How do I know if I have termites or flying ants?
termites and ants swarm the same time of year in Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach provider to confirm.
What is the difference between subterranean and drywood termites?
The species matters because the treatment differs. Around Virginia Beach, subterranean termites are handled with soil barriers or bait stations. Drywood termites in a Virginia Beach attic or window frame need localized wood treatment or, when widespread, fumigation. An inspector identifies which one you have.
Can termites damage a house on a concrete slab?
Slab construction in Virginia Beach hides termite entry very well. With no crawl space to inspect, the first sign in a Virginia Beach home may be damaged trim or a swarm indoors. Bait stations around a Virginia Beach slab home are a popular option because they avoid extensive drilling through floors.
Will termites come back after treatment?
A good treatment in Virginia Beach keeps termites out for years, not forever. Widely published figures put liquid barriers at five years or more. Yearly monitoring is cheap insurance for a Virginia Beach home compared with a second full treatment.
What does a WDI report include?
A WDI report for a Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach inspector could not access.
Is termite prevention cheaper than repairing termite damage?
Many homeowners are not sure. Context for Virginia Beach, not a local measurement: in findings from the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) and Harris Poll released March 24, 2026, fewer than half of U.S. homeowners, 45%, thought prevention was cheaper than termite damage repair; the figure reflects attitudes, not actual spending. Local conditions in Virginia Beach, Virginia can differ from the survey population, so confirm the specifics with an on-site inspection.
Can a household pest infestation affect your health?
Many people believe theirs has. Keep this in mind while inspecting a Virginia Beach home: in ConsumerAffairs' February 2024 survey of 2,000 U.S. respondents on home infestations (self-reported, pests and mold together), 16% said an infestation had caused them health problems, a perception figure that cannot separate mold from pests or confirm the cause of any symptom. In Virginia Beach, ask providers to put the number of visits and any re-treatment terms in writing before work begins.