Though termites can be similar in size to certain species of ants, when observed up close, they have very distinguishable characteristics. While worker ants live for a few months, the queens can live for years. Flying termites have straight antennae, while flying ants have slightly elbowed antennae. Swarming Months. Most ants do swarm in the summer but they can swarm anytime from spring to fall. Ant alates, or flying ants, often have the same characteristics as flying termites. Most ants live in visible holes or nests, or they issue from cracks in the concrete. Note not all stages / forms of termites have the wings and that darkish flying ant look to them. They are most commonly found nesting in wet, damp and/or rotting wood, but may also be present in dry wood. When a swarm is found inside, it is suggested that you hire a professional pest control agency to identify the pest and to implement a plan to eradicate the threat and prevent future invasions. Is It a Flying Ant or a Termite? Termites usually swarm during spring while ants are known to fly during the summer season. The nymph stage is … Next, you’ll want to use an insecticide to kill the ants if they have built their nest indoors. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer), 7 Tips for Wrapping Gifts Quickly (No Gift Bag Required), The Homeowner’s Guide to Ant Pest Control, Do Not Sell My Personal Information – CA Residents. However, both pairs of wings are of equal length. Have Tiny Ants in the Bathroom? Color: Ant workers are reddish or dark-colored and are frequently seen in the open foraging for food. The workers are creamy colored, measure 3 to 4 mm long and are most commonly found when mud foraging tubes or infested wood is broken open. There are wood-eating ants, but they are not as well hidden as the termites. Termites undergo what is called a “gradual metamorphosis”. Flying Ants Vs. Termites. In set one, you can see that flying termites have 4 wings all of equal length, while flying ants have 2 sets of wings (front and back) that are different lengths. When trying to determine if what you are seeing are flying ants with wings or termites, there are two things you need to consider: their appearance and their behavior. Their bodies can be black, brown, or reddish. So not only will you have to figure out if you are dealing with ants or termites, but you will also have to discover which species of ant you will have to defend against. Termites do not have a pinched waist, and their antennae are straight. More about what a termite looks like. Once they have mated, both species shed their wings, adding more confusion as to which creature you are observing. flying termite vs flying ant. You can use the following methods to get rid of and prevent flying ants: The best way to manage ants or any pests that could invade your home is to take the appropriate preventative measures to deter them from entering your home in the first place. Contrary to popular belief, these swarming insects are not always termites — they may be flying ants. Pretty much all ants can spread bacteria or even pathogens into your home, so you could be at risk of contracting some nasty illnesses. Check out these 13 must-know tips for DIY termite control. The elimination of carpenter ants can be very complex, especially when you aren’t able to directly access the nest. Ants are, in a sense, nature’s clean-up crew and contribute to the process of decomposition by eating organic matter, dead insects, dead animals and other materials that litter the forest floor. Termites have straight antennae, a uniform abdomen, and their wings—when they have them—are of equal length on both sides. When flying ants swarm, you can often observe wingless ants amid the swarm of the flying ants. Workers survive a couple years, while queens can live for decades. Flying ants also have the typical pinched waste that all ants have, and their … Check out why you should install wood foundation, which contains arsenate which is toxic to pests like flying ants and termites. Carpenter Ants Infestation (Photo Credit: Rest … In general, they have straight antennae, wide bodies without pinched waists and equal length wings. You will find it more difficult to tell the difference between termites and flying ants if you have winged termites around your home. This is another difference between ants and termites. • Antennae are … Thus, if you see flying pests localized in your kitchen or a room, they’re most likely termites. I have never seen a flying ant before. Carpenter ants are the most common ant species to be mistaken for termites due to them living inside of homes and causing damage similar to what termites cause. Flying termites may appear similar to flying ants, but there are distinct differences between them, as mentioned below: Termites have a broader and straight waist, while ants have a thin and curved waist. Swarm Season – Termites vs. Have you considered flying ants? Additional methods to differentiate flying ants from winged termites. If you spot a cluster of flying red ants or a full-blown flying ant infestation, the first thing you’ll want to do is repair or replace the rotted wood. Most people have had all types of flying termites and luckily not even a single kind caused any harm. The antennae of swarming termites are straight and beaded while swarming ants have antennae that are elbowed or bent. Termites: Termites also have two pairs of wings. When they are mating, you typically will not see termites without wings mingling with termites that have wings. However, their diet is more varied than most people know. Notably, the front wings are longer than the back wings. Termites antennae are almost straight where the ant’s antennae is elbowed. Flying Ants vs Termites. You have body segment, you have wings, and then you have antennae. Termite workers, by comparison, are transparent, light … The sudden appearance of swarming ants or termites in flight is a good indicator that there is an infestation nearby. Termites vs. The damage that can be caused by ants who are nesting inside is different depending on the species of the ants. However, the physical characteristics of these pests can help determine which you are dealing with. Ant & Termite Appearance. Like all winged insects, termites and flying ants have four wings. Termites have straight antennae and wide bodies without pinched waists. Here’s How to Get Rid... Getting Rid of Ants With Vinegar: Does it Really Work? Ants that burrow into the ground help to turn the soil and create fertile topsoil. Simply examine the insect’s antennae, wings, and abdomen. Photo; Courtesy of Amco Pest Solutions, Inc. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. The best way to tell what insect you're looking at is to catch one and look at it up close and personal. Cellulose is plentiful in the fibers of many different plants, but very few creatures on Earth have the ability to break down cellulose. The males die soon after, while the queens drop their wings to find a nesting site. If you can’t get to the nest, use ant bait, available at home center, hardware stores and online. Termites: Termites have straight antennae. Flying ants, also know as Swarmer ants are simply sexually mature ants nurtured within the colony, to take center stage, once the colony is ready to grow From a distance, you might not be able to tell which one is swarming, but up close, you will be able to distinguish between the two. Many species of driver ant are known to coordinate and carry out "raids" on neighboring colonies of insects, like termites. • Termites have equally long pair of wings while the forewings are longer than hind wings in termites. Watch this short video to find out! We recommend our users to update the browser. Flying Ant vs Termite Wing Shape. Wood, fabric, and even carpet can all be a part of a termite's well-balanced diet. House pests such as termites or ants are no fun. Identifying termites vs. flying ants can be fairly straightforward when you know the differences. Flying ants: They have two pairs of wings – one in front and the other at the back. Winged Termites…. If the antennae are bent or “elbowed”, it’s a flying ant. Also, termites have beaded antennae, while ants’ antennae are smooth. I wonder if this insecticide for termites also works on flying ants? will have a straight waist, straight antennae, and their wings are equal in size. They don’t hide nearly so much as termites. Ants vs Termites: Behavioral Differences. Flying ants also have the typical pinched waste that all ants have, and their antennae have a visible elbow and are not straight. However, when they move into your home or garden, you can have a severe problem rather quickly. One way to determine if they are termites is if there are discarded wings lying around windowsills or other areas of your home. Flying ants can be seen out in the open, and nest in wood, in which they tunnel. In short this means that termites transform from egg to nymph and then adult stages. In contrast, ants have elbowed antennae and pinched waists. Both winged termites and flying ants swarm when they are mating, and they typically mate around the same time of year. By clearing such debris from the forest floor, termites also contribute to the improved flow of oxygen. You don’t have to be an entomologist by any means! An easier way to distinguish a termite from an ant is to examine the body. Flying Ant vs Termite Food Sources. Their bodies can be black, brown or a reddish color. Pest Control. There’s three distinct ways to determine between a termite and an ant. Alexa is an experienced lifestyle and news writer, currently working with Reader's Digest, Shape Magazine and various other publications. Now you know how to identify termites vs. flying ants, you will be better prepared to protect your home and your family. Flying Ants Swarm to Mate . Antennae. In set two, notice that the antennae are subtly different–but different nonetheless. A flying ant’s wings are uneven in length and are more pointed on the ends. Termites consume the rotting material of fallen trees, thus decreasing the required fuel for fires. Once you have a basic idea of how ants and termites are different, identifying which one you have will be much easier. Do you know how to spot the difference between a termite and a flying ant? Flying Ants. One benefit to the environment that some scientists attribute to termites is that they reduce the chance of forest fires. This can cause damage to your home structurally and cosmetically. Moreover, most of these bugs are females, so they are able to establish more colonies and keep on reproducing. Finally, termites and flying ants have different wings. Natural dust, such as diatomaceous earth. Like all winged insects, termites and flying ants have four wings. As you can see, termites pose a severe threat to your welfare when they are eating your home for dinner. Both winged termites and flying antsswarm when they are mating, and they typically mate around the same time of year. Both have two pairs of wings, and both get rid of them in similar ways. Ants’ antennae have a 90-degree bend in the middle, while termite antennae are straight. Flying ants have segmented bodies like well ANTS. OeKc05 Post 8 @Perdido – Yes, flying ants do bite. Termites sometimes have wings, but lose them soon after they mate. Once they have mated, both species shed their wings, adding more confusion as to which creature you are observing. Flying ants have two pairs of brown-tinted wings that differ in size. Ants are almost always easier to find. Both flying ants and termites swarm as part of the mating process. Winged ants have noticeably larger wings in the front than the pair in the back. Their wings are also of equal length on either side of their bodies. Pests cause disarray throughout the home and eat away at interiors and important structures. Here are some ways do identify the differences between Flying Ants vs Termites: While both species have four wings, termite wings are uniform in size. will have a pinched waist in the middle, with bent antennae and two sets of wings. If you find that you have a swarm of flying ants in your home, you most likely are dealing with an infestation of carpenter ants. There are two types of termites: the worker and the swarmer. Termites are insects that are strongly attracted to wood, especially rotting wood, as a food source. Both of these species – flying ants and winged termites, are seeing swarming around sources which emit light when it is dark. Flying Ants…. The two rear wings of a flying ant are shorter than the front wings. If you think termites might be in your home, call Terminix today to schedule a FREE Termite Inspection. With ants you focus on the body segments. A flying ant’s wings are uneven in length and are more pointed on the ends. If you have termites, here’s how to get rid of them. That is why, if you notice flying termites outside your property don’t be afraid to get rid of them. Today I’m going to help you determine yourself what is the difference between an ant and a termite. How to keep ants from coming inside your home. 2. Meanwhile, swarmers are the reproductive type, measuring about 4 mm long and are dark brown or black in color. Both termites and flying ants can cause significant damage when they take up residence in your house. But not all swarming insects are termites, however. Swarmers, or flying termites, have clear front and back wings that are the same length. The two differ, so let’s help you decipher difference between flying ants and termites. Ants vs. Termites. She loves writing about her travels, health, wellness, home decor, food and drink, fashion, beauty and scientific news. Follow her traveling adventures on Instagram: @living_by_lex, send her a message: Our latest shed is also a pavilion—and you can build it, too! Termites are one of the most infamous, with an infestation easy to spot by a swarm of flying insects. Termites will also have two sets of wings, but they’ll both be the same length. These pests feed on nectar, seeds, other insects and food debris in and around the home. The first thing you'll notice--if you're looking at a termite--is that the wings are about ⅓ or ½ inch longer than the body and completely rounded on the ends, as mentioned earlier. The sight of swarming insects is enough to alarm any homeowner. Whether the winged ant you see is a carpenter ant or a termite, however, the wings mean that the insect is a reproductive male or queen—the only members of an ant colony that can reproduce. Much like termite swarms, ant swarms can be seen throughout distinct periods during the year depending on species as reproductive ants seek to establish new colonies. Termites only want to bite wood. The males die soon after, while the queens drop their wings to find a nesting site. If you’re looking at a creature with two wings, the top being longer than the bottom, then you’re looking at a flying ant. Although termites and winged or flying ants may look alike to the untrained eye, there are distinct differences in their antennae, body, and wings. Both flying ants and termites swarm as part of the mating process. Flying ants: Flying ants have elbowed antennae. Here’s more information on how to get rid of flying ants, as well as other pests. termite. The sudden appearance of swarming ants or termites in flight is a good indicator that there is an infestation nearby. Here are the physical differences between a flying ant vs. termite: If you are unable to get a close look at the insect, there are other ways to determine if it’s a flying ant or termite. One of the hardest parts of termite control is trying to figure out is it termites or winged ants your dealing with. A termite’s wings are generally longer than its body and are rounded on the ends. If you see flying … To answer the question of “termite vs flying ant,” there are three simple ways to differentiate. Termites are one of these creatures. They contain cellulase, an enzyme that is required to breakdown cellulose into a reusable form. To avoid making the critical mistake of misidentifying a termite as a flying ant you should know two things: 1. The physical characteristics of termites vs. flying ants are noticeable to someone who knows what to look for. They mainly eat wood, paper and other cellulose-based products. Their wings are also of equal length on either side of their bodies. 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