Signs of Termites in Virginia Homes
When it comes to household pests, few are as destructive—or as sneaky—as termites. These tiny, wood-destroying insects can quietly eat away at your home’s structure, causing serious and costly damage before you even know they’re there. If you live in Richmond, Roanoke, Chesapeake, or elsewhere in Virginia, termite protection isn’t optional—it’s essential. But just as important is knowing the early warning signs. The sooner you catch an infestation, the easier it is to stop the damage in its tracks. Let’s take a look at why termites are such a big problem in our region, what signs to look for, and what to do if you think termites are targeting your home.
Why Termites Are a Big Deal in Virginia
Virginia’s climate—hot, humid summers and relatively mild winters—is ideal for termites. These pests thrive in warmth and moisture, and they can survive the colder months by tunneling deep underground. That means they’re active for most of the year, and always a threat to homes in our area. The most common type of termite in Virginia is the subterranean termite. These termites build colonies below ground and travel through mud tubes to reach above-ground food sources, mainly the wood in and around your home. While they prefer rotting or damp wood, they’re more than happy to chew through dry wood too. As they tunnel and feed, they hollow out important structural elements like support beams, flooring, and wall studs. Left untreated, that kind of damage can compromise the safety and stability of your entire house.
Top Signs of Termites
Termites aren’t easy to spot. They live underground or inside the wood they’re destroying, so you’ll rarely see them out in the open. But there are signs you can watch for—if you know what to look for.
Mud Tubes
Subterranean termites build thin, mud shelter tubes about the width of a pencil to protect themselves as they travel between their nest and a food source. These tubes are usually found along foundation walls, crawl spaces, or basement walls. If you see them, it’s time to call a professional.
Discarded Wings
Termite swarms are most common in the spring, usually after a rain. That’s when reproductive termites—also called swarmers—come out to mate and start new colonies. Once they find a mate, they drop their wings and go back underground. If you find piles of small, clearish wings on your windowsills, in your garage, or near light fixtures, it’s a strong sign that termites are active nearby and new colonies could be forming.
Hollow-Sounding Wood
Tap on exposed wood around your house—especially baseboards, window frames, and door frames. If it sounds hollow or papery, termites may be eating it from the inside out. This can be an early indicator of an infestation that’s still hidden from plain sight.
Sticking Doors and Windows
While humidity can make doors and windows swell and stick, termites can cause the same problem. As they damage the wood around frames, it can warp and shift, making it harder to open and close doors or windows.
Visible Wood Damage
In advanced infestations, termite damage may start to show on your walls, floors, or ceilings. Watch for bubbling paint, wallpaper that’s peeling or looks water-damaged, sagging ceilings, or buckled floors. These could all be signs that termites are chewing away behind the scenes.
What to Do If You See Signs of Termites
If you notice any of these signs, don’t wait. Call the local experts at Evergreen Pest Solutions right away. An active infestation won’t go away on their own—in fact, they’ll continue to grow their colony and cause more damage over time. Even if you're not sure it’s termites, it’s worth scheduling a professional inspection. A trained pest control specialist can determine whether termites are present and recommend the best course of action. And if your home is currently termite-free, you’ll have peace of mind and the opportunity to prevent a future infestation.
How to Prevent Termites in Virginia
The best way to deal with termites is to stop them before they get inside. Here’s how you can help protect your home:
Reduce Moisture and Wood-to-Soil Contact
Store firewood at least 20 feet from your house and off the ground. Fix leaks and eliminate standing water around your foundation. Repair or replace any water-damaged wood. Avoid wood-to-soil contact around decks, fences, or siding.
Schedule Regular Inspections and Get Protected
Evergreen Pest Solutions offers comprehensive termite control services for Virginia homeowners. We start with a detailed inspection and then design a treatment plan that fits your home, whether that’s a termite baiting system or a liquid barrier treatment. We also provide an annual inspection and re-treatment warranty to ensure ongoing protection.
Don’t Wait for Termites to Start Chewing—Be Proactive
Termites can inflict serious damage long before you see the signs. With proactive termite control and regular monitoring, you can avoid the stress and expense of a full-blown infestation. If you're ready to protect your home from termites, reach out to Evergreen Pest Solutions today. We’ll help you keep your home strong, secure, and termite-free year-round.
