FLYING ANTS VS. TERMITES

Spotted flying pests? Here's how to tell whether you're seeing termites or ants—and what you should do next.

Spot The Differences!

When Termites Swarm, it is usually when temperatures are above 70 degrees and the humidity is above 70% and especially right before and after a rain. Termites will shed their wings upon swarming, so you may see hundreds of wing fragments on window sills or floors

• Termites: straight antennae, equal-length wings, and a uniform waist
• Flying Ants: elbowed antennae, larger front wings, and a pinched waist

Appearance

Termites typically have dark brown or black bodies with straight antennae and two identical wings. Their waist is broad and unsegmented. Flying ants, on the other hand, are usually black, reddish, or brown with sharply bent antennae, longer front wings, and narrow, defined waists.

Behavior

Both species live in large colonies with designated roles, but their habits differ. Termites are wood destroyers—they consume cellulose from structural wood, stumps, or debris. Ants, like carpenter ants, nest in wood but don't eat it, so their damage is typically less severe.

Diet

Termites feed exclusively on cellulose found in wood and plant-based materials. Ants have a more varied diet, including nectar, crumbs, seeds, and other insects.

Life Cycle

Ants go through four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Termites develop from egg to nymph and then adult. Both insects reproduce by sending winged males and females out to establish new colonies—but only termite pairs go on to build a colony together after mating.

Why It Matters

Termites cause over $5 billion in damage annually—and most insurance policies won't cover it. That's why identifying them early matters.