Pest Control in Alexandria & Northern Virginia
Get rid of ants, spiders, roaches, rodents and 30+ household pests — without 9 of the harshest industry products.
- Ants & Spiders
- Roaches
- Rodents
- Stink Bugs
Free quote for pest control
From $49/mo · Same-week service available
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Why Better Termite
Pest Control You Can Trust — pricing from $49/mo with no binding contracts.
Lower-Impact Products
Hand-picked, EPA-approved treatments selected by our research team — without 9 of the harshest products still used by most companies.
All-Around Pest Experts
Family-owned since 1968, with 300+ years of combined experience across termites, rodents, mosquitoes, and 30+ household pests.
Better Promise
Unlimited free re-services and no binding contracts — we keep coming back until your problem is gone.
What's Covered
Pests we treat under your standard plan.
30+ common Northern Virginia and Maryland pests across 17 families. Termites, mosquitoes, and outdoor tick treatment are offered as add-ons — bundled into TriGuard with Sentricon or SeasonGuard+. We don't treat for bed bugs or wildlife, but we're happy to refer you to a trusted specialist for those.
Ants
Carpenter, odorous house, pavement, pharaoh, acrobat, citronella, field, and more
Spiders
Wolf, house, jumping, brown recluse, black widow
Cockroaches
German, American, Oriental, brown-banded
Mice
House mice, deer mice
Rats
Norway rats
Wasps & Hornets
Paper wasps, mud daubers, cicada killers, yellowjackets, bald-faced hornets
Bees
Carpenter bees, ground bees
Stink Bugs
Brown marmorated, boxelder bugs, Asian lady beetles
Beetles
Carpet beetles, ground beetles, pantry beetles, weevils
Moths
Indian meal moths, clothing moths
Millipedes
And sowbugs / pillbugs
Centipedes
House centipedes and others
Crickets
House crickets, camel crickets
Fleas
Plus silverfish, firebrats, earwigs, springtails
Termites
Sentricon add-on
Mosquitoes
SeasonGuard+ add-on
Ticks (yard)
SeasonGuard+ add-on
Treatment Approach
Pick your pest to see how we treat it.
Ants
Non-repellent insecticides inside, perimeter barrier outside, tri-annual maintenance.
- Inspect key interior areas — kitchens, bathrooms, and pantries — to spot ant trails and nests.
- Apply targeted crack-and-crevice treatments with non-repellent insecticides at hot spots, so worker ants carry the active ingredient back to the colony.
- Establish an exterior perimeter barrier around foundations and entry points to stop new colonies from coming in.
- Return tri-annually (three times per year) to reapply treatments as the non-repellents wear off after about 90 days.
Spiders
Targeted exterior + hot-spot interior treatment, plus web removal.
- Conduct a thorough inspection inside and outside to pinpoint spider hot spots — eaves, windows, doorways, porch corners.
- Apply targeted exterior treatments to form a protective barrier around the home.
- Remove webs that can be removed using a 10' webster.
- Schedule tri-annual follow-ups (three times per year) to maintain the barrier and clear new webs.
Millipedes
Address moisture conditions and apply foundation barrier treatments.
- Inspect for moisture issues and decaying organic matter — the conditions millipedes are drawn to.
- Apply barrier treatments along the foundation to deter entry.
- Advise on reducing moisture and improving drainage around the property.
- Monitor the situation and schedule follow-ups to ensure long-term control.
Roaches
Gel baits + monitoring inside; perimeter + bait stations outside.
- Perform a detailed interior inspection focusing on kitchens, bathrooms, and damp areas to identify the species.
- Treat cracks, crevices, and high-activity zones with non-repellent insecticides and growth regulators — avoiding sprays that scatter populations.
- Deploy bait and glue boards to monitor and reduce roach populations over time.
- Schedule follow-up visits to adjust treatments until the infestation is under control.
Termites
Sentricon® baiting + liquid treatments where appropriate — long-term protection, not spot fixes.
- Conduct a comprehensive 83-point inspection, checking for mud tubes, hollow wood, and concealed entry points.
- Install Sentricon® bait stations (or apply targeted liquid treatments) to disrupt termite colonies at the source.
- Address conducive conditions like moisture and wood-to-earth contact around the home.
- Provide annual expert reviews and unlimited callbacks until termite activity is fully halted.
Mosquitoes
Backpack-sprayer treatment at harborage zones, monthly through the active season.
- Inspect exterior shaded and brushy zones where mosquitoes rest during the day.
- Apply targeted treatments using a backpack sprayer with both an adulticide and a growth regulator.
- Avoid spraying areas with blooming flowers to protect pollinators.
- Advise on eliminating standing water and other mosquito breeding sites.
- Offer eco-friendly In2Care stations as a supplementary long-term control option.
Stink Bugs
Late-summer/early-fall perimeter treatment before they overwinter inside.
- Inspect the home's exterior for potential entry points used by overwintering stink bugs — south- and west-facing walls are common.
- Dust exterior voids like weep holes and areas behind siding to deter infestations.
- Apply repellent treatments around window seals, door frames, and baseboards indoors as needed.
- Advise on correcting moisture issues that can attract these nuisance pests.
Wasps
Direct nest treatment + perimeter barrier so they don't rebuild.
- Conduct a detailed inspection to locate wasp nests on the ground, in the air, or in wall voids.
- Apply residual insecticides and insecticidal dust to the nest entrances and surrounding areas.
- For wall void nests, use aerosol foam to ensure the treatment fills all gaps.
- Schedule follow-up treatments to confirm complete elimination of the colony.
Ticks
Granular + topical treatments at the ecotone, peak spring and fall.
- Identify tick-prone areas, especially along tall grass and wooded borders.
- Apply granular treatments in early spring and fall to hit peak tick activity.
- Perform targeted topical sprays along the ecotone from April through October.
- Advise regular yard maintenance to reduce the environmental conditions that favor ticks.
Rats
Tamper-proof bait stations, interior traps, and tri-annual maintenance.
- Conduct a full property inspection to locate rat activity, droppings, and gnaw marks.
- Place tamper-proof rodent bait stations near identified hot spots.
- Deploy indoor snap traps to tackle rats that might otherwise die in inaccessible areas.
- Follow up within 1–3 weeks to evaluate effectiveness and adjust strategies.
- Implement tri-annual maintenance visits (three times per year) to prevent re-infestation.
Mice
Targeted bait + snap traps with early follow-ups to verify control.
- Inspect both interior and exterior to identify mouse entry points and activity areas.
- Place small, tamper-proof bait stations and targeted snap traps in strategic spots.
- Experiment with attractants like peanut butter, candy, or meat for maximum catch.
- Conduct early follow-ups at 1 and 3 weeks to ensure the treatment is working.
- Schedule tri-annual maintenance (three times per year) to keep mice from coming back.
Moths
Locate breeding sites in pantries and closets, then targeted treatment.
- Inspect storage areas, closets, and pantries for signs of moth infestations.
- Advise on thorough cleaning and removal of contaminated or infested items.
- Apply targeted treatments in dark, hidden areas where moths tend to breed.
Fleas
Adulticide + growth regulator to break the life cycle, indoor + outdoor.
- Inspect both indoor and outdoor environments to locate flea hot spots.
- Apply a combination of adulticides and growth regulators to break the flea life cycle.
- Advise on comprehensive cleaning of the home and coordinating pet treatments.
- Schedule follow-ups to ensure the flea population is effectively reduced.
Crickets
Crack-and-crevice treatments and addressing moisture sources.
- Inspect for cricket entry points and identify any contributing moisture issues.
- Apply crack-and-crevice treatments to disrupt their pathways into the home.
- Seal gaps and advise on reducing indoor and outdoor moisture sources.
- Monitor the situation with follow-ups to ensure long-term cricket control.
Centipedes
Target their habitats and food sources; reduce indoor moisture.
- Inspect interior areas, especially voids and along baseboards, where centipedes hide.
- Apply targeted insecticide treatments in common centipede habitats.
- Eliminate other pest insects that serve as their food source.
- Advise on reducing moisture levels to make the environment less attractive.
Beetles
Identify the species first; treat zones and remove contaminated items.
- Inspect affected areas to accurately identify the type of beetle infestation.
- Apply targeted treatments to infested zones, whether in stored products or wooden structures.
- Remove and clean out contaminated items to prevent re-infestation.
- Monitor the area with traps or regular visual checks for ongoing beetle activity.
Bees
Locate the nest, treat with residual insecticide, 30-day warranty.
- Inspect the property carefully to locate bee nests.
- Treat the nest with a residual insecticide.
- Includes a 30-day warranty if the issue returns.
From Your Neighbors
Pest Control in Alexandria, Northern Virginia & Maryland — in their own words
Real Northern Virginia and Maryland homeowners on what it's like to have Better Termite as their pest control company. Three generations of locals, no phone trees, and a Better Promise that backs every visit.
- Homes protected
- 100k+
- Google reviews
- 4.9★
- Years local
- 58
Inside a Standard Plan
What a TriGuard Pest Control plan looks like at your home.
Three scheduled visits across the year, spaced roughly every four months so your home stays protected through every season — plus unlimited free callbacks any time something pops up between visits, winter included. No binding contract; cancel any time with 30 days notice.
First Visit
Foundation perimeter treatment, web removal at eaves and overhangs, and clearing the overwintering pests (stink bugs, ladybugs) that have moved out of your walls.
Second Visit
Focus on whatever's most active when we arrive — ants, spiders, wasps, hornets — with perimeter retreatment and targeted nest treatments wherever we find activity.
Third Visit
Exterior treatment in the rodent and overwintering-insect prevention window — before mice, stink bugs, and boxelder bugs try to come in for the winter.
Unlimited free callbacks between visits Detailed service report after every visit No binding contract
Add-On · Termite Protection
Add Sentricon® — termite protection that goes after the colony, not just the termites you've seen.
$5B+
Annual U.S. termite damage. The Northern Virginia and Maryland's subterranean termites are among the most active in the country — and homeowners insurance doesn't cover the repair bill.
Sentricon protects your home by going after the source — the underground colony — instead of just the termites you happen to see. Small stations sit in the ground around your home with a bait termites prefer over wood. They take it back to share with the rest of the colony, and the whole colony breaks down. It's been the gold standard for long-term termite protection for decades.
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Goes after the whole colony
Termites carry the bait back and share it with the rest of the colony — including the queen and all the ones you'd never see. That's the difference between fixing the problem and just spotting it.
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Working in the background, year-round
Small stations sit in the ground around your home. They're there waiting for termites — so termites find the station before they find your foundation.
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No drilling, no torn-up yard
Older termite treatments mean drilling through concrete and digging a trench around your foundation. Sentricon installs into the ground without disturbing your home or landscaping.
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Lower-impact than the alternatives
The bait only attracts termites — it's not a broad yard treatment. Sentricon is the same system used to protect the Statue of Liberty and the White House grounds.
Bundle it with TriGuard
Ask about TriGuard with Sentricon Bundles your pest control plan with Sentricon termite protection plus an annual full termite inspection. Exact pricing depends on your home — we'll quote you over the phone in a few minutes.
Add-On · Mosquito & Tick Control
Add mosquito & tick treatment — and actually enjoy your backyard again.
Mosquito treatment runs monthly from April through October — the months mosquitoes are actually out and biting in Northern Virginia and Maryland. Our technician uses a backpack mister to treat the shaded resting spots around your property: under foliage, along the perimeter, and at the tree line. It knocks adult mosquitoes down and keeps new ones from settling in.
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Treats where mosquitoes hide
Mosquitoes spend most of the day resting in shade — under leaves, along fence lines, in dense ground cover. We treat those spots, not just the open lawn, so they don't have anywhere to wait you out.
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Covers ticks too
The same visits knock down ticks along your tree line, garden edges, and the paths your kids and dogs use. Important if you've got pets or anyone heading into wooded areas.
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Pollinator-friendly application
We avoid blooming flowers and apply at times that protect bees and butterflies. The goal is fewer mosquitoes — not a yard stripped of everything that flies.
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Most people stop getting bitten
Customers usually see a big drop in biting pressure within the first couple of visits — enough to actually use the backyard, host outside, and let the kids run around without spraying everyone down.
Bundle it with TriGuard
Ask about SeasonGuard+ Bundles your pest control with seasonal mosquito coverage (April–October) and tick coverage (April–November). Exact pricing depends on your home — we'll quote you over the phone in a few minutes.
7 months
Active treatment April through October — the window when Northern Virginia and Maryland mosquitoes are actually biting. We pause through the cold months when they aren't a problem.
Pest Control Plans
Choose the level of protection that's right for your home.
TriGuard Pest
- 3 Scheduled Appointments per Year
- Protects against ground crawling pests
- Unlimited Free Callbacks
TriGuard with Sentricon
- Everything in Bronze Plan
- 3 Scheduled Appointments per Year
- Prevent termites with Sentricon baiting
- Once per year full termite inspection
SeasonGuard+
- Everything in TriGuard Tiers
- 9 Scheduled Appointments per Year
- April-October Monthly Mosquito Protection
- April-November Tick Prevention treatments
Prices shown are based on average-sized homes. Larger homes may be priced higher.
Customization Available!
We understand that every home and situation is unique. That's why we offer flexible solutions to meet your specific needs.
Alternative Bundle Options
Custom packages available upon request to address your specific pest control needs.
Service Area
Pest control, extermination, and exterminator services across Alexandria, Northern Virginia, and Maryland
Pest Control in Arlington & Fairfax
Our year-round home pest plan runs across Arlington and Fairfax County — perimeter treatments timed to the seasons, plus targeted interior work for ants, spiders, roaches, mice, and 30+ other Northern Virginia pests.
Pest Exterminator Services in Vienna, McLean & Reston
Vienna, McLean, Reston, Herndon, and Great Falls are on the route weekly. Whether you need ongoing pest control, a one-time extermination job, or a stinging-insect call-out, we work the same schedule across the Northern Virginia map.
Pest Treatment in Bethesda, Rockville & Silver Spring
We service most of Montgomery and Prince George's counties — Bethesda, Rockville, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Takoma Park, Hyattsville, College Park, Bowie, and surrounding zips. Same plan, same local team.
The Better Promise: Free Re-Treatments Until Pests Are Gone
You're never locked into a contract—stay because you want to.
Unlimited re-treats if pests return, no long-term contracts, and if we can't get results, you don't pay for your last service. Cancel anytime.
Pest Control Service Area: Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax & Maryland
Including areas south of Fredericksburg, west to Winchester and Frederick, MD and up to Baltimore. Type in your zip code above to check your home, or give us a call to check to ensure you are in our service area.
- Alexandria
- Arlington
- Fairfax
- Loudoun County
- Prince William County
- Washington D.C.
- Montgomery County
- Prince George's County
Pest Control Reviews from Northern Virginia and Maryland Homeowners
1500+ 5 Star Reviews on Google "I highly recommend this company for your home pest control. Their technicians are thorough and have prevented any unwanted problems from happening on our property. During our last treatment, Jasmine took care of our outdoor spider webs without us even asking. Last summer they removed a mud dauber's nest under our deck and above our patio door. That attention to detail speaks volumes. Thank you for taking care of us!"
"The team at Better Termite & Pest control are phenomenal! I feel like my family and my home are in good hands. Everyone I have come into contact with has been responsive, pleasant and professional. The price is right and the service is superb!"
"Joann is amazing! She always takes time to talk with me and check inside boxes. I so appreciate her!! I have been using Better Termite and Pest Management for over 20 years."
"I love Darren over at Better Termite. He is always so attentive and kind, and really goes, IMO, out of his way to do a fantastic job. And I am so happy that I had NO MOSQUITOES this summer in my backyard in spite of the fact that there is a drainage area right behind my house, and that is 100% because of Better Termites services."
"Daren and Shay were prompt, courteous and professional. Daren has been maintaining my property for a while now. He's passionate about his work and the environment. Definitely glad I found them!"
"Better Termite has been keeping our house bug free for years with regular perimeter treatments. As a small, family owned business, they are able to personalize their approach based on your needs. It's clear that they prioritize customer service and communication. We recently had a swarm of a stinging insect take shelter under our ground-level deck, and they researched, bought necessary equipment, and came up with the best way to treat it. Highly recommend!"
"Steve was very accommodating and patient in explaining what we're dealing with and what measures he recommended to address our rodent issue. He walked through and assessed our home thoroughly for areas of concern and walked my wife and I through the treatment plan and why he recommended the treatments. Steve's customer service skills were fantastic. He spoke clearly and concisely, alleviated our concerns, and assured us of their treatment service. I also want to recognize Cindy who promptly made the service call to check up on us the next day. She confirmed the treatment that had taken place and also provided reassurance of the work. Cindy's customer service was attentive and kind. My wife and I are extremely grateful for you both!"
"I called the office to get a quote, and Kamaal was very patient in explaining the process. He stayed on the call for 30+ minutes and provided a lot of valuable information. I truly appreciate his time and professionalism. Although we ultimately went with a different company because the latter were available sooner during the holiday season, I highly recommend checking out Better if you're looking for an honest and trustworthy service team to work with."
"Better Terminate and Pest Control provide my termite inspection annually. They have kept my home termite free for over 30 years. Throughout those years they have been a pleasure to work with and they are always respectful each time they've been to my home. I would not hesitate to recommend them to others for their pest control needs."
"They have been servicing my home since 1999. Their inspector always does a good job looking indoors and outdoors for termite activities."
"Serviced my home for annual termite inspection for over 35 years! I think that speaks for itself. Technicians are thorough, polite, and trustworthy. They are quick to point out any pest concerns and offer resolutions. Highly recommend!"
"My initial review was one star. However, they reached to me to explain the situation with their new system to contact customers and schedule visits. They came out to look at the problem on time. They seemed very experienced and quickly provided assessment of the problem and made recommendation to address the issue. They were honest in their assessment and did not try to mislead me in anyway. The most important part for me was to have someone experienced and honest company provide the estimate and resolution. Once I have fixed the water leak issue and replaced the damaged material, I will call them to treat the insects. I changed my rating to five stars."
"Better Termite & Pest Control has been providing us effective and reliable service for over 20 years. Darren is our current technician, and he is wonderful. We couldn't be more pleased. Based on our experience, we would highly recommend Better Termite to anyone looking for a termite and pest control provider."
"I am a longtime (+20 year) customer of Better Termite & Pest Control because of the awesome customer service provided by Cindy. She always answers the phone with cheer and makes sure my needs for a pest free house are conveniently scheduled."
"24 years with Better Termite & Pest Control. They always have done a great job. Cindy in the main office is also so helpful. Greatly appreciated!"
"We've been a customer of Better Termite and Pest Control since moving into our Reston townhouse over 40 years ago and only stopped service because we finally moved out of the neighborhood. They have always provided great service. They treated a problem that we had many years ago, inspect for it regularly, and it has never recurred. Their regular inspections and preventive treatments avert pest problems and give great peace of mind. Cindy is especially helpful in scheduling visits and ensuring that the work is done properly. I highly recommend this business to anyone needing such services."
"Been using BT & PC for our annual inspection for over 30 years. Great service, always call ahead and leave no trace behind"
"We were blown away by the outstanding service received from Better Termite! We required a specific inspection for closing on a VA loan refinance and time was of the essence. Not only did they fully understand what was needed but they were able to accommodate our tight timeline. Every employee we spoke to or welcomed into our home was professional and courteous. We can't thank you enough for your assistance! We have been happy customers for over 10 years and will continue!"
"We've used Better Termite for 30 years. They are very professional, courteous and most of all, knowledgeable."
"We have been with Better Termite & Pest Control for 15 years & would highly recommend the company. We just renewed our service & Cindy at Better Termites was professional & helped answer all our questions regarding the renewal terms & schedule an extra service for our house. The services for general pest control & termites monitoring stations is reliable & performed on time!"
"I have been a client of Better Termite & Pest Control for decades. Their service is always A+. Cindy has always been helpful with clear explanations and quick to follow up. Being my main contact Cindy gives me great confidence in the company."
"I signed up for a plan and have been truly happy with it. This company is highly professional and very responsive. When I saw fence damage from a carpenter bee, they came out quickly to address the issue right away! Accolades to Cindy the dispatcher, and all the technicians from Juan to Daren to Fredie. I appreciate your service!"
"Edited to add: this company CONTINUES to amaze me! Last night, we found some super scary nests of stinging beasts embedded in the window screen right next to our front door. We are hosting a birthday party for our toddler on Saturday, so I was obviously distraught about potentially having to cancel given the location/danger to little kids. I left them a message AFTER they were closed, and BEFORE they were open this morning, I got an automated call from their scheduling system stating they'd be here today. It is 10:19am, and their employee is here, bravely tackling what I'm way too scared to address myself. Seriously y'all, if you have pests, and you call anyone else, you're shortchanging yourself. These pros GET. IT. DONE! We've had a subscription service with this company for yrs, since moving into our current house, and realizing it was rather...spidery. 🤮 But NO MORE! Better Termite uses pet-friendly, but not spider-friendly products, and we are now creepy crawly-free! Over the years, they've also tackled ants, bees, and HORRIBLE paper wasps! Further, Cindy and Darren are awesome to work with, and really know their stuff! I can't recommend this company enough."
"I've had nothing but great experiences for 3 years now. Their consistent, reliable service really stands out for me, and everyone is always kind and easy to talk to. I also like that they're a local, family-run business. They came with my new house protention plan and I've had no reason to ever switch. Kamaal, who I'm gonna call my customer consultant, is fantastic—he really listens to my concerns and works with me to come up with the best plan for whatever pest issues I'm dealing with. He even keeps me updated on pest trends in my area so we can stay ahead of any problems. I even had them go and take care of a mouse problem for my grandmother. Cleared out an infestation! I highly recommend them."
"Daren did an outstanding job conducting my termite inspection today. He was right on time and extremely professional thorough throughout the entire process. I did not have any problems, and he was very good with some solid advice about how to continue to guard against not only termites but other rodents as well. Cindy also expertly took care of me throughout the process. I know if I have any problems in the future.I will definitely call these folks. Outstanding job!!"
"After several months of on-again off-again rodent issues inside our house, I decided to look for a new exterminator team to partner with. Thanks to a quick ChatGPT search, I was able to cut through all the noise on the internet and find Better Termite & Pest. Following a review of their informative website, I called and spoke with Hussam—and he's awesome! He listened patiently to my issues and thoughtfully suggested services that fit my particular needs. Hussam also made it a point to pair me with a technician whose expertise aligns with the issues I am facing. My first consultation with Better Pest is this Friday, it could have been sooner but this worked best for me, and I look forward to tackling our pest problems with them!"
"Outstanding Customer Service Experience with Mr. Hussam! I want to take a moment to recognize the exceptional service I received from Mr. Hussam. From the start, he was highly professional, personable, and attentive to my needs. What truly stood out was his ability to recall our previous conversations, making the experience feel personalized and valued. His dedication and loyalty to both his job and the business were evident in the way he handled every interaction with care and expertise. He went above and beyond to ensure that I had the best experience possible. His positive attitude, commitment to excellence, and genuine concern for customer satisfaction truly set him apart. Thank you, Mr. Hussam, for your outstanding service—your hard work and dedication do not go unnoticed!"
"We have used Better Termite since 1996 and we're very pleased with the results. The techs and the staff are flexible and prompt with appointments. Their price is reasonable. In 2023 we started using their pest control service for bugs and mice. Again we have been happy with the results of their service. Kamaal, I appreciate your customer satisfaction call to check us."
"Transfered my pest control service to someone new as my old service no longer served the area. My old service was fantastic and I didn't expect a business to beat it. First impression they might beat the other business! The set up of my account was easy and affordable and the best part was the actual service! Steve came by and was just the sweetest and knowledgeable guy ever! He answered all my questions and provided information on things I didn't know i needed! Just an awesome experience thus far and I have a feeling it will continue to be great. Thanks Better Termite & Pest Control!"
"They offer a reasonable termite warranty, do a good check, and no nonsense."
"We had a bad cockroach problem - we knew it was bad because of all the baby cockroaches we spotted. It took a while but Better Termite ultimately solved it and our house is cockroach free. I signed up for a plan, but ultimately when I got laid off I had to cancel it. Fortunately their customer service, Cindy in particular, was quick to help out and made it pain free"
"I highly recommend this company for your home pest control. Their technicians are thorough and have prevented any unwanted problems from happening on our property. During our last treatment, Jasmine took care of our outdoor spider webs without us even asking. Last summer they removed a mud dauber's nest under our deck and above our patio door. That attention to detail speaks volumes. Thank you for taking care of us!"
"The team at Better Termite & Pest control are phenomenal! I feel like my family and my home are in good hands. Everyone I have come into contact with has been responsive, pleasant and professional. The price is right and the service is superb!"
"Joann is amazing! She always takes time to talk with me and check inside boxes. I so appreciate her!! I have been using Better Termite and Pest Management for over 20 years."
"I love Darren over at Better Termite. He is always so attentive and kind, and really goes, IMO, out of his way to do a fantastic job. And I am so happy that I had NO MOSQUITOES this summer in my backyard in spite of the fact that there is a drainage area right behind my house, and that is 100% because of Better Termites services."
"Daren and Shay were prompt, courteous and professional. Daren has been maintaining my property for a while now. He's passionate about his work and the environment. Definitely glad I found them!"
"Better Termite has been keeping our house bug free for years with regular perimeter treatments. As a small, family owned business, they are able to personalize their approach based on your needs. It's clear that they prioritize customer service and communication. We recently had a swarm of a stinging insect take shelter under our ground-level deck, and they researched, bought necessary equipment, and came up with the best way to treat it. Highly recommend!"
"Steve was very accommodating and patient in explaining what we're dealing with and what measures he recommended to address our rodent issue. He walked through and assessed our home thoroughly for areas of concern and walked my wife and I through the treatment plan and why he recommended the treatments. Steve's customer service skills were fantastic. He spoke clearly and concisely, alleviated our concerns, and assured us of their treatment service. I also want to recognize Cindy who promptly made the service call to check up on us the next day. She confirmed the treatment that had taken place and also provided reassurance of the work. Cindy's customer service was attentive and kind. My wife and I are extremely grateful for you both!"
"I called the office to get a quote, and Kamaal was very patient in explaining the process. He stayed on the call for 30+ minutes and provided a lot of valuable information. I truly appreciate his time and professionalism. Although we ultimately went with a different company because the latter were available sooner during the holiday season, I highly recommend checking out Better if you're looking for an honest and trustworthy service team to work with."
"Better Terminate and Pest Control provide my termite inspection annually. They have kept my home termite free for over 30 years. Throughout those years they have been a pleasure to work with and they are always respectful each time they've been to my home. I would not hesitate to recommend them to others for their pest control needs."
"They have been servicing my home since 1999. Their inspector always does a good job looking indoors and outdoors for termite activities."
"Serviced my home for annual termite inspection for over 35 years! I think that speaks for itself. Technicians are thorough, polite, and trustworthy. They are quick to point out any pest concerns and offer resolutions. Highly recommend!"
"My initial review was one star. However, they reached to me to explain the situation with their new system to contact customers and schedule visits. They came out to look at the problem on time. They seemed very experienced and quickly provided assessment of the problem and made recommendation to address the issue. They were honest in their assessment and did not try to mislead me in anyway. The most important part for me was to have someone experienced and honest company provide the estimate and resolution. Once I have fixed the water leak issue and replaced the damaged material, I will call them to treat the insects. I changed my rating to five stars."
"Better Termite & Pest Control has been providing us effective and reliable service for over 20 years. Darren is our current technician, and he is wonderful. We couldn't be more pleased. Based on our experience, we would highly recommend Better Termite to anyone looking for a termite and pest control provider."
"I am a longtime (+20 year) customer of Better Termite & Pest Control because of the awesome customer service provided by Cindy. She always answers the phone with cheer and makes sure my needs for a pest free house are conveniently scheduled."
"24 years with Better Termite & Pest Control. They always have done a great job. Cindy in the main office is also so helpful. Greatly appreciated!"
"We've been a customer of Better Termite and Pest Control since moving into our Reston townhouse over 40 years ago and only stopped service because we finally moved out of the neighborhood. They have always provided great service. They treated a problem that we had many years ago, inspect for it regularly, and it has never recurred. Their regular inspections and preventive treatments avert pest problems and give great peace of mind. Cindy is especially helpful in scheduling visits and ensuring that the work is done properly. I highly recommend this business to anyone needing such services."
"Been using BT & PC for our annual inspection for over 30 years. Great service, always call ahead and leave no trace behind"
"We were blown away by the outstanding service received from Better Termite! We required a specific inspection for closing on a VA loan refinance and time was of the essence. Not only did they fully understand what was needed but they were able to accommodate our tight timeline. Every employee we spoke to or welcomed into our home was professional and courteous. We can't thank you enough for your assistance! We have been happy customers for over 10 years and will continue!"
"We've used Better Termite for 30 years. They are very professional, courteous and most of all, knowledgeable."
"We have been with Better Termite & Pest Control for 15 years & would highly recommend the company. We just renewed our service & Cindy at Better Termites was professional & helped answer all our questions regarding the renewal terms & schedule an extra service for our house. The services for general pest control & termites monitoring stations is reliable & performed on time!"
"I have been a client of Better Termite & Pest Control for decades. Their service is always A+. Cindy has always been helpful with clear explanations and quick to follow up. Being my main contact Cindy gives me great confidence in the company."
"I signed up for a plan and have been truly happy with it. This company is highly professional and very responsive. When I saw fence damage from a carpenter bee, they came out quickly to address the issue right away! Accolades to Cindy the dispatcher, and all the technicians from Juan to Daren to Fredie. I appreciate your service!"
"Edited to add: this company CONTINUES to amaze me! Last night, we found some super scary nests of stinging beasts embedded in the window screen right next to our front door. We are hosting a birthday party for our toddler on Saturday, so I was obviously distraught about potentially having to cancel given the location/danger to little kids. I left them a message AFTER they were closed, and BEFORE they were open this morning, I got an automated call from their scheduling system stating they'd be here today. It is 10:19am, and their employee is here, bravely tackling what I'm way too scared to address myself. Seriously y'all, if you have pests, and you call anyone else, you're shortchanging yourself. These pros GET. IT. DONE! We've had a subscription service with this company for yrs, since moving into our current house, and realizing it was rather...spidery. 🤮 But NO MORE! Better Termite uses pet-friendly, but not spider-friendly products, and we are now creepy crawly-free! Over the years, they've also tackled ants, bees, and HORRIBLE paper wasps! Further, Cindy and Darren are awesome to work with, and really know their stuff! I can't recommend this company enough."
"I've had nothing but great experiences for 3 years now. Their consistent, reliable service really stands out for me, and everyone is always kind and easy to talk to. I also like that they're a local, family-run business. They came with my new house protention plan and I've had no reason to ever switch. Kamaal, who I'm gonna call my customer consultant, is fantastic—he really listens to my concerns and works with me to come up with the best plan for whatever pest issues I'm dealing with. He even keeps me updated on pest trends in my area so we can stay ahead of any problems. I even had them go and take care of a mouse problem for my grandmother. Cleared out an infestation! I highly recommend them."
"Daren did an outstanding job conducting my termite inspection today. He was right on time and extremely professional thorough throughout the entire process. I did not have any problems, and he was very good with some solid advice about how to continue to guard against not only termites but other rodents as well. Cindy also expertly took care of me throughout the process. I know if I have any problems in the future.I will definitely call these folks. Outstanding job!!"
"After several months of on-again off-again rodent issues inside our house, I decided to look for a new exterminator team to partner with. Thanks to a quick ChatGPT search, I was able to cut through all the noise on the internet and find Better Termite & Pest. Following a review of their informative website, I called and spoke with Hussam—and he's awesome! He listened patiently to my issues and thoughtfully suggested services that fit my particular needs. Hussam also made it a point to pair me with a technician whose expertise aligns with the issues I am facing. My first consultation with Better Pest is this Friday, it could have been sooner but this worked best for me, and I look forward to tackling our pest problems with them!"
"Outstanding Customer Service Experience with Mr. Hussam! I want to take a moment to recognize the exceptional service I received from Mr. Hussam. From the start, he was highly professional, personable, and attentive to my needs. What truly stood out was his ability to recall our previous conversations, making the experience feel personalized and valued. His dedication and loyalty to both his job and the business were evident in the way he handled every interaction with care and expertise. He went above and beyond to ensure that I had the best experience possible. His positive attitude, commitment to excellence, and genuine concern for customer satisfaction truly set him apart. Thank you, Mr. Hussam, for your outstanding service—your hard work and dedication do not go unnoticed!"
"We have used Better Termite since 1996 and we're very pleased with the results. The techs and the staff are flexible and prompt with appointments. Their price is reasonable. In 2023 we started using their pest control service for bugs and mice. Again we have been happy with the results of their service. Kamaal, I appreciate your customer satisfaction call to check us."
"Transfered my pest control service to someone new as my old service no longer served the area. My old service was fantastic and I didn't expect a business to beat it. First impression they might beat the other business! The set up of my account was easy and affordable and the best part was the actual service! Steve came by and was just the sweetest and knowledgeable guy ever! He answered all my questions and provided information on things I didn't know i needed! Just an awesome experience thus far and I have a feeling it will continue to be great. Thanks Better Termite & Pest Control!"
"They offer a reasonable termite warranty, do a good check, and no nonsense."
"We had a bad cockroach problem - we knew it was bad because of all the baby cockroaches we spotted. It took a while but Better Termite ultimately solved it and our house is cockroach free. I signed up for a plan, but ultimately when I got laid off I had to cancel it. Fortunately their customer service, Cindy in particular, was quick to help out and made it pain free"
Pest Control FAQ: Termites, Rodents, Mosquitoes & More
Do you offer emergency or same-day pest control?
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Yes. We aim to get a licensed technician to your home within one business day, and same-day for urgent issues like active stinging insects or rodents inside the home. Call our Alexandria office to check availability.
Is there a contract? Can I cancel any time?
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No binding contracts. You'll sign a simple service proposal so we're clear on what we're providing, but you can cancel anytime with 30 days notice.
What makes your pest control different from other companies?
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We've removed 9 of the harshest products commonly used in the industry and replaced them with EPA-approved alternatives we feel comfortable using in our own homes. Our in-house research team reviews new studies and regulations to keep the program effective and lower-impact. We also offer free unlimited callbacks — if your problem persists, we'll keep coming back at no extra charge until it's resolved.
What types of pests do you cover?
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We treat 30+ common Northern Virginia and Maryland pests, including: ants (carpenter, odorous, pavement, pharaoh, acrobat, citronella, field, and more), spiders (wolf, house, jumping, brown recluse, black widow), cockroaches (German, American, Oriental, brown-banded), subterranean termites, mice and rats, mosquitoes, ticks, wasps and hornets, yellowjackets, paper wasps, mud daubers, cicada killers, millipedes, centipedes, silverfish, firebrats, earwigs, stink bugs (incl. brown marmorated), boxelder bugs, Asian lady beetles, crickets, springtails, pillbugs/sowbugs, fleas, carpet beetles, clothing moths, and pantry pests.
What pests do you NOT cover?
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We don't treat for bed bugs, wildlife (raccoons, snakes, birds, squirrels, gophers, voles, possums, skunks, chipmunks, foxes, bats), or drain/fruit flies. We're happy to refer you to a trusted local specialist for those.
What payment methods do you accept? +
We accept both credit cards and checks for payment.
Can I save money by paying in full? +
Yes — if you choose to pay for the entire year upfront, you'll receive a 5% discount.
Can I just do a one-time treatment instead of a subscription? +
Yes — we offer both one-time treatments and recurring plans. The right choice depends on the pest, how active the issue is, your home's environment, and your goals. Our team will walk through your situation over the phone and help you decide which approach fits best.
Do you offer commercial pest control? +
We primarily focus on residential, but we may be able to help depending on the property and industry. Contact our team with details about your commercial pest control needs and we'll let you know if we're the right fit.
What happens if pests come back between visits? +
If you're on an active plan and pests come back between scheduled visits, we'll come back at no additional cost until the issue is resolved — that's the Better Promise. Specific coverage and any associated bonds vary by plan; ask the sales rep when you call.
What products do you use? Are they low-impact? +
Our entire program is built around lower-impact, EPA-approved products we feel comfortable using in our own homes. We've removed 9 of the harshest products still common in the industry and replaced them with options like Alpine®, Sentricon®, Essentria®, and Borate-based treatments. Your service report lists exactly what was applied, where, and the active ingredient.
Do I need to be home during the service? +
Not for most treatments. Much of our work is exterior perimeter and entry-point treatment. If interior service is needed, we'll coordinate a time that works for you. After every visit, you receive an email service report detailing exactly what was done.
How quickly can I expect results? +
It depends on the pest. Ants and roaches typically show improvement within days, while termites or rodent infestations may take a few weeks for full control. If you're not seeing results, we provide unlimited free follow-ups until the problem is resolved.
How do seasonal treatments work? +
Each visit targets the pests most active during that season. Spring and summer focus on ants, mosquitoes, and wasps; fall and winter treatments emphasize rodents and overwintering pests like stink bugs. This rotation provides year-round protection.
What should I do before my first service? +
For most general pest treatments, no special preparation is needed. If you're dealing with German roaches, we may ask you to clear items from kitchen cabinets. For rodents, keep food sources sealed and areas under sinks free of clutter.
How often do you come back for follow-ups? +
Our standard pest control plans include tri-annual treatments (three times per year). If you experience issues between scheduled visits, we offer free unlimited callbacks at no extra charge.
What if I only see one bug? Do I still need service? +
Seeing one pest often means more are hiding. Many pests — ants, roaches, rodents — stay out of sight until populations grow. A professional inspection determines whether there's an underlying issue to address.
Will the treatment disrupt my daily routine? +
Most treatments are minimally disruptive. We ask that you allow products to dry before walking on treated surfaces — typically 30 minutes to 1 hour — and otherwise you can go about your day as usual.
What happens if I move? +
If you move within our service area, we can transfer your plan to your new home. If you move outside our coverage area, we'll cancel your service with 30 days notice.
How long have you been in business? +
Better Termite & Pest Control has been family-owned and operated since 1968. We're now in our third generation of the Schulz family running the business and have serviced over 100,000 homes across the DC Metro area.
Why should I choose Better Termite & Pest Control over a national chain? +
We offer a small, local feel with a research-backed approach to pest control. Our team has 300+ years of combined experience, and unlike large companies you won't deal with automated phone trees or outsourced customer service. When you call us, you speak directly to a licensed technician who can give you real answers.
Do you offer pest control in Bethesda, Rockville, or Silver Spring? +
Yes — in addition to our Alexandria and Northern Virginia footprint, we service most of Montgomery and Prince George's counties in Maryland. Pest control in Bethesda, Rockville, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Takoma Park, Hyattsville, College Park, Bowie, and surrounding zip codes is on the route. Call (703) 683-2000 and we'll confirm coverage for your specific zip code.
Is your pest control the same as pest extermination or a pest exterminator service? +
Yes. Pest control, pest extermination, pest exterminator services, pest treatment, and pest removal are all common terms for the same work — a licensed technician applying targeted treatments to eliminate household pests. We handle the full range, from ongoing year-round pest control plans to one-time extermination jobs across Alexandria, Northern Virginia, and Maryland.