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It’s never fun to find bugs in your house, but finding large winged insects can be especially alarming. Termites and flying ants are often mistaken for each other, and although they both can cause damage, one is a far greater threat to your house. If flying pests have suddenly appeared in your Tennessee home, you need to know how to properly identify them. Learn what you need to know about telling the difference between termites and flying ants with All-American Pest Control’s helpful guide.
Why Do Both Flying Ants and Termites Have Wings?
Most carpenter ants and most termites do not have wings. Both insect species produce winged reproductive forms during their respective swarm seasons. Swarming is how termites and carpenter ants find mates and expand their colonies.
Swarm season for each of these insects typically occurs at different times of year. Termites usually swarm in early spring, while flying ant swarms are more common in late spring and summer. During a swarm, hundreds of reproductive members of the colony come out in the open to mate and start new colonies. After mating, these pests shed their wings.
How Can You Tell the Difference by Body Shape?
Although flying ants and termites look extremely similar, several key differences in their appearance can help you tell them apart. If you come across any of these pests in or around your house and are able to get a good look at them, the first thing to look at is their body shape.
Flying ants have segmented bodies with three sections. Their waists are narrow and have a distinct pinched appearance. Termites also have three segments to their bodies, but their waists are wider and less defined, making their bodies look more uniform throughout.
What Do the Antennae Look Like?
Another difference in the appearance of flying ants and termites is their antennae. Flying ants have elbowed antennae that have a distinct bend in them. Termites have straight antennae that look like they’re made up of little beads. If you are unable to determine the species based on their body shape, the antennae shape is a reliable way to distinguish these pests.
How Are the Wings Different?
The last difference in the appearance of flying ants and termites is their wings. Both have two sets of wings, four total. Ant wings differ in length, with their front wings longer than their back wings. Termite wings are all the same length and are usually about twice the length of the termite’s body.
What Does Their Behavior Tell You?
In addition to their appearance, you can sometimes tell the difference between flying ants and termites based on their behaviors. Some of the major differences include:
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Termite swarmers are often found near wood, foundations, or crawl spaces, while flying ants are usually found near outdoor nests, patios, or kitchens.
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Termites signal structural risk, but ants typically do not cause major damage to structural wood.
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Termites swarm in early spring, while ants swarm in late spring and summer.
Why Is It Dangerous to Confuse Termites With Ants?
Ants can cause damage to your home, but that damage is typically minor. They are considered more of a nuisance pest than a major threat. On the other hand, termites are dangerous because of the damage they can cause to your house. Termites will eat through structural wood from the inside out, allowing them to cause hidden damage before signs of their presence appear.
Seeing a termite swarm means that a mature termite colony is nearby. If you assume that what you’re seeing is just ants and don’t take any further action, you could be delaying a critical inspection and necessary treatment to rid your home of a termite infestation and protect it from further damage.
When Should You Call for an Inspection?
How do you know when it’s time to contact All-American for a professional termite inspection? The following signs are all you need to pick up the phone and give us a call:
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If you see pests with equal-length wings, broad waists, and straight antennae.
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If wings are found indoors near windows.
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If swarmers appear in early spring.
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If there is visible wood damage nearby.
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If you can’t determine what type of pest is in your house.
Quick identification is the key to a quick resolution. If you see any signs of termites, contacting All-American Pest Control can help you address the issue as efficiently and thoroughly as possible.
Call All-American to Schedule Your Termite Inspection Today
If you’ve seen signs of termites or flying ants, it’s a great time to schedule an inspection. Proper identification is the first step to protecting your home from termite damage. Even if it does end up being ants instead of termites, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your home isn’t infested with wood-destroying termites.
Yearly termite inspections are the best way to stay ahead of potential problems, saving you money and stress in the process. Contact All-American to schedule your termite inspection today.
Reliable Pest Control in Nashville, TN & Surrounding Areas
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: Sango, Woodlawn, Cunningham, Palmyra, Southside, Fredonia, Hilldale, Hickory Point, Clarksville, Ashland Hills, New Providence, St. Bethlehem, Needmore, Oakridge, Port Royal, Shady Grove, South Guthrie, Southaven, Dotsonville, Hampton Station, Marion, Rossview, and the entire Montgomery 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 Consultation online.