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Ant ControlJune 18, 2026

Is It Worth Getting an Exterminator?

Is It Worth Getting an Exterminator?

If you’ve ever dealt with pests, then you know that they do not go away on their own. Once pests have made themselves comfortable inside your home, you have two options. The first option is to hire an exterminator. The second is to follow a do it yourself method.

These do it yourself methods are very appealing at first glance. They often appear to be more inexpensive and provide you with the chance to solve the problem on your own. This means that you do not have to tell anyone about the pests. These two perks often mislead people into believing that do it yourself extermination will be quick, inexpensive, and painless. Unfortunately, that is not the case.

Ridding your home of an infestation is nearly impossible on your own. It will require an immense amount of work, dedication, and attention to detail. Common house pests are incredible at hiding and often reproduce very quickly. If you live in humid and temperate locations such as Virginia Beach, you may be more prone to certain pests including termites. It is impossible to eliminate termites on your own. You would need to call Virginia Beach exterminators.

Other pests could potentially be eradicated without professional help. To rid your home of an infestation on your own, you will need to dedicate all of your time and energy into finding the pests hiding spots and exterminating them. Hiring an exterminator often eliminates the pests much more quickly and chances of a recurring infestation are much lower than if you do it yourself.

What Does Exterminator Mean?

An exterminator means someone who exterminates. The occupation of an exterminator consists of eliminating rodents and insects. The list of exterminator synonyms includes eradicator and terminator.

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An exterminators sole job is to find and eliminate pests. They often use traps, chemicals, and natural solutions to eliminate the pests plaguing a home or establishment. This requires exterminators to kill the offensive pest and determine where, why, and how the pests are entering the premises.

To truly exterminate, exterminators need to eliminate all of the pests on the premises and prevent new pests from entering. Depending on how the pests are entering, an exterminator may advise on your next steps as they may not be able to resolve home maintenance issues on their own. An example of such a problem would be extensive cracks in the foundation of a building and issues with sealing. These two problems allow critters easy access to your home, but will require the help of another kind of professional.

What Is the Difference Between Pest Control and Extermination?

Pest control and extermination are often used interchangeably as though they mean the same thing. However, the two terms mean entirely different things. Exterminators conduct exterminations.

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They rid your home of pests. Pest control may be performed by exterminators, but the purpose is not to rid your home of pests, rather prevent pests from entering in the first place.

Pest control is a preventative measure taken to protect your home and family from unwanted crawling intruders. It is less expensive than extermination services and could save you money on home repairs as well. Pest control also focuses on what may cause pests to invade. They may look into troublesome vegetation, indicators of an early infestation, and possible areas of entry. The primary job of pest control is to identify threats and prevent further entry.

How Much Do Pest Exterminators Cost?

Regular pest control visits cost on average between $34 and $125.

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A termite exterminator visit averages between $350 and $500, but the cost varies depending on the type of exterminator. A common insect exterminator visit could cost as low as $34 monthly, while a bed bug or roach exterminator could cost up to $1000. Rodent seal up costs an average of $350.

As you can tell, pest exterminations can cost thousands of dollars. In addition to their high cost, they are also unexpected expenses. Regular pest control visits will save you money in the long run. Plus, they are a monthly, or quarterly expense easily worked into your budget.

Is It Worth Getting an Exterminator?

Living with a pest problem or infestation is stressful. In some cases, pests have even caused anxiety and depression in the individuals living with the pests. This is especially common when dealing with a bed bug infestation, as the home occupants often avoid sleep. However even dealing with an ant infestation is frustrating.

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Dealing with an infestation on your own is rarely a feasible option. Even if you manage to exterminate the pests on your own, it will take more time and you may never know how they entered your home. This will increase your chances of dealing with another infestation in the future.

Exterminators and extermination services are well worth the cost. The pests will be eliminated much more quickly than if you dealt with the issue on your own. Living with pests is not an option as it can be annoying, unsanitary, and have a negative impact on your mental health. An exterminator can offer you peace of mind. Once your pest problem is managed, you should consider regular pest control to prevent future problems from occurring.

Help Is Available

If you are at your wits end in dealing with your homes pests, Universal Pest & Termite can help. Universal Pest & Termite assists customers in Virginia Beach and the surrounding areas. We offer safe, efficient, and effective pest control and extermination services. If you are ready to eradicate your homes pests, call Universal Pest & Termite 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.