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 283 articles
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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Ants Feeding in Your Dog’s Bowl
Ant’s Feeding in Your Dog’s Bowl Ants are attracted to areas with available food and water. To prevent ants from feeding in places like dog bowls, the pantry, or kitchen spills, here are some tips from Universal Pest…
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Termite Frass vs Sawdust: What Suffolk Homeowners Should Know
If you see a small pile of wood-colored debris on your floor, you may not know what it is. Is it sawdust from a project, or is it termite frass? For Suffolk homeowners, knowing the difference helps you spot a termite…
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The Health Risks of Common Household Pests
In the comforting confines of our homes, insidious invaders often lurk, posing significant health risks to our families and pets. While household pests may seem like minor annoyances, they can carry diseases, trigger…
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Termite Identification in Chesapeake, VA
A Homeowner’s Guide to termite identification for Great Bridge, Deep Creek, and Western Branch Termites are a year-round threat to homes throughout Chesapeake, but certain areas like Great Bridge, Deep Creek, and…
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How Much Can Termite Damage Cost in Virginia Beach?
**Excerpt:** Termite damage in Virginia Beach can cost homeowners thousands in repairs. Learn the average treatment and damage costs and why regular inspections and prevention are essential to protect your home.
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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 Control Termite protection and full pest control combined in one membership for one low monthly payment — from $63/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.