Termites are small, soft-bodied insects that range from creamy white to dark brown, depending on their role in the colony. Workers do the most damage and are pale and wingless, while soldiers have large heads and strong jaws for defense. Reproductive termites, or swarmers, have darker wings and are often mistaken for flying ants.
Even though termites and ants are entirely different insects, termites are sometimes called "white ants" because of their pale color and social nature. Unlike ants, termites have straight antennae, soft bodies, and a thicker waist, giving them a distinct look.
Termite swarmers are the winged reproductive members of a colony that leave to start new nests. Seeing swarmers around your home is a big red flag—it means there’s likely a well-established colony nearby, likely inside your home. Swarmers are often the first visible sign of a termite problem.
Termites eat cellulose found in wood, paper, and even drywall. They’ll happily munch through structural beams, furniture, and anything else containing wood fibers, making them one of the most destructive pests homeowners face.
Subterranean termites chew through wood from the inside out, often undetected, until serious structural damage occurs. They weaken support beams, flooring, and walls, sometimes leading to costly repairs and significant structural issues.
A single subterranean termite colony can consume several feet of wood in a few months. Left unchecked for years, they can cause major structural damage, making early detection and treatment crucial.
In Virginia and North Carolina, subterranean termites are most active in the spring and summer, especially when temperatures rise and humidity increases. Swarming season usually kicks off in spring, but termites stay active year-round, silently feeding on homes and buildings.
Subterranean termites build their nests underground, often near moisture sources. They travel between their nests and food sources through mud tubes, which protect them from drying out. These mud tubes are one of the telltale signs of an infestation.
They travel through cracks in the foundation, expansion joints, and gaps around pipes. They also use mud tubes to travel up walls and access wooden structures. Any area where wood touches soil is an open invitation for subterranean termites.
Look for mud tubes on your foundation, hollow-sounding wood, peeling paint that mimics water damage, and discarded wings from swarmers. If you tap on a wooden surface and it sounds empty, termites may already be at work inside. If you see fine sawdust, called frass, under kick-out holes, that’s likely another pest issue, such as carpenter ants.
Getting rid of termites isn’t a DIY job. Contact Four Seasons Pest Control if you see signs of termites or simply want to be proactive in preventing termite damage. Our locally owned and operated pest control company offers comprehensive termite control services in Danville, Moneta, South Boston, Reidsville, and throughout our Virginia and North Carolina service areas.
Keep wood away from direct contact with soil, fix leaks and moisture issues, replace water-damaged wood, and seal cracks in your foundation. Sign up for professional termite control with Four Seasons for the best termite prevention!
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Ringgold, VA
I have been a Four Seasons customer from the beginning. All of the service workers have been great over the years. Josh is friendly and answers my questions. I am pleased with his competence to rid my home of pests. Thank you, Josh!
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Greensboro, NC
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Danville, VA
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