Termites or Ants? How to Tell the Difference and What to Do Next

​If you’ve found a small insect with wings near a window—or you’re seeing tiny “ant-looking” bugs around damp wood—you’re probably asking the same question most homeowners do:

Is this a termite or an ant—and what should I do next?

In Virginia (including Hampton Roads and the Tidewater region), termites are common enough that it’s worth taking any suspicious sighting seriously—especially during swarming season.

Below is a clear, homeowner-friendly guide to:

• how to tell termites from ants
• what termite swarmers look like
• the most common signs that tell you when it’s time to schedule an inspection.

If you’d rather have a professional confirm what you’re seeing, you can request help here: schedule a termite inspection through our contact page.

Quick Answer: Is It Termites or Ants? (At A Glance)

If you’ve found a small insect indoors, especially near a window, door, or light, it usually falls into one of two groups:

• Termites are soft-bodied insects that spend most of their lives hidden in wood or soil. When homeowners notice them, it’s often because winged termites (called swarmers) have appeared indoors. Swarmers tend to show up suddenly, are attracted to light, and may leave behind small piles of shed wings. Even one swarmer indoors can be an early warning sign of a nearby colony.
• Ants are commonly seen without wings during everyday activity, but winged ants can appear during their own swarming periods. When winged ants show up indoors—often near windows or doors—they’re frequently mistaken for termites. Unlike termites, ants don’t consume wood or cause structural damage.

If you’re still unsure which insect you’re seeing, the visual differences below make it much easier to tell them apart.

Swarming Termites vs. Winged Ants: 3 Easy Ways to Tell Them Apart

Termite swarmers and winged ants can look similar at first glance. Here are the easiest “no microscope needed” checks.

1) Waist: Straight vs. Pinched

• Termites: a thick, straight waist (their body looks more “tube-like”).
• Ants: a pinched waist (more like an hourglass).

2) Antennae: Straight vs. Elbowed

• Termites: straight or slightly curved antennae (often described as “beaded”).
• Ants: elbowed antennae (a noticeable bend).

3) Wings: Equal Length vs. Uneven

• Termite swarmers: the front and back wings are about the same length.
• Flying ants: the front wings are larger than the back wings.

For a straightforward extension reference on how to spot the differences, see: Ants and Termites: How to Tell the Difference (University of Maryland Extension).

What Termite Swarmers (Flying Termites) Look Like In Virginia Homes

A lot of “panic searches” happen after someone finds flying insects indoors, especially near a windowsill.

Here’s what typically stands out with termite swarmers:

• They’re attracted to light, so you may find them near windows, sliding doors, or porch lights.
• They shed wings easily, so you might find small piles of discarded wings even if you don’t see live insects anymore.
• They can appear suddenly, sometimes after a warm day following rain or high humidity.

Swarming doesn’t automatically mean your home has severe damage—but it does mean the termites are trying to expand.

If you’re seeing swarmers, it’s smart to review your options for termite control and schedule an inspection.

For a research-backed explanation of swarming behavior and what it means, this is a solid resource: Termite Swarmers – What do they mean for you? (NC State Extension).

FYI: Termite Swarming Season in Virginia

If you’re reading this in early February or late winter, you may not be seeing flying termites just yet—and that’s completely normal.

In Virginia, termite swarming usually starts later in the spring and can continue into early summer, often after warm, humid days or periods of rainfall. That’s when many homeowners first notice termites near windows, doors, or light sources.

That said, termites don’t disappear outside of swarming season. Colonies remain active year-round in protected areas like soil, crawl spaces, and inside wood. This is why inspections and prevention still matter—even when swarmers aren’t visible.

If you’re unsure what you’re seeing now—or want to get ahead of the season before activity increases—a professional inspection can help you plan rather than react.

What You’ll Actually Notice At Home: Common Signs Of Termites

Most homeowners don’t see worker termites. Instead, they notice evidence that termites leave behind.

Mud Tubes (Subterranean Termite “Highways”)

In much of Virginia, subterranean termites are a common concern. They often build mud tubes to travel between soil and wood while staying protected.

You might see mud tubes:

• Along foundation walls
• Near crawl space piers
• Where siding meets the ground
• On unfinished basement walls

If your home has a crawl space, it’s also worth reading: Termites in Virginia: What Homeowners Should Know. And if your home’s crawl space has moisture issues, consider looking into moisture control services.

Discarded Wings Near Windows Or Doors

Small piles of identical-looking wings can be one of the clearest “this might be termites” signs.

Homeowner tip: Place wings in a small zip bag and take a clear photo. A professional can often tell a lot from a close-up image.

Hollow-Sounding Or Damaged Wood

Termites eat wood from the inside out. Sometimes the first clue is wood that:

• Sounds hollow when tapped
• Blisters or bubbles under paint
• Crumbles more easily than expected

Termites vs. Carpenter Ants (A Common Virginia Confusion)

Carpenter ants and termites are often mixed up because both are associated with wood.

A key difference:

• Carpenter ants typically nest in wood (especially damp or decayed wood), but they don’t eat it the same way termites do.
• Termites actually consume wood (and cellulose materials), which is why damage can progress quietly.

If you want a deeper comparison, you may also find this helpful: The Difference Between Termites and Carpenter Ants.

What To Do If You Find Termites (Or Think You Did)

If you’re a homeowner, the goal is to avoid panic and avoid the common missteps that allow a problem to grow.

Step 1: Don’t Disturb The Area Too Much

It’s natural to spray, scrub, or pull things apart. But heavy disturbance can:

• Scatter insects
• Make it harder to identify the pest
• Hide evidence that would help confirm the source

Step 2: Document What You See

• Take clear photos (close-up + wider shot showing where you found them)
• Save a few insects if possible
• Note the date, time, and weather conditions

Step 3: Contact Getem Services

Termites aren’t a “wait and see” pest. The sooner you confirm what you’re dealing with, the sooner you can protect your home. An even better approach is to get termite protection in place before these wood-destroying insects show up!

When you’re ready, request a termite inspection in Hampton Roads and Southeast Virginia.

Common Homeowner Questions About Termites

Do termites in Virginia only show up in the summer?

No. Swarming often happens during warmer periods, but termite activity continues year-round—especially in protected areas like crawl spaces.

If I see one “flying termite,” does that mean I have an infestation?

It’s not a guarantee, but it is a meaningful warning sign—especially if you find multiple swarmers or piles of wings indoors.

Should I try to treat termites or ants myself before calling a professional?

DIY treatments may kill visible insects, but usually don’t solve the underlying problem. A professional inspection helps confirm what you’re dealing with and what actually needs to be done.

Termites or Ants? Here’s What to Do Next

If you’re trying to identify an insect in your home, it helps to remember: the biggest concern isn’t the bug itself—it’s what it could mean for the structure.

If you’re seeing swarmers indoors, discarded wings near windows, mud tubes, or suspicious wood damage, don’t rely on guesswork. A professional inspection can confirm what you’re dealing with and whether your home needs treatment.

Getem Services is a locally owned and family-operated pest control company that has been serving homeowners across Hampton Roads and Virginia’s Tidewater Region since 1922. If termites are the issue, our team can help you move quickly from identification to a plan for termite control and protection to stop active termites and prevent future problems.

And if what you’re seeing turns out to be ants—or another house-infesting pest—we also offer ongoing home pest control services to help keep ants, spiders, roaches, and other unwanted pests out year-round.

Contact us to schedule an inspection and get clear answers.