It’s easy to mistake flying ants for termites, and vice versa. During swarming season, both pests can look remarkably alike. But getting the identification right is critical to controlling them and preventing damage to your home.
Misidentifying your pest problem can lead to wasted time and money on ineffective treatments, allowing the infestation to grow.
This article will walk you through the key differences between termites and flying ants, focusing on their physical characteristics and behaviors. We’ll also cover prevention tips to help you keep these pests away from your property.
How to tell flying ants and termites apart
At certain times of the year, you might see winged insects swarming around your home. Are they flying ants or termites? Here’s how to tell.
What do they look like?
There are three physical characteristics that can help you tell the difference between flying ants and termites:
- Antennae: Flying ants have antennae that are bent or elbowed, while termites have straight, bead-like antennae.
- Waist: Flying ants have a clearly defined, pinched waist. Termites have a broad waist that makes their bodies look more uniform from end to end.
- Wings: Flying ants have two sets of wings, and the front wings are larger than the hind wings. Termites have two sets of wings that are the same size and length. Termite wings are also usually longer than their bodies.
How do they act?
Both termites and flying ants swarm in order to reproduce and start new colonies. The time of year and location of the swarm can offer some clues about which type of insect you’re seeing.
Ants tend to nest in soil, in decaying wood, or inside walls. Termites build nests in wooden structures or in the ground, where they create mud tubes to get to their food.
A close-up view of termite characteristics
While termites and flying ants can look similar at a glance, there are some key differences in their diets, habitats, and social structures.
Diet and habitat
Termites love cellulose, which is found in wood, paper, and other plant-based materials. They can cause significant structural damage to homes as they munch away on wooden beams and other materials.
Termites also depend on moisture to survive, so they tend to flourish in damp environments. Leaky pipes, poor drainage, and high humidity can all attract termites.
Social structure and caste system
Like ants, termites have a complex social structure with different castes, each with its own role.
- Worker termites are responsible for finding food, building the nest, and caring for the rest of the colony.
- Soldier termites defend the colony, using their large mandibles to ward off invaders.
- Reproductive termites, also known as swarmers, are responsible for reproduction and establishing new colonies.
Signs of termite infestation
If you suspect you have termites, there are a few key signs to look for:
- Mud tubes, which termites use as protected pathways from the nest to their food source
- Damaged wood that sounds dull when tapped
- Frass, or termite droppings, accumulating near wooden structures
What are the characteristics of flying ants?
Flying ants, also called swarmers, are fertile male and female ants that leave their colony to mate and start new colonies.
Diet and habitat
Flying ants are omnivores, so they’ll feed on nectar, seeds, insects, and just about anything else they can find. Because they’re not as interested in wood as termites are, they’re less likely to cause structural damage to your home or business.
Ants can nest just about anywhere, including in the soil, in decaying wood, and inside your walls. You’ll often see ant mounds or trails of ants that lead to a food source.
Social structure and caste system
Like termites, ants are social insects that live in colonies. The worker ants take care of foraging, building, and caring for the colony. Worker ants live only about 6 to 8 weeks, but the queen can live for years.
Soldier ants protect the colony with their mandibles or stings, and swarmers (the winged reproductive ants) are responsible for reproduction and starting new colonies.
Identifying an ant infestation
If you see trails of ants leading to food, that’s a good sign you have an infestation. You may also find ant nests in or around your property. Ants can contaminate food supplies, which can lead to spoilage and health problems.
Prevention and control strategies
You can take several steps to prevent termites and flying ants from taking up residence in or near your home.
Termite prevention
- Eliminate moisture sources. Repair leaky pipes and improve drainage to reduce moisture near your foundation.
- Remove wood-to-soil contact. Keep wood at least 6 inches above the ground.
- Get regular inspections. Check your property regularly for signs of termite activity.
Flying ant prevention
- Seal entry points. Seal cracks and crevices in the foundation and around windows and doors.
- Clean up food spills. Clean up food spills and crumbs right away to avoid attracting ants.
- Keep things tidy. A clean and tidy property deters ants.
When to call a pro
If you suspect a severe infestation or think you may have termite damage, it’s time to call a professional pest control service.
Pest control professionals can offer various treatments, including chemical treatments and baiting systems. Termite infestations are costly, causing more than $5 billion in damages every year in the U.S. Termite damage isn’t usually covered by homeowner’s insurance, so prevention is key.
To Conclude
Knowing the differences between flying ants and termites, like their body shape and wing structure, their behavior, and what they eat, is key to getting rid of them for good.
Spotting the signs of infestation early and taking steps to prevent them is crucial. Doing so can keep these pests from setting up shop in your home and causing structural damage.
If you have a large infestation or you suspect you have termite damage, it’s best to call in a pest control pro. These experts can assess the situation and make sure the problem is taken care of correctly.