Subterranean Termite Swarmer
Reticulitermes flavipes (alate)
The winged, reproductive termite. A swarm indoors is the clearest warning sign of an active colony.
Size
About 3/8 inch including wings
Color
Dark brown to black body, smoky translucent wings
Where
Emerge in swarms from soil, mud tubes, or infested wood — often on warm, humid spring days after rain.
How to Identify It
- Two pairs of wings, all the same length, extending well past the body
- Straight, bead-like antennae
- A thick, straight waist with no pinch
- Shed wings left in piles on windowsills and floors
Signs of a Problem
- Swarms of winged insects indoors, especially near windows and light
- Piles of discarded, equal-length wings on sills or in spider webs
- Swarming typically in spring, but possible year-round indoors
Termite Swarmer vs. Flying Ant
| Termite Swarmer | Flying Ant | |
|---|---|---|
| Antennae | Straight and bead-like | Bent (elbowed) |
| Waist | Thick, no pinch | Narrow, pinched |
| Wings | Two pairs, equal length | Two pairs, front longer than back |
Is It Dangerous?
High riskA swarm means a mature colony is nearby and likely already feeding on your home's structural wood.
Did You Know?
Swarmers are weak fliers — if you see them inside, the colony is almost always in or right up against your home, not blown in from outside.
Not sure it's termites? Send us a photo.
Attach a clear photo of what you're seeing — swarmers, discarded wings, mud tubes, or damaged wood — and our inspectors will verify the activity before your free inspection. Local, family-owned, and protecting Hampton Roads homes since 2000 with a Pest-Free Guarantee.
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How We Compare to Other Pest Control Companies
Not every pest control company in Hampton Roads offers the same thing. Here is a straight comparison of what you get with Universal Pest Control and what is common elsewhere in the industry.
| What to compare | Universal Pest Control | Most pest control companies |
|---|---|---|
| UniGuard ProgramExclusive | Universal Pest Control Termite protection and full pest control combined in one membership for one low monthly payment — from $59/month, with the termite warranty and quarterly pest service included together. | Most pest control companies Termite protection and pest control are usually sold as two separate agreements, with two renewals and two bills to keep track of. |
| SmartPay financingExclusive | Universal Pest Control $0-down payment options on termite treatments, baiting systems, and repairs, so the work can start before payday. Simple, predictable monthly payments. | Most pest control companies Financing, where it is offered, is commonly arranged separately through a third-party lender. |
| Pest Guard Attic Insulation™Exclusive | Universal Pest Control Hampton Roads' only licensed Pest Guard Insulation™ installer, through our sister company Universal Insulation Doctor — insulation manufactured with an EPA-registered pest preventative, so the replacement itself resists the insects that ruined the original. | Most pest control companies Attic insulation is typically referred out, and standard fiberglass has no pest deterrent built into the material. |
| Total Home Health Network | Universal Pest Control Pest and termite control, attic insulation, and duct cleaning coordinated under one roof through the Universal family of companies — one point of contact for the whole job, done in the right order. | Most pest control companies Pest control only. Insulation and duct work are usually booked with separate vendors on separate timelines. |
| A+ BBB rating | Universal Pest Control BBB accredited since 2007 with an A+ rating, earned through consistent, honest work in the same community. | Most pest control companies Accreditation and ratings vary by company — worth checking before you book anyone. |
| 26+ years in business | Universal Pest Control Protecting Hampton Roads homes since 2000 — more than 26 years in the same market, with over 100,000+ homes serviced. | Most pest control companies Tenure in the area varies widely; newer branches and recently opened franchises are common. |
| Family owned & operated | Universal Pest Control Owned and run by a family that has lived in Hampton Roads their whole lives. The people who answer the phone and the crews at your door are your neighbors. | Most pest control companies Ownership varies — many local branches are franchises of national brands, with crews dispatched from outside the area. |
| Guarantees in writing | Universal Pest Control Pest-Free Guarantee and Termite-Free Guarantee: if pests come back between scheduled visits, so do we, at no extra charge. Free inspections, plus same-day and next-day service. | Most pest control companies Retreatment terms, callback windows, and what counts as covered differ from contract to contract. |
The highlighted Universal Pest & Termite column reflects services we provide directly or through the Universal family of companies. The “Most pest control companies” column describes common industry practice in general terms and is not a statement about any particular company — some companies may offer services that are similar, so ask any provider exactly what their plan, warranty, and quote include before you sign. Financing on approved credit.