# Better Termite & Pest Control

> Family-owned pest and termite control company serving Northern Virginia, Washington DC, and Maryland (the DMV) since 1968. Headquartered at 2647 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. 4.9-star rated by 1,800+ customers, with a 58+ year track record across termite inspections, Sentricon termite baiting, year-round home pest control, mosquito and tick programs, rodent exclusion, and stinging-insect removal. Known for using safer chemistries — we avoid 9 of the harshest pesticides still common in the industry. Free phone quotes at 703-683-2000.

## Core Services (Pillar Pages)
- [Home Pest Control](https://bettertermite.com/pest-control/): Year-round protection plan for homes across the DMV.
- [Termite Control](https://bettertermite.com/termite-control/): Inspections & treatments for homes across the DMV.
- [Rodent Control](https://bettertermite.com/rodent-control/): Mice, rats & exclusion for homes across the DMV.
- [Mosquito & Tick Control](https://bettertermite.com/mosquito-control/): Seasonal yard programs for homes across the DMV.
- [Extermination Services](https://bettertermite.com/extermination-services/): Year-round protection plans for homes across the DMV.
- [Eco-Friendly Pest Control](https://bettertermite.com/eco-friendly-pest-control/): EPA-approved, low-impact program for homes across the DMV.
- [Sentricon® Termite Baiting](https://bettertermite.com/sentricon/): Colony elimination, no drilling for homes across the DMV.
- [IN2CARE® Mosquito System](https://bettertermite.com/in2care/): Auto-dissemination station for homes across the DMV.
- [Commercial Pest Control](https://bettertermite.com/commercial-pest-control/): Offices, historic sites, HOAs for homes across the DMV.
- [Pre-Construction Termite Control](https://bettertermite.com/pre-construction-termite-control/): Builder soil treatment programs for homes across the DMV.

## Pest Library — Pillar Categories
- [Ants](https://bettertermite.com/pests/ants/): Ants invading your home? Expert ant control stops infestations at the source and prevents them from returning. Discover common species and get help today.
- [Aquatic Insects](https://bettertermite.com/pests/aquatic-insects/): Aquatic insects invading your pool or home? Learn to identify water bugs, mayflies and other aquatic pests. Expert tips on control and prevention.
- [Assassin Bugs](https://bettertermite.com/pests/assassin-bugs/): Learn about assassin bugs including wheel bugs and masked hunters. Discover how to identify these predators and when they may become a concern in homes.
- [Bed Bugs](https://bettertermite.com/pests/bed-bugs/): Learn how to identify bed bugs, understand their behavior and warning signs, and what bed bug treatment involves. Better Termite does not treat bed bugs.
- [Bees](https://bettertermite.com/pests/bees/): Bee problem near your home? Learn to identify common bees and get professional bee control and removal services. Expert assessment for your situation.
- [Carpet Beetles](https://bettertermite.com/pests/carpet-beetles/): Learn to identify carpet beetles and their damaging larvae. Discover what attracts them to homes and how professional treatment eliminates infestations.
- [Centipedes](https://bettertermite.com/pests/centipedes/): Centipedes in your home? Learn to identify common species and discover expert treatment methods. Better Termite and Pest Control eliminates them fast.
- [Cicadas](https://bettertermite.com/pests/cicadas/): Learn about cicadas, their identification, lifecycle, and when they emerge. Discover the difference between annual and periodical cicadas in North America.
- [Cockroaches](https://bettertermite.com/pests/cockroaches/): Cockroach problem? Expert cockroach control that eliminates infestations and prevents them from returning to your home. Learn how to identify them.
- [Crickets](https://bettertermite.com/pests/crickets/): Learn about cricket species, their distinctive chirping behavior, and effective control methods. From house crickets to lawn-damaging mole crickets.
- [Earwigs](https://bettertermite.com/pests/earwigs/): Learn how to identify and control earwigs in your home. Our expert treatments eliminate these pincher bugs and prevent them from coming back.
- [Fleas](https://bettertermite.com/pests/fleas/): Learn how to identify, prevent, and eliminate flea infestations. Expert flea control services for your home and pets from Better Termite & Pest Control.
- [Flies](https://bettertermite.com/pests/flies/): Learn about common household flies, what attracts them, and effective control methods. Identify drain flies, fruit flies, and other fly species.
- [Garden Pests](https://bettertermite.com/pests/garden-pests/): Garden pests damaging your plants? Learn to identify aphids, whiteflies, scale insects, and other common garden pests. Get effective control tips.
- [Gnats](https://bettertermite.com/pests/gnats/): Learn about gnats and what attracts them to your home. Discover effective methods to identify and eliminate these tiny flying pests.
- [Grasshoppers](https://bettertermite.com/pests/grasshoppers/): Learn about grasshoppers, their identification, behavior, and garden damage. Discover what attracts these jumping insects and effective control methods.
- [Lace Bugs](https://bettertermite.com/pests/lace-bugs/): Lace bugs damaging your azaleas, rhododendrons, or other ornamentals? Learn about identification, damage symptoms, and effective control options.
- [Millipedes](https://bettertermite.com/pests/millipedes/): Millipedes creeping inside your home? Learn what attracts these moisture-loving pests and discover proven treatments to eliminate them for good.
- [Mites](https://bettertermite.com/pests/mites/): Mites invading your home? Learn to identify common mite species, prevent infestations, and get expert mite control from Better Termite & Pest Control.
- [Moles](https://bettertermite.com/pests/moles/): Moles destroying your lawn? Learn about mole behavior, signs of yard damage, and professional control methods to protect your landscaping.
- [Mosquitoes](https://bettertermite.com/pests/mosquitoes/): Take back your yard with expert mosquito control. Our treatments reduce bites fast and provide lasting protection. Learn how to prevent mosquitoes.
- [Moths](https://bettertermite.com/pests/moths/): Learn to identify clothes moths and pantry moths, understand damage signs, and discover effective treatments. Expert moth control from Better Termite.
- [Other Pests](https://bettertermite.com/pests/other/): Stink bugs, earwigs, or other occasional invaders in your home? Learn to identify these nuisance pests and get effective control from Better Termite.
- [Pantry Pests](https://bettertermite.com/pests/pantry-pests/): Learn to identify and eliminate pantry pests including Indian meal moths, flour beetles, and grain weevils. Expert pest control from Better Termite.
- [Pillbugs](https://bettertermite.com/pests/pillbugs/): Pillbugs invading your home? Learn why roly-polies get inside, how to identify them, and proven prevention and treatment methods from pest experts.
- [Plant Bugs](https://bettertermite.com/pests/plant-bugs/): Plant bugs damaging your garden or landscape? Learn to identify common species, understand the damage they cause, and discover effective control methods.
- [Rodents](https://bettertermite.com/pests/rodents/): Mice or rats in your home? Expert rodent control that eliminates infestations and seals entry points to keep them out. Learn more here.
- [Silverfish](https://bettertermite.com/pests/silverfish/): Silverfish damaging your books and fabrics? Learn to identify these moisture-loving pests and discover expert treatments to protect your home.
- [Slugs](https://bettertermite.com/pests/slugs/): Learn how to identify slugs, understand their behavior, and discover effective control methods to protect your garden and home from these slimy pests.
- [Spiders](https://bettertermite.com/pests/spiders/): Spiders invading your home? Expert spider control that eliminates infestations and prevents them from coming back. Learn how to identify species.
- [Stink Bugs](https://bettertermite.com/pests/stink-bugs/): Learn how to identify, prevent, and treat stink bug infestations. Discover common species in Northern Virginia and expert pest control solutions.
- [Termites](https://bettertermite.com/pests/termites/): Stop termites before they cause costly damage. Get year-round protection with our proven termite control solutions. Learn the warning signs.
- [Ticks](https://bettertermite.com/pests/ticks/): Learn how to identify, prevent, and treat ticks in Northern Virginia. Expert tick control keeps your yard protected with seasonal treatments.
- [Wasps](https://bettertermite.com/pests/wasps/): Wasp nest on your property? Our professional wasp removal eliminates nests and prevents wasps from returning. Get a free inspection today.
- [Wood Boring Beetles](https://bettertermite.com/pests/wood-boring-beetles/): Spot wood boring beetle damage before it spreads. Learn to identify infestations, recognize warning signs, and discover proven treatment options.

## Top Service Areas
- [Pest Control Alexandria](https://bettertermite.com/locations/pest-control-alexandria/)
- [Fairfax Pest Control](https://bettertermite.com/locations/fairfax-pest-control/)
- [Germantown Pest Control](https://bettertermite.com/locations/germantown-pest-control/)
- [Bethesda Pest Control](https://bettertermite.com/locations/bethesda-pest-control/)
- [Montclair Pest Control](https://bettertermite.com/locations/montclair-pest-control/)
- [Severn Pest Control](https://bettertermite.com/locations/severn-pest-control/)
- [Northern Virginia Pest Control](https://bettertermite.com/locations/northern-virginia-pest-control/)
- [Burke Pest Control](https://bettertermite.com/locations/burke-pest-control/)
- [Kensington Pest Control](https://bettertermite.com/locations/kensington-pest-control/)
- [Takoma Park Pest Control](https://bettertermite.com/locations/takoma-park-pest-control/)
- [All Service Areas](https://bettertermite.com/locations/)

## Specialty Services
- [Free Termite Inspection](https://bettertermite.com/termite-inspection/)
- [Wood-Destroying Insect Report (WDI Letter)](https://bettertermite.com/wood-destroying-insect-report/)
- [VA Loan Termite Letter](https://bettertermite.com/va-termite-letter/)
- [Termite Bonds & Warranties](https://bettertermite.com/termite-bonds/)
- [Ant Control](https://bettertermite.com/ant-control/)
- [Carpenter Ant Control](https://bettertermite.com/carpenter-ant-control/)
- [Sugar Ant Control](https://bettertermite.com/sugar-ant-control/)
- [Spider Control](https://bettertermite.com/spider-control/)
- [Roach Control](https://bettertermite.com/roach-control/)
- [German Cockroach Control](https://bettertermite.com/german-cockroach-control/)
- [Oriental Cockroach Control](https://bettertermite.com/oriental-cockroach-control/)
- [American Cockroach Control](https://bettertermite.com/american-cockroach-control/)
- [Flea Control](https://bettertermite.com/flea-control/)
- [Silverfish Control](https://bettertermite.com/silverfish-control/)
- [Carpet Beetle Control](https://bettertermite.com/carpet-beetle-control/)
- [Pantry Pest Control](https://bettertermite.com/pantry-pest-control/)
- [Stink Bug Control](https://bettertermite.com/stink-bug-control/)
- [Lady Bug Control](https://bettertermite.com/lady-bug-control/)
- [Boxelder Bug Control](https://bettertermite.com/boxelder-bug-control/)
- [Cricket Control](https://bettertermite.com/cricket-control/)
- [Tick Control](https://bettertermite.com/tick-control/)
- [Earwig Control](https://bettertermite.com/earwig-control/)
- [Millipede Control](https://bettertermite.com/millipede-control/)
- [Centipede Control](https://bettertermite.com/centipede-control/)
- [Pill Bug Control](https://bettertermite.com/pill-bug-control/)
- [Springtail Control](https://bettertermite.com/springtail-control/)
- [Clover Mite Control](https://bettertermite.com/clover-mite-control/)
- [Stinging Insect Control](https://bettertermite.com/stinging-insects/)
- [Wasp Control](https://bettertermite.com/wasp-control/)
- [Hornet Nest Removal](https://bettertermite.com/hornet-nest-removal/)
- [Yellow Jacket Nest Removal](https://bettertermite.com/yellow-jacket-nest-removal/)
- [Bee Removal](https://bettertermite.com/bee-removal/)
- [Bee & Wasp Nest Removal](https://bettertermite.com/bee-nest-removal/)
- [Carpenter Bee Control](https://bettertermite.com/carpenter-bee-control/)
- [Mouse Control](https://bettertermite.com/mouse-control/)
- [Rat Control](https://bettertermite.com/rat-control/)
- [Rodent Exclusion Services](https://bettertermite.com/exclusion-services/)

## Company
- [About Better Termite](https://bettertermite.com/about/): Founded 1968, 3rd-generation family ownership, based in Alexandria, VA.
- [Contact](https://bettertermite.com/contact/): Phone 703-683-2000, email info@bettertermite.com.
- [Reviews](https://bettertermite.com/reviews/): 1,800+ reviews, 4.9-star average across Google and other platforms.
- [Service Areas Index](https://bettertermite.com/locations/): Full list of Virginia, Maryland, and DC cities we cover.

## Optional
- [Full Pest Library](https://bettertermite.com/pests/all/): 600+ identification pages for individual species.
- [Blog Index](https://bettertermite.com/blog/): Pest identification, seasonality, and DIY guidance articles.
- [German Cockroach Infestation: How to Identify, Prevent, and Eliminate These Pests](https://bettertermite.com/blog/german-cockroach-infestation/): Learn how to identify and eliminate a German cockroach infestation. Expert tips on signs, health risks, prevention, and professional treatment options.
- [How Fast Do Cockroaches Reproduce? A Pest Control Expert Explains](https://bettertermite.com/blog/how-fast-do-cockroaches-reproduce/): Learn how fast cockroaches reproduce. German roaches can produce 30,000 offspring per year. Expert tips to stop infestations before they explode.
- [How to Get Rid of Roaches Permanently: A Complete Guide](https://bettertermite.com/blog/how-to-get-rid-of-roaches-permanently/): Learn how to get rid of roaches permanently with proven methods from pest control experts. Covers gel baits, IPM strategies, and when to call a pro.
- [How to Get Rid of Small Roaches: A Complete Guide](https://bettertermite.com/blog/how-to-get-rid-of-small-roaches/): Learn how to get rid of small roaches in your home. Expert tips on identifying German cockroaches, effective DIY treatment methods, and when to call a pro.
- [How to Get Rid of Wood Roaches (And Why They're Not as Bad as You Think)](https://bettertermite.com/blog/how-to-get-rid-of-wood-roaches/): Learn how to get rid of wood roaches with proven DIY methods. Discover why wood roaches aren't like German roaches and how to keep them out of your home.
- [Roaches in Bathroom: Why They're There and How to Get Rid of Them](https://bettertermite.com/blog/roaches-in-bathroom/): Discover why cockroaches love your bathroom and learn proven methods to eliminate them. Expert tips from a licensed pest control technician in Northern VA.
- [Roaches in Kitchen: Why They're There & How to Get Rid of Them](https://bettertermite.com/blog/roaches-in-kitchen/): Find roaches in your kitchen? Learn why cockroaches love kitchens, where they hide, and how to eliminate them with tips from a licensed pest technician.
- [7 Signs of a Cockroach Infestation (And What to Do Next)](https://bettertermite.com/blog/signs-of-cockroach-infestation/): Learn the 7 warning signs of a cockroach infestation in your home. Find out what attracts roaches, where they hide, and when to call a professional.
- [Termite Larvae: What They Look Like and What They Mean for Your Home](https://bettertermite.com/blog/termite-larvae/): Learn what termite larvae look like, how to identify them, and what finding them means for your home. Expert guide from Better Termite & Pest Control.
- [What Do German Cockroaches Look Like? Complete ID Guide](https://bettertermite.com/blog/what-do-german-cockroaches-look-like/): Learn what German cockroaches look like with photos. Identify size, color, markings, and how to tell them apart from other common roach species.
- [Where Do Cockroaches Hide? 9 Common Spots in Your Home](https://bettertermite.com/blog/where-do-cockroaches-hide/): Learn where cockroaches hide in your home. Expert guide covers kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and more. Find roach hiding spots before infestations grow.
- [Wolf Spider Pictures: Photo ID Guide for Homeowners](https://bettertermite.com/blog/wolf-spider-pictures/): See real wolf spider pictures and learn to identify these common spiders. Expert photo guide from Better Termite covers size, markings, and eye patterns.
- [Biggest Spiders in Virginia: The 7 Largest Species (With Pictures)](https://bettertermite.com/blog/biggest-spiders-in-virginia/): The biggest spiders in Virginia, with pictures and real measurements. See which giant species you actually meet here, and which ones are worth worrying about.
- [Poisonous Spiders in Virginia: The 2 That Actually Matter](https://bettertermite.com/blog/poisonous-spiders-in-virginia/): Only two spiders in Virginia are a real medical concern. Learn to identify black widows, what a bite actually does, and which scary look-alikes are harmless.
- [Rats in Maryland: The 4 Species Here and Which Ones Get Inside](https://bettertermite.com/blog/rats-in-maryland/): Maryland has four rat species, but only two get into houses. See how to tell them apart, where rats are worst in the state, and what keeps them out for good.
- [Mouse Droppings: How to Identify Them and Clean Them Up](https://bettertermite.com/blog/mouse-droppings/): Mouse droppings are 1/8-1/4 inch, dark, and pointed at both ends. Learn how to identify them, what they mean, and how to clean them up the right way at home.
- [Rats in Virginia: The 5 Species Here and Which Ones Get Inside](https://bettertermite.com/blog/rats-in-virginia/): Rats in Virginia come down to five species, and only two get into houses. See how to tell them apart, where each one lives, and what keeps them out for good.
- [Spiders in Virginia Beach: 12 Species and Where You'll Find Them](https://bettertermite.com/blog/spiders-in-virginia-beach/): The 12 spiders you actually see in Virginia Beach, with pictures. Learn where each one lives, from marsh edges to porch lights, and which one is truly venomous.
- [Fire Ants in Virginia: Where They Live, the Quarantine Counties, and What to Do](https://bettertermite.com/blog/fire-ants-in-virginia/): Yes, fire ants are in Virginia. See the 18 counties and 15 cities in the state quarantine, how far north they've spread, and what to do if you find a mound.
- [Are There Ticks in Virginia? Yes. Here Are the Species to Know](https://bettertermite.com/blog/ticks-in-virginia/): Yes, Virginia has 16 tick species and a few bite people often. See which ticks live where in VA, when they're active, and the diseases VDH tracks each year.
- [Yellow Spiders in Maryland: How to Identify 6 Common Species](https://bettertermite.com/blog/yellow-spiders-in-maryland/): Found a yellow spider in Maryland? Tell apart the yellow garden spider, banded garden spider, Joro, yellow sac spider, and crab spiders, plus which ones bite.
- [Orange Spiders in Virginia: How to Identify 6 Common Species](https://bettertermite.com/blog/orange-spiders-in-virginia/): Found an orange spider in Virginia? Identify the pumpkin spider, cross and shamrock orbweavers, woodlouse spider, and jumpers, and learn which ones bite.
- [Stinging Insects in Virginia: 10 You Should Know (and Which Ones Actually Sting)](https://bettertermite.com/blog/stinging-insects-in-virginia/): The stinging insects in Virginia, ranked by their real sting risk: yellowjackets, hornets, paper wasps, bees, fire ants, velvet ants and stinging caterpillars.
- [Termites in Maryland: Types, Swarm Season, and Risk by Region](https://bettertermite.com/blog/termites-in-maryland/): Maryland termites are almost all eastern subterranean termites. Learn when they swarm, where risk is highest, and the signs to watch for.
- [Maryland Mosquitoes: Common Types and When They Come Out](https://bettertermite.com/blog/mosquitoes-in-maryland/): Maryland has about 60 mosquito species, but only a few bite around your home. Learn the common types, when mosquitoes come out in Maryland, and what helps.
- [Common Virginia Spiders: 14 Species You'll Actually See (With Pictures)](https://bettertermite.com/blog/spiders-in-virginia/): A field guide to the most common spiders in Virginia, with pictures. See where each one lives, how to identify it, and which two are actually venomous.
- [Termite Inspection in Maryland: Rules, the MD-1 Form, and What to Expect](https://bettertermite.com/blog/termite-inspection-maryland/): How a termite inspection works in Maryland: who can do one, the state MD-1 form for home sales, VA loan rules, what inspectors check, and what it costs.
- [Roaches in Maryland: The 5 Species in Local Homes](https://bettertermite.com/blog/roaches-in-maryland/): Five cockroach species live in Maryland homes. Learn to identify German, American, Oriental, brown-banded and wood roaches, where each hides, and what to do.
- [Types of Beetles in Virginia: A Homeowner's Field Guide](https://bettertermite.com/blog/types-of-beetles-in-virginia/): A field guide to the types of beetles in Virginia. Identify carpet, pantry, powderpost, ground, Japanese and Hercules beetles, and learn which ones matter.
- [Virginia House Spiders: 7 Species You Actually Find Indoors](https://bettertermite.com/blog/virginia-house-spiders/): The 7 house spiders you actually find inside Virginia homes, room by room. Compare size, webs, and hiding spots, and learn which ones are worth worrying about.
- [Beetles in Maryland: How to Identify the Ones You Find](https://bettertermite.com/blog/beetles-in-maryland/): A field guide to beetles in Maryland. Identify carpet, pantry, powderpost, ground and Japanese beetles by size and habits, and learn which ones matter.
- [Black Spiders in Virginia: How to Identify 8 Common Species](https://bettertermite.com/blog/black-spiders-in-virginia/): Black spiders in Virginia, identified. Compare widows, jumpers, parson spiders and look-alikes by size, markings, and webs, and learn which ones actually bite.
- [Giant Hornet in Maryland? Here's What You Actually Saw](https://bettertermite.com/blog/giant-hornets-in-maryland/): Saw a giant hornet in Maryland? It is almost certainly a European hornet or a cicada killer. Compare sizes, photos and nests, and rule out the murder hornet.
- [Mosquitoes in Virginia: Common Species, Season, and Risks](https://bettertermite.com/blog/mosquitoes-in-virginia/): Virginia has 58 mosquito species, but only a handful ever bite you. Here are the ones you actually meet, when they show up, and what really keeps them down.
- [Types of Bees in Virginia: An ID Guide by Where They Nest](https://bettertermite.com/blog/types-of-bees-in-virginia/): Virginia has 477 documented bee species. Here are the types you'll really meet at home, sorted by where they nest, plus which ones actually need treatment.
- [Hornets in Virginia: The 2 You'll Actually See (and 5 Look-Alikes)](https://bettertermite.com/blog/hornets-in-virginia/): Saw a giant hornet in Virginia? It is almost certainly a European hornet. Identify Virginia's two real hornets, their nests, and five common look-alikes.
- [Types of Bees in Maryland: 8 Species You'll Actually See](https://bettertermite.com/blog/types-of-bees-in-maryland/): Maryland has over 400 documented bee species. Here are the 8 types of bees you will actually see at home, how to tell them apart, and which ones to leave alone.
- [Types of Wasps in Virginia: A Photo ID Guide](https://bettertermite.com/blog/types-of-wasps-in-virginia/): The wasps you actually see in Virginia: yellowjackets, paper wasps, hornets, mud daubers and cicada killers. Photos, nests, and which ones really sting you.
- [How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies: A Step-by-Step Guide](https://bettertermite.com/blog/how-to-get-rid-of-fruit-flies/): Learn how to get rid of fruit flies for good. A licensed technician explains the breeding source, the apple cider vinegar trap, and prevention that lasts.
- [How to Get Rid of Gnats: A Complete Removal Guide](https://bettertermite.com/blog/how-to-get-rid-of-gnats/): Learn how to get rid of gnats for good. Identify fungus gnats, drain flies, and fruit flies, then use proven removal and prevention tips from our licensed team.