Pest control in Virginia

What to know about pest control in Virginia

Virginia stretches from the coast to the mountains, and pest problems change along the way. Termites are active across the state, ticks are a concern in wooded and suburban areas, and stink bugs crowd into homes every fall.

Common pests in Virginia

Virginia Cooperative Extension and the Virginia Department of Health describe these pests as common concerns for Virginia homes.

• Subterranean termites. Virginia Tech notes a common problem in Virginia is termites getting in between the foundation and brick veneer, stucco or foam insulation that sits below ground level. There is often no outside sign until the damage is obvious, so regular termite inspections matter here.
• Blacklegged ticks. These ticks spread Lyme disease in Virginia. The health department says Lyme disease is most common in the northern and western parts of the state, including higher mountain areas.
• Brown marmorated stink bugs. Virginia Tech experts say these bugs move indoors as the weather cools and spend the winter hiding in homes. Sealing cracks and gaps before fall is the main defense.
• Asian tiger mosquitoes. Virginia Cooperative Extension calls this day-biting mosquito common in Virginia's urban areas. It breeds in small containers of standing water close to the house.

Who licenses pest control companies in Virginia

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services licenses pest control businesses through its Office of Pesticide Services. A company that applies pesticides for hire needs a pesticide business license for each business location, must carry insurance and must employ a certified commercial applicator. The department also runs a civil penalty search where you can look up recent penalties against pesticide businesses by name.

How to check a company before you hire

1. Ask for the company's pesticide business license and the certification of the technician who will treat your home.
2. Contact the Office of Pesticide Services to confirm the license, and check the civil penalty search for the business name.
3. Ask which pest was found and how the treatment works.
4. Get the treatment plan and any warranty in writing, including what retreatment covers.
5. Read reviews from other Virginia customers to see how the company handled follow-up visits.