The Plains Termite Control
Protecting The Plains' Historic Homes and Horse Country Estates from Termite Damage Since 1968
Family Owned
57 years of experience serving local homes with pets and kids.
Lower Risk Products
Our research team picked materials better for the planet & your home
No Contracts
We don't lock you in with paperwork. Stay because it works.
Why Homeowners in The Plains Take Termites Seriously
The Plains is a small historic village in Fauquier County surrounded by rolling horse country, mature hardwood forest, and the Bull Run Mountains. Summer highs reach the upper 80s with heavy humidity, and frequent storm events keep the ground wet well into fall. That combination drives strong termite pressure across the entire 20198 ZIP code — from the oldest log-frame homes on Main Street to newer estates along Bull Run Mountain Road.
Better Termite & Pest Control has protected homes in this area since 1968. We pair a thorough 78-point inspection with the Sentricon bait system — a proven approach that wipes out entire termite colonies from the inside out. Our research team removed 9 harsh chemicals from our programs because protecting your home should not come at the cost of your family's comfort.
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Why The Plains' Environment Fuels Termite Colonies
The Plains sits on Virginia's Piedmont at the foot of the Bull Run Mountains. The surrounding landscape is a mix of pasture, crop fields, dense forest, and hedgerows — all connected by small creeks, farm ponds, and wet-weather streams that feed the Goose Creek and Occoquan watersheds. That means damp soil, thick leaf litter, and dead wood everywhere termites want to be.
The housing stock makes things worse. The Plains Historic District has about 140 properties, with nearly half built between 1900 and 1930. The oldest homes date to the 1850s with log frames, stone foundations, and multiple later additions. Even the sturdiest of these structures have settling cracks, gaps in aging mortar, and crawlspaces with exposed soil. Balloon-frame homes from the early 1900s often have original wood siding hidden under vinyl — a blind spot where termites can feed for years without anyone noticing.
Outside the town core, large custom homes and horse farm estates sit on heavily wooded or pasture parcels. Dead trees, old fence posts, stone walls, and stacked firewood all serve as launching points for termite colonies that forage toward nearby structures. Stock ponds, water troughs, and low-lying pasture keep moisture levels high, and barns and outbuildings with ground-contact wood framing are especially vulnerable.
The Termite Threat in Fauquier County Horse Country
Termites cause over $5 billion in property damage across the country every year. The Plains sits in the second-highest termite zone in the U.S. The average problem costs homeowners $3,300 in damage before anyone catches it. In a community with 19th-century homes, damp stone foundations, and dense surrounding forest, the risk runs even higher.
Eastern subterranean termites build huge underground colonies with over a million workers. They construct mud tubes from the soil up to the wood in your home. They get in through tiny cracks in the foundation, spots where wood touches dirt, or gaps around pipes. They work out of sight inside walls, under floors, and along sill plates. Many homeowners in The Plains do not learn they have a problem until a remodel or home sale uncovers the damage.
The Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve brings over 2,300 acres of dense hardwood forest right to the edge of residential properties east of town. Dead trees, boulder fields, and thick leaf litter throughout these wooded areas are active nesting sites for termite colonies. Great Meadow's 380 acres of irrigated fields to the west add more moisture to the soil. Homes between these two landmarks face termite pressure from multiple directions.
How We Eliminate Termites in The Plains
We use the Sentricon baiting system. It is the most proven and lower-impact termite treatment on the market. Bait stations go around the outside of your home where termite workers feed. When they find the bait, they carry it back and share it with the rest of the colony. The active ingredient stops termites from molting, which they need to stay alive. Over time, the whole colony dies, including the queen.
Liquid barriers can sometimes leave gaps that termites sneak through. Sentricon works differently. It hunts down and wipes out colonies at the source. For severe or active problems, we also offer liquid treatments and borate-based wood treatments. We can mix approaches based on your property. Every product we use is reviewed by our research team. We dropped 9 chemicals from our programs that other pest control companies in the area still use.
Termite Protection Plans Starting at $69/Month
Our TriGuard with Sentricon Bundle includes 3 scheduled appointments per year, Sentricon baiting and monitoring, and one full termite inspection annually. You get unlimited free callbacks if you spot activity between visits. No binding contracts. Cancel anytime with 30 days notice if you are not happy.
Subterranean termites thrive in The Plains' damp, wooded Piedmont environment
Sentricon bait stations eliminate entire termite colonies around The Plains homes
Termites feed around the clock and can cause thousands in damage before anyone notices
Sentricon stations are installed underground, out of the way of kids and pets
Our licensed technicians bring 57 years of experience to every Fauquier County property
Thorough perimeter treatments protect your home from the outside in
Warning Signs Every The Plains Homeowner Should Know
Catching termites early is the difference between a small treatment and a big repair bill. In The Plains' wet, wooded environment, look for mud tubes along your foundation, inside your crawlspace, or running up stone basement walls. These are pencil-width tunnels made of dirt. Tap the wood trim around doors, windows, and your garage. If it sounds hollow, termites may be eating it from the inside.
Every spring, termite swarmers come out to start new colonies. If you spot piles of small wings near windows or light fixtures, that points to a colony close by. Peeling paint, buckling floors, and small holes in wood trim are other red flags. With all the moisture from nearby creeks, farm ponds, and the Bull Run Mountains watershed, yearly inspections are key to catching problems before they get expensive.
High-Risk Areas Around Your The Plains Home
- Stone foundations and crawlspaces with exposed soil — common in homes built before 1930 along Main Street and Fauquier Avenue
- Original wood siding hidden under vinyl or aluminum — termites can feed undetected for years
- Wood-to-soil contact from decks, porches, landscape timbers, and old fence posts
- Mulch beds pushed against your foundation — termites use mulch as a direct path to your home
- Barns, carriage houses, and outbuildings with ground-contact wood framing
- Dead trees, stumps, stacked stone walls, and stored firewood near the house
Our 78-Point Termite Inspection
Every The Plains termite service starts with a 78-point inspection. Our licensed technicians begin outside. They look for mud tubes on the foundation, check where wood meets soil around decks and additions, and inspect mulch beds, outbuildings, and sheds. We pay close attention to local challenges like settling stone foundations, aging mortar in historic chimneys, and the barns and carriage houses common on horse properties throughout Fauquier County.
Inside, we tap trim and baseboards on your lowest level, listening for hollow spots. In homes with crawlspaces or unfinished basements — and most older The Plains homes have them — we check joists, sill plates, and support beams for damage or moisture. After the inspection, you get a clear report in plain language. We tell you what we found, what it means, and what we suggest. No jargon. No pressure.
Is Termite Control Worth the Investment?
Termite damage that goes unnoticed can cost $3,300 or more to fix. Homeowner's insurance does not cover it. Historic homes in The Plains are irreplaceable. A Sentricon plan costs a fraction of one repair bill and protects your biggest investment 365 days a year.
Real Estate Termite Inspections
Buying or selling a home in The Plains? We do the Wood Destroying Insect (WDI) inspections required for closings and VA loans. Our licensed inspectors check for active termites, old damage, and conditions that draw in wood-eating insects. We hand over all the paperwork your lender needs.
Our Process
The Plains Expertise
We know the termite risks across the Historic District, Great Meadow, Bull Run Mountain foothills, and the surrounding horse country estates.
78-Point Inspection
We check mud tubes, crawlspaces, foundations, and every wood-to-soil contact point. Critical in The Plains' older homes with stone foundations and damp basements.
Sentricon Colony Elimination
Bait stations installed around your perimeter. Workers carry the bait to the queen, destroying entire colonies at their source.
Year-Round Monitoring
Annual inspections and continuous Sentricon monitoring catch activity early. Free callbacks mean we come back until your home is clear.
What Your Neighbors Are Saying
1,100+ 5 Star Reviews on Google "They offer a reasonable termite warranty, do a good check, and no nonsense."
"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."
"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!"
"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. Highly recommend!"
"They have been servicing my home since 1999. Their inspector always does a good job looking indoors and outdoors for termite activities."
"They offer a reasonable termite warranty, do a good check, and no nonsense."
"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."
"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!"
"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. Highly recommend!"
"They have been servicing my home since 1999. Their inspector always does a good job looking indoors and outdoors for termite activities."
Serving The Plains & Surrounding Hunt Country
From the Historic District to Great Meadow, Bull Run Mountain Road, and the surrounding horse farms — we protect homes throughout The Plains from termite damage.