Flying ants vs termites: What are the differences?

Why people often confuse flying ants and termites

When people see flying insects around their homes, they often assume the worst — termites. However, not all winged insects are termites. Flying ants, also known as swarmers, are reproductive ants from various common species. They come out during warm seasons and share many visual similarities with termites, making them easy to confuse at first glance.

Flying ants and termites swarm in large groups and lose their wings after mating. This makes it hard to tell them apart without a closer look. Knowing the difference is crucial because termites can cause structural damage by eating wood. Most flying ants do not harm buildings unless they’re carpenter ants, which can weaken wood if they establish a nest inside your home. 

Similarities in appearance

Flying ants and termites are similar in size, and both have wings. Their reproductive swarmers leave their colonies at the same time of year to mate and start new nests, making it easy to confuse them. Here are some other traits both pests share:

Shared swarming habits

Both flying ants and termites swarm as part of their life cycle. They leave their nests in the spring or early summer to find mates and create new colonies. Warm temperatures and humidity trigger these swarms, which can happen suddenly and in large numbers. You may wake up to find ant or termite swarmers flying around lights or gathering near windows.

After swarming, these insects drop their wings, which are often found on windowsills, patios, or inside the home. Finding wings means a colony is nearby, but whether it is a serious problem depends on the type of insect.

If the swarmers are termites, this could mean there is a colony hidden inside the home, causing damage to wood structures. Termites eat wood and weaken buildings over time, so an infestation needs immediate attention. If the swarmers are flying ants, they may only be passing through. If they are carpenter ants, they can still cause damage by tunneling into wood to create nests. 

It’s also important to note that both insects are attracted to light, so they gather around windows, porch lights, and indoor lamps. You may notice them resting on screens or walls, especially during swarming season. After they finish mating, they shed their wings, leaving piles of discarded wings near doors, windows, or floors. 

This can be alarming, especially if you fear a termite infestation.

Key differences between flying ants and termites

At first glance, flying ants and termites may appear alike. However, they have clear differences in their body shape, wings, and antennae.

Differences in body shape

Flying ants have a narrow waist that separates their thorax and abdomen. Their segmented body gives them an hourglass shape. In contrast, termites have a straight, uniform body that lacks a defined waist. This makes them look more like a single, continuous shape rather than a segmented insect.

Differences in wings

Flying ants have two pairs of wings, but the front wings are larger than the back wings. This uneven wing size is a clear way to tell them apart from termites. Termites have two pairs of wings that are the same size. This symmetry makes them look balanced when they fly or rest. Their wings are fragile and easily fall off, which is why homeowners often find piles of discarded wings after a termite swarm.

Differences in antennae

Flying ants have antennae that are bent or elbowed. This sharp angle is common among all ant species. Termites, on the other hand, have straight antennae with a beaded appearance. The lack of a bend in termite antennae is another easy way to tell them apart from ants.

Behavioral differences

Flying ants and termites also behave differently. Flying ants are part of larger ant colonies that focus on foraging for food. While some species, like carpenter ants, tunnel into wood to create nests, they do not consume it. Termites, however, eat wood as their primary food source. They digest cellulose, which allows them to break down wooden structures over time. 

Termites rely on wood for survival. If you have an active termite infestation, it can seriously damage your structure if untreated. If you think you’ve identified termites in your home, contact our termite control experts immediately.

Why it’s important to identify the right pest

Knowing whether you are dealing with flying ants or termites is important because the risks and treatments are very different.

Damage caused by termites

Termites are a major concern for homeowners because they eat wood from the inside out. They cause damage over time, often weakening support beams, flooring, and walls before many people even notice a problem. 

By the time visible signs appear, such as warped wood or crumbling drywall, the infestation is usually severe. Termites can lead to costly repairs and long-term structural issues. If termites are present, professional treatment is needed as soon as possible.

When flying ants can become a problem

Flying ants do not eat wood, but some species, like carpenter ants, dig tunnels into it to create nests. If left untreated, a carpenter ant infestation can weaken wooden structures. 

Other types of flying ants, such as pavement ants and pharaoh ants, are more of a nuisance than a serious threat, but they can still be a problem if they invade a home in large numbers. 

If you see flying ants inside your home, identifying the species can ensure the most effective treatment is used - this is where our expert team can help!

How to check if you have flying ants or termites

If you are unsure whether you have flying ants or termites, check for these common identifying factors:

Inspecting wings and body shape

Carefully examine the insects or any discarded wings you find. Look for differences in body shape, wing size, and antennae. If the wings are the same size and the body is straight, you may have termites. If the wings are uneven and the waist is narrow, it’s more likely you’re dealing with flying ants. A professional can help identify which pest is present in your home.

Looking for damage and frass

If you suspect termites, check your home for signs of wood damage. Termites can leave behind hollowed-out wood that may sound empty when tapped. They can also build mud tubes along foundations and walls to protect their tunnels. 

Carpenter ants, on the other hand, do not eat wood but push out frass, which looks like fine sawdust. If you find small piles of frass, it may be a sign of an ant infestation rather than termites. You can learn more about carpenter ants and their differences with termites in our article: Signs of carpenter ants in your home.

When to call a professional for an inspection

If you are unsure whether you have flying ants or termites or if you continue to see signs of an infestation, calling a professional is the best option. Western Exterminator’s ant control experts can correctly identify the pest, assess the severity of your problem, and recommend the right treatment plan to help prevent long-term damage.

Still unsure about the pest in your home? Contact us today

Mistaking flying ants for termites, or vice versa, can lead to unnecessary worry and improper treatment. Our experts can accurately identify pests and provide the right solutions for your home. Contact us today for a professional inspection.

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