Better Termite technician treating a home's perimeter and mulch beds for pill bugs

Pill Bug Control in Alexandria & Northern Virginia

Pill bugs (roly polies) live in damp mulch and decaying organic matter against the foundation — and Alexandria yards give them every condition they need. Our protocol is built around perimeter treatment plus mulch/harborage reduction tuned to Northern Virginia properties.

★★★★★ 4.9 · 1500+ reviews
Rated A+ on BBB

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Trusted & Certified By

National Pest Management Association Virginia Pest Management Association Maryland Pest Management Association

Why Better Termite for Pill Bugs

Pill bug control that treats the mulch, not just the basement floor.

Non-Repellent Treatment

We use professional non-repellent products as the foundation of our pill bug program — the industry-standard approach for reducing pressure without the scattering effect of typical retail sprays.

Built for Northern Virginia and Maryland Pill Bug Pressure

Pill bugs and sow bugs cluster in damp mulch and leaf litter against the foundation across Northern Virginia and Maryland yards — and our humid summers and slow-draining clay soils give them every condition they need. Our technicians have decades of combined experience managing that pressure.

Free Unlimited Callbacks

Pill bug pushes tend to follow wet weather. If activity returns between scheduled visits, we come back at no extra charge until your home is clear — that's the Better Promise.

From Your Neighbors

Pill Bug Control in Northern Virginia and Maryland — in their own words

Real Alexandria and Northern Virginia homeowners on getting pill bugs out of the basement and back into the mulch where they belong. Same Better Promise, free unlimited callbacks.

Homes protected
100k+
Google reviews
4.9★
Years local
58
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Our Pill Bug Protocol

A four-step program, built around non-repellent treatment and tri-annual maintenance.

Our pill bug program is built around non-repellent treatments — the industry-standard approach. Combined with tri-annual maintenance, it keeps pressure in check from the damp mulch beds where they live through the entry cracks where they push inside.

01

Inspect & Identify

Your technician walks the home inside and out, identifies the harborage zones, and looks for entry points. Pill bugs track moisture and damp leaf litter, so we focus the inspection on mulch beds against the foundation, planter rims, window wells, and damp corners where they cluster.

02

Interior Crack-and-Crevice Treatment

Where pill bugs are pushing inside — basements, garages, ground-level door thresholds — we apply targeted, non-repellent products in cracks and crevices at the hot spots we find. Targeted placement, not broadcast spraying across living areas.

03

Exterior Perimeter Treatment

We treat the exterior foundation and perimeter with non-repellent products to reduce pressure from outside. Your technician will also note any conducive conditions worth addressing — mulch piled too thick against the foundation, downspouts dumping next to the slab, or damp leaf litter holding moisture along the wall.

04

Tri-Annual Maintenance

Most pest control materials offer around 120 days of residual, so we return three times per year on a regular schedule to refresh the treatment and stay ahead of the season.

Common scenarios

Where pill bugs show up in Northern Virginia and Maryland homes

Pill bug calls fall into a few familiar patterns. The treatment is similar across all of them — what changes is which entry points and harborage zones we focus on first.

Close-up of a pill bug showing its segmented gray body and oval shape About ½ in. long

Pill Bugs (Roly Polies)

Armadillidium vulgare

Color
Slate gray to dark brown
Habitat
Mulch, leaf litter, basement window wells

The classic roly-poly. Curls into a tight ball when disturbed — that's the giveaway. Pill bugs are actually terrestrial isopods (closer to a crab than an insect) and need moisture to survive, which is why they cluster against foundations and in damp mulch.

Learn more
Close-up of a sow bug showing its segmented gray body and tail-like appendages About ⅜ in. long

Sow Bugs

Oniscus asellus / Porcellio scaber

Color
Flatter, gray with two tail-like appendages
Habitat
Same as pill bugs — damp mulch and harborage

Very similar to pill bugs and often found in the same beds — but sow bugs can't roll into a ball. They scurry instead, and have two small tail-like appendages at the rear. Treatment is identical to pill bug treatment, since both are responding to the same moisture and harborage conditions.

Learn more
Group of pill bugs congregating on decaying wood Often dozens at once

Activity in basements & garages

Indoor masses

Color
Curled, dead or dying on floors
Habitat
Basement slab edges, garage thresholds

Most pill bugs you see indoors are already dying — dry indoor air dehydrates them within a few days. The problem isn't the bugs you can see, it's the steady push of new ones coming in from outdoor harborage. Stopping the inbound flow at the perimeter is what actually clears the basement.

Learn more

Not sure if you're seeing pill bugs or sow bugs? Snap a photo and text it to (703) 683-2000 — we'll identify it on the call. Either way, treatment is the same.

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PEACE OF MIND

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.

Licensed technician
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(703) 683-2000 Get Quote
Areas We Serve

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
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Wall of Love

Pill Bug Reviews from Northern Virginia and Maryland Homeowners

Google 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!"

Sandi Marino 5 Stars on Google
Google
★★★★★

"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!"

Erneisha Bailey 5 Stars on Google
Google
★★★★★

"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."

Joann With us for 20 Years
Google
★★★★★

"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."

Angelica Momotiuk 5 Stars on Google
Google
★★★★★

"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!"

Andi Fehl 5 Stars on Google
Google
★★★★★

"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!"

Karen Vaught 5 Stars on Google
Google
★★★★★

"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!"

Daniel Whitby 5 Stars on Google
Google
★★★★★

"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."

Summer T 5 Stars on Google
Google
★★★★★

"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."

Tracy Grubbs 5 Stars on Google
Google
★★★★★

"They have been servicing my home since 1999. Their inspector always does a good job looking indoors and outdoors for termite activities."

W H 5 Stars on Google
Google
★★★★★

"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!"

Daniel Boone 5 Stars on Google
Google
★★★★★

"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."

Fanz 5 Stars on Google
Google
★★★★★

"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."

J F 5 Stars on Google
Google
★★★★★

"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."

Jay Brannam 5 Stars on Google
Google
★★★★★

"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!"

TH Gillis 5 Stars on Google
Google
★★★★★

"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."

Don Driscol 5 Stars on Google
Google
★★★★★

"Been using BT & PC for our annual inspection for over 30 years. Great service, always call ahead and leave no trace behind"

Richard Bosley Jr 5 Stars on Google
Google
★★★★★

"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!"

Alice K Happy Customer > 10 Years
Google
★★★★★

"We've used Better Termite for 30 years. They are very professional, courteous and most of all, knowledgeable."

Poppy T Google
Google
★★★★★

"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!"

Suchita M Recommended Review
Google
★★★★★

"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."

Nancy Ostrowski Alexandria VA Review
Google
★★★★★

"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!"

Good Friday 5 Stars on Google
Google
★★★★★

"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."

Carrie V Alexandria, VA
Google
★★★★★

"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."

Alexander Kafarakis Boyds, MD
Google
★★★★★

"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!!"

Salvatore P Simonetta Jr Alexandria, VA
Google
★★★★★

"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!"

Therisa Retherford Woodbridge, VA
Google
★★★★★

"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!"

Tony Johnson La Plata, MD
Google
★★★★★

"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."

Diane Cousins Long time customer
Google
★★★★★

"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!"

B 5 Stars
Google
★★★★★

"They offer a reasonable termite warranty, do a good check, and no nonsense."

Andrew Sowell Fredericksburg, VA
Google
★★★★★

"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"

Marc Shiman Derwood, MD
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!"

Sandi Marino 5 Stars on Google
Google
★★★★★

"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!"

Erneisha Bailey 5 Stars on Google
Google
★★★★★

"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."

Joann With us for 20 Years
Google
★★★★★

"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."

Angelica Momotiuk 5 Stars on Google
Google
★★★★★

"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!"

Andi Fehl 5 Stars on Google
Google
★★★★★

"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!"

Karen Vaught 5 Stars on Google
Google
★★★★★

"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!"

Daniel Whitby 5 Stars on Google
Google
★★★★★

"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."

Summer T 5 Stars on Google
Google
★★★★★

"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."

Tracy Grubbs 5 Stars on Google
Google
★★★★★

"They have been servicing my home since 1999. Their inspector always does a good job looking indoors and outdoors for termite activities."

W H 5 Stars on Google
Google
★★★★★

"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!"

Daniel Boone 5 Stars on Google
Google
★★★★★

"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."

Fanz 5 Stars on Google
Google
★★★★★

"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."

J F 5 Stars on Google
Google
★★★★★

"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."

Jay Brannam 5 Stars on Google
Google
★★★★★

"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!"

TH Gillis 5 Stars on Google
Google
★★★★★

"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."

Don Driscol 5 Stars on Google
Google
★★★★★

"Been using BT & PC for our annual inspection for over 30 years. Great service, always call ahead and leave no trace behind"

Richard Bosley Jr 5 Stars on Google
Google
★★★★★

"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!"

Alice K Happy Customer > 10 Years
Google
★★★★★

"We've used Better Termite for 30 years. They are very professional, courteous and most of all, knowledgeable."

Poppy T Google
Google
★★★★★

"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!"

Suchita M Recommended Review
Google
★★★★★

"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."

Nancy Ostrowski Alexandria VA Review
Google
★★★★★

"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!"

Good Friday 5 Stars on Google
Google
★★★★★

"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."

Carrie V Alexandria, VA
Google
★★★★★

"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."

Alexander Kafarakis Boyds, MD
Google
★★★★★

"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!!"

Salvatore P Simonetta Jr Alexandria, VA
Google
★★★★★

"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!"

Therisa Retherford Woodbridge, VA
Google
★★★★★

"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!"

Tony Johnson La Plata, MD
Google
★★★★★

"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."

Diane Cousins Long time customer
Google
★★★★★

"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!"

B 5 Stars
Google
★★★★★

"They offer a reasonable termite warranty, do a good check, and no nonsense."

Andrew Sowell Fredericksburg, VA
Google
★★★★★

"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"

Marc Shiman Derwood, MD
Google
FAQ

Pest Control FAQ: Termites, Rodents, Mosquitoes & More

What's the difference between pill bugs and sow bugs?

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The roll test. Pill bugs curl into a tight ball when you touch them — that's how they got the nickname roly-polies. Sow bugs can't do that; they just run. Sow bugs also have two small tail-like appendages at the rear that pill bugs lack. Both live in the same damp mulch and respond to identical treatment, so the distinction is mostly cosmetic from a control standpoint.

Do pill bugs bite or sting?

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No. Pill bugs don't bite, sting, or transmit disease, and they don't damage structures, fabrics, or stored food indoors. They're a nuisance pest, not a hazard. The reason people call us isn't risk — it's the unsettling volume after a wet week, and what it implies about moisture conditions around the foundation.

How much does pill bug control cost in Alexandria, VA?

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Pill bug treatment is included in our standard pest plan, starting around $49/month for an average DMV home. The same plan also handles ants, spiders, sow bugs, millipedes, centipedes, crickets, and the rest of the common Northern Virginia and Maryland perimeter pests. We'll give you a specific number on the phone in under five minutes.

Why are there so many pill bugs in my mulch?

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Mulch is essentially purpose-built pill bug habitat. It holds moisture, decomposes into the organic matter they eat, and creates a sheltered humid layer against the foundation. The thicker the mulch and the closer it sits to the wall, the bigger the population. Mulch beds within six feet of the foundation are the #1 source in Alexandria and Northern Virginia homes.

Any drainage or landscaping tips that actually help?

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A few that genuinely move the needle: keep mulch under two inches thick within a foot of the foundation, leave a few inches of bare soil or gravel right against the wall, extend downspouts at least four feet away from the house, and rake out leaf litter from corners and window wells in fall. None of this is required for treatment to work — it just means the treatment lasts longer between visits.

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