is more likely if the houses are close together, there is a lot of vegetation in the neighborhood or excessive trash.

Is Pest Control Worth the Cost?

Rodents, bugs, and other pests are a huge nuisance. That fact in and of itself makes pest control worth it. But, if you consider the damage pests can cause to your home and the high costs associated with ridding your home of an infestation, pest control is worth far more than it costs. Routine, preventative pest control can save you money and a headache.

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Universal Pest & Termite Can Help

Taking action now can prevent huge problems later. If you are ready to protect your home, call Universal Pest & Termite. Pest control in Virginia Beach is a necessity. It is hot, humid, and highly populated. Universal Pest & Termite is a safe and effective pest control solution. They offer preventative border guard services and termite inspections to help you keep your home safe and free of pests. Give them a call today at (757) 502-0200.

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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.