Termite Season in Hampton Roads: What Homeowners Need to Know

Every spring, homeowners across Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, and the rest of Hampton Roads notice something alarming: swarms of winged insects emerging from walls, windowsills, and soil near the foundation. For many, that is the first sign that a termite colony has been quietly working inside their home for months or longer.

Termites cause more structural damage annually in the United States than fires and storms combined. In coastal Virginia, the risk is especially high. Here is what Hampton Roads homeowners need to know about termite season, how to identify a swarm, and what to do if you see activity near your home.

When Does Termite Season Start in Hampton Roads?

Subterranean termites, the most common and destructive species in Virginia, typically swarm between March and May in the Hampton Roads region. Swarming is triggered by warm temperatures and rainfall, both of which arrive early in coastal Virginia compared to inland parts of the state.

Swarms usually happen during the day, often after a warm rain. You may see hundreds or thousands of winged insects emerging from the ground or from inside walls. The swarm lasts only 30 to 40 minutes, after which the insects shed their wings and begin searching for nesting sites.

Do not wait until you see a swarm to take action. By the time swarming occurs, the colony driving it has typically been established for three to five years.

Why Hampton Roads Homes Are at Elevated Risk

Subterranean termites thrive in moist, warm soil with access to wood. Hampton Roads provides ideal conditions for all three:

Coastal Humidity

Proximity to the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean keeps humidity levels elevated year-round. High humidity promotes wood moisture absorption, making structural lumber more attractive to termites and accelerating damage once a colony establishes.

The Great Dismal Swamp Corridor

Hampton Roads borders the Great Dismal Swamp, a massive forested wetland that supports enormous termite populations. This creates sustained pressure on homes in Chesapeake, Suffolk, and surrounding areas from colonies that spread outward from wooded and wetland environments.

Older Housing Stock

A significant portion of Hampton Roads homes were built before modern termite treatments and building code requirements. Older pier-and-beam foundations, untreated lumber, and deteriorating crawl space vapor barriers all increase vulnerability.

Dense Neighborhoods

In densely developed areas like Norfolk and Virginia Beach, termite colonies can spread from one property to adjacent ones through shared soil. A nearby untreated infestation is a real risk factor for your own home.

Termites vs. Flying Ants: How to Tell the Difference

Termites and flying ants look similar at first glance. Here is how to tell them apart:

Termites have straight, bead-like antennae. Flying ants have elbowed antennae.

Termites have two sets of wings equal in length. On flying ants, the front wings are noticeably longer.

Termites have a thick, straight waist. Flying ants have a narrow, pinched waist.

If you are still not sure, collect a few in a sealed bag or take a clear photo and contact a licensed pest control company for identification.

Signs of Termite Activity Beyond Swarming

Mud Tubes

Subterranean termites build pencil-width tubes of soil and debris along foundation walls, floor joists, and piers. Finding mud tubes on or inside your home is a reliable indicator of active termite activity.

Wood That Sounds Hollow

Termites eat wood from the inside out, leaving a thin shell on the surface. Tapping on a beam that should be solid and hearing a hollow sound may indicate internal termite damage.

Frass

Drywood termites leave behind small pellets of waste called frass near the entry points of their galleries. It looks like fine sawdust and may accumulate near windowsills or baseboards.

Bubbling or Uneven Paint

As termites consume wood beneath painted surfaces, moisture builds up and causes paint to bubble or surfaces to feel soft. This is often mistaken for water damage.

What to Do If You See Termite Activity

Do not disturb mud tubes or swarm sites. Disrupting the colony can cause it to scatter deeper into the structure, making treatment more difficult. Contact a licensed pest control company immediately for a professional inspection.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Termite Damage in Virginia?

In most cases, no. Standard homeowners insurance policies in Virginia exclude termite damage because insurers classify it as a preventable maintenance issue. Waiting until visible structural damage appears can mean repair costs in the thousands, none of which will be covered by a standard policy.

How Precision Pest Management Treats Termites in Hampton Roads

Precision Pest Management uses proven treatment approaches for subterranean termite infestations across Hampton Roads. Options include liquid termiticide treatments applied to the soil around the foundation, termite bait station systems, and combination approaches for severe infestations.

All treatments include a written report and documentation. We will walk you through what was found, what was treated, and how to prevent recurrence. Our work is backed by a satisfaction guarantee. Contact us to schedule a free termite inspection for your Hampton Roads home.