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Summer is in full swing here in Donelson. And insect life is as well! This is also a time when two insects, in particular, can present a threat to your Donelson home. They are the carpenter ant and the subterranean termite. While some people worry about not being able to tell these two insects apart because termites are much more destructive than carpenter ants, this shouldn't be the case. They're easy to distinguish from each other. Here are a few easy ways you can tell whether or not you're looking at a flying ant or a termite swarmer when you find one on your Donelson property.
First of all, if you're wondering, "What are termite swarmers?" or "What are flying ants?" we'll cover that real quick. Ant and termite colonies produce winged insects for the purpose of creating new nests. These are female and male reproductives. If you're seeing them in your yard, it is likely that you have a mature nest on your property. Swarms don't last long and they don't travel far.
Is it a flying ant?
If it looks like an ant with wings, it is likely that you're looking at a flying ant. Termites don't look like ants. Ants have a thin neck and a thin waist, giving them three distinct parts. The neck of a termite is thick and its waist has no pinch at all. This gives a termite more of a pill shape than an ant shape.
Is it a termite?
Swarmers look very different from other termites in a colony. Termite workers, which make up the vast majority of termites in a colony, are pale white in coloration. Swarmers are black or dark brown, depending on the species. But the body of a termite swarmer is not likely what you're going to notice first. Looking down on these tiny insects, that may only be about ⅝ of an inch long, you're going to see mostly wings. The wings are stacked on top of each other, are rounded at the tips, and hang over the end of the swarmer's abdomen. They're also an eye-catching white. If you're looking at a dozen or more termite swarmers, those wings are going to catch your attention.
Carpenter ants and termites are very active throughout our Middle Tennessee service area. We offer termite protection services to help safeguard your Donelson property from these highly destructive pests. We also offer our Perimeter PLUS Pest Control program that will help protect your home from carpenter ants and a wide variety of other pests. Whether you are facing problems with damaging pests like carpenter ants and termites or nuisance pests like house spiders and earwigs, give our Donelson pest control professionals a call today to learn about our many pest control options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can ants harm my home’s foundation?
While most ants don’t damage foundations, and flying ants are really nothing more than an nuisance, carpenter ants can tunnel into wooden structures, weakening them over time. If left untreated, they can cause serious structural damage similar to termites. It's best to contact a professional, like All-American, to determine the type of infestation you're dealing with.
Dependable Pest Control in Nashville, TN & Nearby Neighborhoods
Since 1961, All-American Pest Control has been your go-to team of trusted pest experts for homes, businesses, and home builders throughout Nashville and Middle Tennessee. Our expert team offers termite treatments, mosquito reduction, rodent removal, ant and spider control, and wasp nest removal—keeping your property protected year-round. As a local, family-owned company, we take pride in offering reliable, professional pest solutions with outstanding customer service.
We proudly serve: West End Heights, Bellevue, Brick Church, Charlotte Park, 12 South, Belmont, Burton Hills, Donelson, Edgehill, Ensworth, Hillsboro Village, Hillsboro West End, Melrose, Music Row, Radnor, Shelby Park, Sylvan Park, The Nations, Wedgewood Houston, West Nashville, Whites Creek, and the entire Davidson County and Greater Nashville areas.
For trusted pest control in Nashville, TN, and these surrounding communities, contact All American Pest Control today! Call (615) 824-8814 or schedule a free home evaluation today!