What is the difference between subterranean and drywood termites?
Subterranean termites nest in soil and reach a Richmond home through tubes and cracks, and they need moisture. Drywood termites live entirely inside dry wood with no soil contact. Subterranean colonies are far larger and cause most of the damage in Richmond, Virginia, but drywood infestations are harder to reach.
What does a WDI report include?
A WDI report for a Richmond home lists visible evidence of wood-destroying insects, including termites, carpenter ants, and wood-boring beetles. It notes live activity, old damage, past treatments, and conducive conditions. It also lists areas the Richmond inspector could not access.
How do I know if I have termites or flying ants?
termites and ants swarm the same time of year in Richmond, Virginia, so confusion is common. Check the wings first: termite wings are all the same size. Then check the waist, which is thick on a termite. Save a few in a bag for the Richmond provider to confirm.
Do I need a termite inspection when buying a house?
Get one. A WDI inspection is the cheapest protection a buyer in Richmond, Virginia can purchase. It documents visible evidence of termites and conducive conditions. If the report shows activity, you can negotiate treatment or repairs with the Richmond seller before you close.
Can I treat termites myself?
DIY termite control in Richmond usually ends with a bigger bill later. Spot sprays and stakes do not reach the colony. Professional baits and non-repellent termiticides do. If you want to do something today, pull wood and mulch away from your Richmond foundation while you book the inspection.
How much does termite treatment cost?
Homeowners in Richmond ask about this often: an average of $1,100 for a post-construction termite treatment was reported by professionals in Pest Control Technology (PCT) magazine's 2025 termite market report, a BASF-sponsored Readex survey of about 145 professionals on 2024 pricing; it is a reported average, not a guaranteed price. Richmond homeowners comparing quotes should ask each provider which of these patterns they see locally and why.
Do most pest control companies treat existing homes for termites?
Yes, nearly all of those surveyed. A number that shapes expectations in Richmond as much as anywhere: in Pest Control Technology (PCT) magazine's 2025 termite market report, a Readex Research survey of roughly 145 pest-control professionals about 2024 operations, 94% of responding locations offered post-construction treatments, a figure about what companies sell, not about household infestation rates. Providers serving Richmond should be able to explain how their recommendation fits what they actually found on your property.