Pest Control Blog
Practical tips, local pest guides, and expert advice to help Hampton Roads homeowners keep pests, termites, and moisture out for good.
Showing 175–180 of 288 articles
How Termites Damage Hardwood Floors in Portsmouth Homes
Hardwood floors add warmth and value to homes in Portsmouth, Virginia. Older neighborhoods near the Elizabeth River often have classic red oak floors that people have refinished many times. Builders designed these…
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What Termite Inspectors Look for During a Termite Inspection in Hampton Roads
Termites in Hampton Roads; the silent destroyer. What do the professionals look for. Termites are a serious threat to homes across Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and the greater Hampton Roads region. Because of…
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Identifying Common Signs of an Ant Infestation in Your Home
Nothing can be more distressing than discovering unwanted guests invading your home, especially when they come in the form of tiny, pesky ants. Ant infestations can quickly become a nuisance and compromise the…
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Signs of Termite Damage in Drywall for Newport News Residents
Small changes in your walls often look harmless at first. Bubbling paint or small holes in drywall are easy to ignore. In Newport News, these are often early signs of termite damage. Many homeowners think termites…
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2026 Virginia Beach Ant Forecast: Why the “False Spring” is Flooding Local Kitchens
If you live in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, or Norfolk, you’ve felt it: that sudden jump to 70-degree humidity following our wet October. While we’re all heading to the Boardwalk to enjoy the sun, a different kind of…
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The 2026 ‘False Spring’ Alert: Why Newport News Termites are Swarming Weeks Early
Unfortunately, that includes one of the most destructive neighbors we have: the Eastern Subterranean Termite. Typically, we don’t see heavy swarming until late October or October. However, the combination of recent heavy…
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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.
| 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.