Flying Ants or Termites? What's the Difference?
Megan Pinneo
Flying Ants and Termites
It is common to mistake winged ants and termites for one another. Knowing the difference between the two is important and can save the structure of your home.
Flying Ants
Flying ants are called “alates”, but more simply put they are sexually mature ants and are seen mostly during mating periods. When these male and female ants fly out of their colony they have only one purpose and that is to mate. They are often referred to as “swarmers” during this time as they gather in a large group to protect against predators. Flying ants don’t pose much of a threat to humans and will not bite unless they come from a species that bites, such as carpenter ants. However, ants do tend to bite when they feel threatened so it is wise to try and avoid crawling or flying ants. When they have finished mating the males role has been completed and he dies shortly after, the fertilized female flies around till she finds a place where she would like to nest. Depending on the species of ant this can vary. After she has found a nesting spot she will then break off her wings, and lay her eggs, using their broken wing muscles now as a food source. Some ants will find a preferred nesting spot in close to your home, it is important that if you start to see a new colony that you call a Professional. If the ants turn out to be carpenter ants they can cause extensive damage by building their nests in wood.
Termites
“Swarmers” or winged termites are mostly female with their sole purpose being to reproduce. Once they reproduce with a male like ants they establish a new colony. A flying termite swarm usually indicates that a larger colony is near by. Termites are considered to be one of the most damaging pests, with the ability to destroy an entire structure. Worker termites eat the interior soft portions of wood, leaving the outer portion intact causing infestations ability to go on for years before evidence is shown. Seeing flying termites is a serious sign that there is possibly extensive damage to the home and or structure.
Differences
Similar in that they both have four wings
Both can be called “swarmers”
Flying Ants -
Have larger wings in the front than in the back.
Wings are stacked and white in color
Ants antennas are elbowed.
Defined waist.
Termites -
Wings are all the same in size.
Yellow colored separated wings.
Have straight antennas.
Termite wings are twice the size as their body.
Thick straight waist.
Conclusion
It is hard to tell the difference between a flying ant and a termite a professional is often needed to clarify what type of infestation you have. Regardless if you have either of the two, ant or termite it is important to treat the infestation as soon as possible to reduce the likely-hood of extensive wood damage. Termite and Carpenter Ants can end up costing you thousands of dollars if not treated at first sign of evidence. Calling a professional termite inspector is highly recommended in this situation. Black Knight Termite and Pest Control is your local and reliable pest control company having over 20 years of experience.
Call for you FREE TERMITE INSPECTION today!
Termite Inspections, treatment, and termite work for Temecula Valley, Riverside and San Diego County.
951.694.8100
TIP: If you find evidence of wings around your home pick them up and place them in a bag for the inspector to take a look at.