Distinguishing between flying ants and termites can be a challenging task. Flying ants are actually carpenter ants, one of the more hazardous types of ants. If your home becomes a target for carpenter ants, their size, behaviors, and characteristics may mislead you into believing you have a termite problem. Carpenter ants exhibit distinctive habits that require precise and professional treatment methods.
Whether you’re grappling with a termite or carpenter ant issue, the home pest control professionals at Dixon Pest Services are equipped with the tools and expertise needed to resolve the problem and prevent any potential future harm to your home.
Carpenter Ant vs Termite Damage (What You Need to Know)
Carpenter ants typically initiate their activity by burrowing through already deteriorated wood, progressing into structurally sound wood. Identifying carpenter ant damage may prove challenging based solely on external observations, but seeing the presence of ants around a wooden structure serves as a clear indicator.
In contrast, termites consume the cellulose within the wood, resulting in a visible layered appearance. They infiltrate homes through mud tubes constructed in the soil, connecting them to basement windows, doorways, siding, porches, or other structures. Experts estimate that termites are responsible for an astounding $500 billion in damages every year.
Distinctions between carpenter ants and termites become more apparent when examining the destruction they cause.
How to Distinguish Between Flying Ants and Termites
The key to controlling wood-boring pests is identifying the specific type causing the problem. Here are some methods to distinguish between flying ants and termites:
Physical Characteristics
Carpenter ants and termites may share a similar size and have wings, leading to initial confusion. However, upon closer inspection, their physical differences become apparent. Ants have a distinct narrow waist, bent antennae, and forewings that are larger than their hind wings.
In contrast, termites have straight antennae, a broad waist, and wings of equal size.
Visibility
While termites can remain unnoticed in your home for years, carpenter ants are inclined to make their presence known. They leave behind wood shavings in areas they’ve excavated, and you’re more likely to discover their discarded wings scattered around your residence.
The Winged Stage
Both flying ants and termites undergo a winged stage during their reproductive cycle. For flying ants, this stage is a brief part of their life cycle, occurring when they are ready to mate. After mating, the wings are shed, and they establish new colonies.
In termites, the winged stage marks the beginning of the reproductive process. After swarming and mating, these winged termites shed their wings before establishing a new colony.
Diet
Interestingly, carpenter ants do not ingest the wood they excavate. Instead, their diet primarily comprises other insects, occasionally even termites.
In contrast, termites feed on the cellulose present in wood, allowing them to sustain themselves without needing to venture outside your home’s structural framework.
Habitat Preferences
While flying ants and termites might share common habitats, specific species exhibit unique preferences when it comes to their living environments. Termites are commonly linked with wet and decaying wood, as their dietary practices involve the breakdown of cellulose.
Conversely, flying ants display adaptability, thriving in diverse settings ranging from urban areas to forests.
Spot the Difference: Flying Termite vs. Flying Ant
Flying termites and flying ants do two very different things: ants with wings are basically just airborne irritants, and termites with wings (also known as termite swarmers) are an early warning sign that a termite colony is scouting your home as a possible feasting ground.
What does it matter? Well, when you first spot one of these flying insects, it can be hard to tell the two apart, and knowing what you’re dealing with can be the difference between panic (flying termite) or annoyance (flying ant).
Winged termites have:
- Four equal-sized wings
- Straight antenna
- Straight waists
Winged ants have:
- Wings of unequal length
- Slightly elbowed antennae
- Bent waists
Alright, let’s see if you can spot the difference between these two insects:
Photo credit: Derek Keats
You can see that flying termites have four wings, all of equal length, while flying ants have two sets of wings (front and back) that are different lengths.
Let’s try a couple more:
Photo credit: Bernard DuPont
Notice that the antennae are subtly different, but different nonetheless. Flying termites have straight antennae, while flying ants have slightly elbowed antennae.
Finally, this:
Photo credit: Discott
Focus on the waists – flying termites have straight waists, while flying ants have bent waists.
Were you able to spot all of the differences? Don’t worry if you didn’t, some of them were a little tricky! In all three sets of pictures, we had flying termites as the first image, and flying ants as the second, and each set illustrated a specific difference between the two.
Confused About Termites or Flying Ants? Allow Us to Help!
Do you think you’ve identified termite swarmers in your home? Dixon Pest Services offers comprehensive termite solutions that will wipe the floor (and wall) with any termite invaders so that you can rest easy knowing your home is termite-free!
If termites or carpenter ants have invaded your home, you’ll need expert help for proper eradication! The most effective strategy against an infestation by wood-destroying insects is to get annual inspections with a trusted pest control company. Our team of skilled exterminators ensures a thorough evaluation of your residence, offering protection against termites and carpenter ants throughout the entire year.
Contact Dixon Pest Services today for professional help!
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