Flying Ants vs. Termites – Determining The Difference

Sometimes it’s hard to tell one flying insect from another without a little bit of research. Flying ants and termites are prime examples, and we’re here to help you know the difference between the two so you know exactly what’s flying around your home.

We’ll cover:

Once you’ve read up on the flying ant vs. termite difference, you’ll be able to get the proper pest control services needed to keep your home safe from either – or both.

What are the Differences Between Flying Ants and Termites?

Though termites and flying ants may share some similarities at first glance, they are distinctly different pests who invade your home in their own ways,

How to Tell Flying Ants and Termites Apart

Flying Ants

  • Have bent antennae
  • Front and back wings are different lengths
  • Thin abdomen
  • Narrow waist
  • Three body segments

Winged Termites

  • Straight antennae
  • Wings are all equal length
  • Broad abdomen/middle body
  • Thick waist
  • Two body segments

Behavior Differences Between Flying Ants and Termites

Identifying an insect is crucial when looking to solve a pest infestation quickly. 

Understanding the behavior differences between flying ants and swarmer termites can save you time and money as you search for proper pest control.

Consider the following:

  1. Both termites and flying ants will leave their swarms in large numbers when they are ready to reproduce. This is when they will seek a new nest – AKA your home.
  2. Termites typically swarm after the monsoon season (mid-June to September) and throughout the fall, while flying ants generally swarm later in the summer.
  3. Both bugs will seek a colony to stay in until they die.
  4. Termites often seek to colonize near wood and eat it, thus much more destructive than flying ants.
  5. Flying ants are much more likely to colonize outside on your property, in your garden, or near windows and doors.

Signs of Termites in Your Home

To properly identify termites in your home as opposed to flying ants, consider these signs:

  • Discolored or deteriorating drywall
  • Wood that is hollowed out or sounds hollow when tapped
  • Small holes in construction material
  • Sagging or buckling floorboards
  • Tiny sawdust-like droppings
  • Mud tubes on walls
  • Discarded wings
  • Black, brown, or grey droppings

If you see these signs of termites – or the bug itself – it is time to contact a professional pest control company as soon as possible to prevent further infestation and damage.

Signs of Flying Ants in Your Home

Flying ants are often a sign of carpenter ants nesting near or in your house, which can be a huge issue. Though not all carpenter ants fly, you need to be extremely wary if you begin to see an influx of winged ants in your home.

Look for these signs of flying ants to help protect your property:

  • Rustling noises in walls or woodwork
  • Smoothed yet damaged wood or hollowed frames
  • Tunnels through live wood areas of housing
  • Wood shavings or piles of sawdust
  • Discarded ant wings around the house

Though some of the signs of flying ants are similar to those of termites, they have different behaviors and effects on your home.

How to Prevent Flying Ants and Termites in Your House

There are some baseline prevention techniques you can use to prevent termites and flying ants from infesting your property, including:

  1. Sealing cracks in your property: Cracks in walls, floorboards, and your foundation can let these larger flying insects into your home. Caulking them will help decrease the chances of a flying ant or termite infestation.
  2. Eliminating food sources: Flying ants and termites are looking for wood to chew on and sugary foods to indulge in. Keeping your kitchen and pantry clean will prevent ants from eating your food.
  3. Keeping all surfaces clean: Wiping down your counters and floors with a vinegar-based solution every so often is a great repellent to both termites and flying ants.
  4. Hire Regular Professional Pest Control Services: Termites are especially persistent, and flying ants are no joke. If you see these winged bugs in your home, it’s time for pest control services.

The best pest control companies can provide monthly or bi-monthly services to ensure no flying ants, termites, or other pest problems remain on your property. If you have issues with flying bugs in your home, reach out to a local pest control provider near you immediately.

Insectek is Arizona’s Leading Termite Pest Control Company

At Insectek, we’re committed to keeping homes in Arizona pest-free. Whether it is termites, flying ants, or any other sort of pest, our team of experts has the exact solution for your home.

If you want to get rid of pests in a pinch, contact us for a free quote today.

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