Sentricon® Termite Baiting in Alexandria & Northern Virginia
Sentricon is the in-ground termite baiting system the EPA recognized with its Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award — built for colony-level elimination, not a soil barrier.
- Colony Elimination
- EPA Green Chemistry
- No Drilling
- Annual Monitoring
Free quote for Sentricon protection
From $35/mo · No drilling, no trenching
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Why Sentricon
Termite protection that eliminates the colony, not just the termites at your foundation.
Colony-level elimination
Sentricon doesn't just treat the foragers at your foundation — workers carry the bait back to the colony and share it, breaking down the entire population at its source.
No drilling, no trenching
Stations install in-ground around the home's perimeter on roughly 10-foot spacing. The system integrates with your landscaping rather than tearing it up or cutting through your slab.
EPA Presidential Green Chemistry winner
The active ingredient is designed for termites specifically — a targeted, lower-impact approach compared to broad-spectrum liquid termiticides applied as a soil drench.
From Your Neighbors
Sentricon Customers in Northern Virginia and Maryland — in their own words
Northern Virginia homeowners on what it's like to have Sentricon watching their foundation. Three generations of locals, the Better Promise, and a baiting system that's been protecting Northern Virginia and Maryland homes since the program started.
- Homes protected
- 100k+
- Google reviews
- 4.9★
- Years local
- 58
See Sentricon in 90 seconds
How termite baiting actually beats a colony.
A short explainer on what Sentricon is, how termites carry the bait back to the colony, and why it targets the source rather than the foragers at your foundation.
- Bait stations install in-ground — no drilling through your slab
- Foragers find the stations during normal soil tunneling, then carry the bait back to the colony
- EPA Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge winner
How Sentricon Works
A four-step system tuned to eliminate termites at the source.
Sentricon installs in-ground around your home — no drilling through your slab, no trenching the soil. Foragers find the stations during their normal soil tunneling and take the bait back to the colony for you. Here's how it plays out at a typical Alexandria home.
Bait Stations Installed
Small in-ground stations placed around your home's perimeter on roughly 10-foot spacing. No drilling, no trenching — installation typically runs about two hours at the average Alexandria home.
Termites Find the Bait
Sentricon uses Recruit® HD — a cellulose bait. Foragers encounter the stations as they tunnel through soil looking for cellulose; the stations don't draw termites in, they intercept the ones already foraging near your foundation.
Colony Elimination
Workers carry the bait back and share it through trophallaxis — the social food-sharing termites use to feed the queen and nestmates. The whole colony breaks down, not just the foragers you see.
Ongoing Monitoring
Stations stay in place permanently and get checked annually by a licensed technician. New termite pressure later? The stations are already there — protection that doesn't lapse.
Why homeowners pick Sentricon
When Sentricon makes sense.
Sentricon isn't the right answer for every home — but for most Northern Virginia homeowners looking for long-term protection with minimal disruption, it's the system we recommend. Here's why.
Minimal disruption
No holes drilled in your slab, no trenches cut through landscaping. Stations sit flush in the soil and most Northern Virginia homeowners forget they're even there between visits.
Continuous protection
Stations stay in place permanently and catch future colonies before damage begins. With Sentricon you're not buying a one-time treatment — you're buying ongoing monitoring.
Lower-impact chemistry
Targeted active ingredient applied in milligram-level doses inside sealed stations, not broadcast as a soil drench. That's what earned Sentricon the EPA Presidential Green Chemistry award.
Documented colony elimination
Every active station gets monitored on each visit. You can watch hit rates climb, then taper off as the colony collapses over roughly 90 days — it's a measurable process, not a guess.
Service Area
Sentricon® termite baiting across Alexandria, Northern Virginia, and Maryland
Sentricon® in Arlington & Fairfax
Arlington and Fairfax County's older housing stock — slab-on-grade homes, finished basements, dated additions — is exactly where in-ground termite baiting outperforms drilling-and-trenching liquid work. Stations install in a few hours, no slab damage.
Sentricon® Termite Baiting in Vienna, McLean & Reston
Custom-built and luxury homes across Vienna, McLean, Reston, and Great Falls usually prefer Sentricon® for the no-trenching, no-drilling installation. Stations sit flush with the soil and integrate with finished landscaping.
Sentricon® Termite Baiting in Bethesda, Rockville & Silver Spring
We install Sentricon® across Bethesda, Rockville, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, and the surrounding Maryland zips. Same EPA Green Chemistry winner, same annual monitoring, 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
Sentricon 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
What is Sentricon?
+
Sentricon® is an in-ground termite baiting system designed to eliminate the entire termite colony — not just the foragers at your foundation. Small bait stations are installed around your home's perimeter on roughly 10-foot spacing. When foragers find a station while tunneling through soil, they take the Recruit® HD bait back to the colony and share it with the queen and workers. The colony breaks down at the source. Sentricon won the EPA's Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award for its targeted, lower-impact active ingredient.
How much does Sentricon cost in Alexandria, VA?
+
Sentricon-based termite protection is starting around $35/month for an average DMV home. Homes with active infestations — or properties that need a curative liquid treatment paired alongside the baiting — run higher. We'll quote your specific Alexandria or Northern Virginia home over the phone in a few minutes; no in-person inspection required for the estimate.
How long until the colony is eliminated?
+
About 90 days on average. Timeline varies with colony size, soil conditions, and how active the termites are at your home, but most homeowners see clear results within the first three months and full elimination before six. The stations stay in place after that for ongoing monitoring — so if a new colony shows up in the future, it gets caught before damage starts.
Do I still need a liquid termite treatment too?
+
Sometimes. For homes with an active interior infestation, we'll often pair a curative liquid treatment with Sentricon — the liquid knocks the active population down fast, and Sentricon handles long-term colony elimination and prevention. For preventative protection on a home without active termites, Sentricon alone is usually the right call. We offer both treatments and can talk through which fits your situation on the phone.
How often do you check the stations?
+
Annually, on a scheduled visit by a licensed termite technician. The inspection takes 30–60 minutes — the tech opens each station, checks for termite activity, replaces bait cartridges as needed, and documents the visit in a service report. If activity is found between visits or there's reason to step up monitoring, we can come out more often at no extra cost while you're on the plan.
Are the stations a concern around kids and pets? +
The stations are installed in the ground, sealed with a locking cap, and the active ingredient is enclosed inside the station — there's nothing applied broadly to your yard or landscaping. The chemistry itself is targeted to termites specifically, not a broad-spectrum insecticide, which is part of why the EPA recognized it with the Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award. We're happy to walk through the specifics on the phone if you have questions about your particular setup.
Is there a contract? +
No binding contracts. You'll sign a simple service proposal so we're clear on the scope of work, but you can cancel anytime with 30 days notice. Sentricon is structured as an ongoing service relationship — the stations need to stay active to keep working — but you're never locked in.
Does Sentricon work for active termite infestations? +
Yes — Sentricon eliminates active colonies just as effectively as it prevents new ones. That said, when termites are already damaging the interior of your home, we often recommend pairing a curative liquid termiticide alongside the baiting. The liquid gives you fast knockdown of the workers currently in the structure; Sentricon handles the colony at its source. For homes without an active interior infestation, Sentricon alone is usually the right choice.
Why pick Sentricon over a liquid treatment? +
Both have a place — we install plenty of liquid treatments too. Sentricon's advantages are colony-level elimination (not just the foragers at your foundation), no drilling or trenching, lower-impact chemistry, and continuous ongoing monitoring. Liquid termiticide's advantages are fast knockdown for active infestations, a continuous treated soil zone the moment work is done, and lower upfront cost on smaller homes. For many Alexandria and Northern Virginia homeowners the right answer is Sentricon on its own; for others it's liquid plus Sentricon; for a few it's liquid alone. We'll walk through the options on the phone.
How long have you been doing this? +
Better Termite & Pest Control has been family-owned and operated since 1968 — three generations of the Schulz family running the company out of Alexandria, Virginia. We've been installing Sentricon since shortly after the program launched. We currently maintain a 4.9 rating across 1500+ verified reviews and an A+ rating with the BBB.
Do you offer Sentricon® termite baiting 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. Sentricon® termite baiting 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 Sentricon® the same as termite baiting, termite bait stations, or a termite monitoring system? +
Yes — Sentricon®, termite baiting, in-ground termite bait stations, and termite monitoring systems all describe the same approach. Sentricon® is a specific product line — the EPA Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge winner — but the underlying concept is colony elimination through cellulose bait that foragers carry back to the colony. We install and service Sentricon® across Alexandria, Northern Virginia, and Maryland.