Pest control terms, in plain English.

The process of physically sealing the entry points animals or insects use to get into a building, rather than just treating what's already inside.

An ongoing, multi-part approach to pest control that combines inspection, prevention, and targeted treatment, rather than relying on a single spray visit.

A hiding spot pests use for shelter — typically dark, undisturbed areas like wall voids, under appliances, or cluttered storage spaces.

A protected container holding pest bait, placed in strategic locations to attract and eliminate pests like ants, roaches, or rodents at the source.

Pest control treatment applied around the exterior of a building — foundation, entry points, and surrounding vegetation — rather than inside the home.

A treatment applied to vegetation and resting areas in a yard, most commonly for mosquitoes, that creates a protective zone rather than targeting individual insects.

A larger ant species that excavates (rather than eats) wood to build nests, which can indicate existing moisture damage and cause further structural harm over time.

A small, dark, common household ant that releases a rotten-coconut smell when crushed — mostly a nuisance pest, not a structural concern.

A humpbacked, jumping cricket species that doesn't chirp and is commonly found in damp basements, crawlspaces, and garages.

Fine, sawdust-like debris left behind by wood-boring insects such as carpenter ants or wood-destroying beetles, often found near an active nest.

A silk case spiders spin to protect their eggs, often found in undisturbed corners, garages, or window wells.

A Wood-Destroying Insect inspection that checks a property for current or past termite (or similar) activity — commonly required within 90 days of a Virginia home sale closing.

Narrow tunnels made of soil and saliva that subterranean termites build to travel between the ground and a food source while staying protected from open air.

The most common termite species in Virginia, living in underground colonies and needing contact with soil moisture to survive, distinct from drywood termite species.

Small, dark specks of flea excrement (digested blood) found on pet bedding or fur — a common sign of a flea infestation even before live fleas are spotted.

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services — the state agency that licenses and regulates pest control businesses and pesticide applicators in Virginia.

A document confirming a business's liability insurance coverage, often required by commercial clients before service begins and naming the client as “additional insured.”

A signed record left on-site at every commercial pest control visit, documenting areas serviced, products used, and any findings — often required for health inspections.

A billing term meaning payment is due within 30 days of the invoice date — standard for commercial accounts rather than pay-at-time-of-service.