Many different pests can be mistaken for each other- beetles are often thought to be cockroaches, centipedes are sometimes confused with silverfish, and flying ants and flying termites are often mixed up. Unfortunately, the difference between an ant and a termite when it comes to your home can be pretty severe.
Flying ants and flying termites are often mistaken for one another due to their appearance and unmistakable wings, but there are some key differences between the two. Here is everything you need to know about flying ants and flying termites, and what to do if you have either in your Maryland home.
Why Do Ants and Termites Have Wings?
Flying ants and termites have wings in order to reproduce and establish new colonies. After mating, ants and termites will shed their wings to signal that they are bonded and become the kings and queens of their new nests.
This swarming behavior typically occurs during warm, humid conditions, often after rainfall, to increase their chances of survival. By taking flight, they can disperse over a wider area, reducing competition and promoting the growth of new colonies.
Key Differences Between Flying Ants and Flying Termites
Spotting the difference between a flying ant and a termite can prevent thousands of dollars in potential property damage. There are several key differences that can make it easier to tell flying ants apart from flying termites, including:
Body Shape
One of the most noticeable differences between flying ants and flying termites is the shape of their bodies. Flying ants have pinched waists and segmented bodies, whereas flying termites are long and thin.
Wing Structure
The wings of a flying ant are larger than their hind wings, while flying termites have two sets of wings that are equal in length.
Antennae Appearance
Another key difference between these two types of pests is their antennae appearance; flying ants have bent antennae while flying termites have straight ones.
Behavior and Movement
While ants and termites live in large colonies, their other behaviors differ. Flying termites are more likely to colonize near wood and wooden structures while flying ants are more likely to be found outside of the home near your windows and doors.
Swarming Seasons
The swarming seasons for flying ants and flying termites also differ, as flying ants swarm in the spring and mid-summer, and flying termites swarm from mid-June through late fall.
Nesting Locations
Flying ants often nest near gardens and places where they can find food sources while flying termites nest near wooden structures.
Signs of Damage
While both flying termites and flying ants can cause damage to homes, termites are more likely to cause significant damage to homes and wooden structures. Learn about the signs of a termite infestation to stop one before it starts to damage your home.
What to Do If You Spot Flying Ants or Termites
If you spot flying ants or termites in or around your property, here are some steps you should take to eliminate them and prevent future colonies.
1. Identify the Insect Correctly
If you spot a strange insect in your home, the first step should be to identify it correctly. Flying ants and termites may look similar, but eliminating each requires different protocols. For example, getting rid of ants may require eliminating ant hills in your yard, while termites can be eliminated using bait stations.
2. Inspect Your Home for Signs of Infestation
Seeing the odd insect in your home doesn’t necessarily indicate a larger infestation, but it is still worth looking into. If you can catch an infestation in its early stages, you have a better chance of getting rid of the pests before they cause significant damage to your home. Familiarize yourself with the signs of a termite and ant infestation to help identify the species and start prevention measures.
3. Address Moisture Problems
Termites and ants are known to be attracted to moisture, so having any leaking pipes or standing water in your home can cause these pests to infest. Addressing any moisture problems in your home is a crucial step to getting rid of any pest infestation.
4. Remove Food and Wood Sources
Flying termites and ants are also known to be attracted to places where they can easily access food and water sources, which is why it is imperative that you address these issues and remove these resources from your property. For example, ants and termites are often attracted to wet softwood, so storing firewood far away from your home can help deter these pests.
5. Seal Entry Points
Ants and termites can squeeze through even the tiniest cracks and crevices in your home, which is why it is important to seal these entry points. You can do this by using a store-bought caulk or sealant and applying it anywhere you think ants and termites may be able to get through.
6. Use Baits and Traps as Needed
Ant and termite baits and traps can be purchased at most home improvement stores and may work in a pinch. However, it is important to note that these baits and traps are not going to be as effective as professional pest control services.
7. Consider Professional Pest Control
If you suspect an infestation of any kind in your home, the first thing you should do is contact a pest control professional. A trusted and experienced exterminator will be able to inspect your home to determine what kind of pest you’re dealing with and recommend a plan of action to get rid of them for good.
At Pest Czar, we have developed unique treatment protocols for termite and ant control. These protocols allow our technicians to eliminate burgeoning or active infestations on any type of property to help keep pests under control. Contact us today for a quote on active monthly plans or emergency services.
FAQs
What attracts flying ants and termites to my home?
Flying ants and flying termites are most often attracted to homes where they can access key resources, such as food and water. These pests are also attracted to wood and warm, humid environments, which is why you may notice damage to the wooden structures on your property, such as your deck or shed.
Can flying ants or termites bite or sting?
While termites rarely bite humans, flying ants can bite and sting if they feel threatened.
When do flying ants and termites usually appear?
Flying ants and flying termites typically appear during the spring months when the weather starts to warm up. They often stick around until late summer or early fall, when they swarm and establish new colonies.