Question 1

What is pest exclusion, and why is it better than just using traps or sprays?

Accepted Answer

Traps and chemical treatments only handle the pests that are already inside your home. Pest exclusion, also called home sealing, addresses the root cause by physically closing off the access points along your roofline, foundation, and crawl space openings. By sealing gaps as small as a nickel with metal flashing, wire mesh, and commercial-grade sealants, we shut down the routes roof rats, mice, squirrels, and raccoons use to reach your attic and living space, rather than dealing with them once they are already in.

Question 2

What are the most common entry points pests use to invade Hampton Roads homes?

Accepted Answer

Coastal moisture, shifting soils, and mature tree canopies wear specific weak points into local homes over time. Our technicians most often find pests entering through unscreened ridge, gable, and soffit vents along the roofline; unsealed A/C chase lines, plumbing penetrations, and crawl space vents; weathered fascia boards, rotting corner caps, and worn garage door weatherstripping; and torn crawl space access door frames and unsealed foundation cracks. Squirrels and roof rats in particular use overhanging limbs to reach the roofline, where the openings tend to be widest.

Question 3

Can rodents and pests chew through the exclusion materials you install?

Accepted Answer

That is exactly why we don't rely on foam, caulk, or steel wool on their own — rodents work those back open, and it is the most common reason a previous exclusion attempt fails. Our technicians install galvanized hardware cloth, custom-formed aluminum flashing, stainless steel mesh, and pest-barrier sealants, which are specified for this work because they are gnaw-resistant rather than simply gap-filling. Fastened and sealed properly at the edges, they are built to stand up to roof rats, mice, and squirrels for the long term.

Question 4

Why is pest exclusion so important for older tidewater homes in Hampton Roads?

Accepted Answer

Many Hampton Roads homes sit on vented crawl spaces and have settled over decades, opening gaps around foundations, pipes, and siding that pests exploit. Our coastal humidity and mild winters keep rodents and insects active year-round, so open entry points invite continuous problems. Exclusion is the most permanent solution because it removes the access rather than repeatedly reacting to it.

Question 5

Are the materials and sealants you use for exclusion safe for my family and pets?

Accepted Answer

Yes, exclusion relies mainly on durable physical barriers like steel mesh, screening, and sealants that are safe around children and pets. Where any treatment is paired with sealing, we use pet-safe and family-safe products, and all-natural product options are available upon request. This approach reduces the need for ongoing chemical use by keeping pests out mechanically.

Question 6

Should pest exclusion be done before or after attic insulation and duct cleaning?

Accepted Answer

Exclusion should always come first, or happen at the same time. There is no point replacing contaminated attic insulation or cleaning ductwork if rodents can wander back in the next night and soil it again. Through our Total Home Health Network we run it as one sequence: Universal Pest & Termite seals every entry point, Universal Insulation Doctor removes the fouled material and installs fresh Pest Guard Insulation™, and Universal Duct Cleaning decontaminates the ductwork. Doing it in that order is what protects the money you spend on the other two.

Question 7

How much does pest exclusion cost, and do you offer financing?

Accepted Answer

Exclusion pricing depends on your home's size, the complexity of the roofline, and how many entry points need structural sealing. We provide transparent, upfront quotes backed by full digital photo and video inspection reports, so you can see every gap we found before approving any work. For major exclusion and home restoration projects, qualified homeowners can spread the cost through our SmartPay program, which offers $0 down and 0% APR financing options.

Question 8

Why should I trust Universal Pest & Termite for pest exclusion?

Accepted Answer

As a family-owned and operated company serving Virginia Beach and all of Hampton Roads since 2000, we understand exactly how local homes let pests in and how to seal them out. Our A+ BBB Rating reflects the quality and reliability of our work, and our Pest-Free Guarantee stands behind the results. We inspect thoroughly and seal comprehensively so your home stays protected long-term.

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 $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.

Pest Exclusion Services in Virginia Beach & Hampton Roads

Expert Pest Exclusion in Hampton Roads

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Rodent repellent application around your perimeter — included at no additional charge

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Entry Point Sealing

Door Sweep Installation

Crawl Space Vent Sealing

Roofline Exclusion

Utility Penetration Sealing

Chimney & Vent Capping

Weep Hole Screening

Garage Threshold Seal

Exclusion Inspection

Dryer Vent Guard

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