The purpose of swarming is for termites to reproduce and create new colonies near food sources. Like ants, termites are very social creatures that thrive in a colony. Young termites develop wings in the springtime in order to disperse from their parent colonies in swarms. These swarmers fly through mud tubes in the case of subterranean termites. Though they don’t fly for long, the swarms are usually carried along on a breeze until they reach the ground.
Termite Information Top FAQ
Q: How do I tell if it’s a flying ant or a termite? A: Look at the waist and wings. Termites have a thick, cigar-shaped waist and four wings that are all the same length. Ants have a pinched “wasp” waist and wings of different lengths. If you see discarded, silvery wings on your windowsill, that is a 100% sign of termites.
Q: Why are they swarming in Virginia Beach so early in 2026? A: Subterranean termites trigger based on “Thermal Shock.” The sudden jump to 70 degrees after our wet May fooled the colonies into thinking it’s late spring. They are emerging now to find new nesting sites—likely in your mulch or crawlspace.
Q: Does my homeowners insurance cover termite damage? A: No. In Virginia, insurance companies consider termites “preventable maintenance.” They expect you to have a termite bond or regular inspections. This is why our $0 Charge Professional Termite Inspection is the best insurance policy you can buy.
Q: Can I just spray the ones I see with a can of Raid? A: You can kill the “swarmers,” but you aren’t touching the colony. For every one winged termite you see, there are 1,000,000 workers underground eating your house.
Q: How does my crawlspace affect my termite risk? A: Great question. As the Insulation Doctor, I see it every day: wet insulation and leaky ducts create a “humidity highway” for termites. We offer a Total Home Solution—we treat the pests, dry out the crawlspace, and fix your insulation in one shot.
Once they touch back down, the insects can establish new colonies. Colonies usually swarm only once per year, though in some cases, multiple swarms may occur. When multiple swarms occur in a season, they are generally smaller swarms than the first occurrence. Our Universal Pest & Termite technicians can help with questions about swarming termites in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Williamsburg, and surrounding areas. Call today (757) 502-0200.
Flying Ants or Swarming Termites? How to Spot the $10,000 Mistake in Hampton Roads This May
If you live in Newport News, Hampton, or Virginia Beach, you’ve felt the 2026 “False Spring.” We’ve jumped from coastal freezes straight into 70-degree humidity. In the home service industry, we call this the Termite Starting Gun.
When the sun hits your windows after a heavy rain, you might see a cloud of winged insects. Most homeowners breathe a sigh of relief and say, “It’s just flying ants.” That assumption is a $10,000 mistake.
Because I own Universal Pest, Universal Insulation Doctor, and Universal Duct Cleaning, I see the “Total Home” damage these pests cause. Here is everything you need to know about the 2026 swarm season in the 757.
Universal pest control services for ants, roaches, rodents, bed bugs and other pest in Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Newport News. Looking for top rated termite companies?
Signs of a Termite Infestation:
Damaged wood. While some termites leave visible signs of wood damage like blistering and holes, a lot of termite damage is hidden below the surface. Wood that’s infested with termites will be soft and easy to pierce, and it will sound hollow when tapped.
Shelter tubes. Termites build shelter tubes also called mud tubes out of dirt, particles of wood, and their own saliva. These tubes allow termites to move around without being exposed to open air, where they would dehydrate and die. You’ll most likely find shelter tubes in your crawl space, attic, floor joists, and foundation walls.
Flying swarmers. Flying swarmers are termites that reproduce and locate places for their colonies to settle. You’ll see these winged insects emerging from soil and wood, and you may also see their discarded wings on the floor or around windows and doors. Schedule a Termite Inspection.