580 Cox Road Cocoa FL 32926 Tel: 321-340-3205
4.9 Star Rating
Over 500 Reviews

What Our Customers Are Saying

580 Cox Road Cocoa FL 32926 Tel:321-340-3205
“Orange Pest Control serviced my house in Melbourne. They were very professional and helpful. I would definitely recommend them for anyone looking for bug treatments or lawn care”

Decoding the Differences: Flying Ants vs Flying Termites

You’re relaxing in your backyard, enjoying a sunny afternoon, when suddenly, you notice a swarm of winged insects. Panic sets in! 

Are they flying ants or flying termites? It’s a common dilemma for homeowners, and knowing the difference can save you from significant headaches (and expenses) down the road.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the differences between flying ants and flying termites. You’ll learn how to identify each insect, understand their behavior, and discover why it’s so important to know the difference in the first place. 

Why the Buzz About Flying Ants and Flying Termites?

You might wonder why distinguishing between flying ants and flying termites is important. After all, they’re both insects with wings, right? They’re both annoying pests?

Well, yes – but not quite. Here’s why it matters to you.

Flying termites are notorious for causing extensive damage to wooden structures. Believe it or not, termites cause over $5 billion worth of damage annually in the United States. Although they’re small, they’re incredibly destructive. 

On the other hand, flying ants are generally harmless. They just don’t pose the same threat to your home’s structure. By learning to differentiate between these insects, you can take the right steps to protect your property (rather than just blindly trying random strategies and approaches to see what sticks).

The Anatomy of Flying Ants

Flying ants, also known as alates, are simply ants that have developed wings for mating purposes. 

They have a distinct body shape with three main sections – the head, thorax, and abdomen. Their waists are pinched, creating a noticeable separation between the thorax and abdomen. This characteristic gives them an hourglass-like appearance.

Another key feature of flying ants, of course, is their wings. They have two pairs of wings, with the front wings being larger than the hind wings. These wings are also unequal in length.

Finally, flying ants have bent or elbowed antennae. This helps them detect food sources and communicate with other ants in their colony.

The Anatomy of Flying Termites

Flying termites, also known as swarmers, are the reproductive members of a termite colony. Their anatomy differs from that of flying ants in a few key ways. 

First, flying termites have a more uniform body shape with no pinched waist. Their bodies appear straight and cylindrical.

One of the most distinguishing features of flying termites, though, is their wings. They have two pairs of wings that are equal in length and size. Their wings are also longer than their bodies and are often translucent or milky white.

Another difference is the antennae – flying termites have straight, beaded antennae. This contrasts with the bent or elbowed antennae of flying ants.

Behavior Differences Between Flying Ants and Flying Termites

If the basic anatomical differences don’t do the trick in helping you identify your pest problem, then knowing how their behaviors differ might.

A common misconception is that only termites swarm. The truth is that both flying ants and flying termites swarm during their mating season

However, their swarming patterns and behavior differ, and paying attention to these patterns can tip you off to which pest you’re dealing with. Flying ants typically swarm during warm weather, often after a rainstorm. The swarm usually lasts for a few hours, after which the ants shed their wings and return to their colonies.

Flying termites, on the other hand, swarm during the day, usually in the spring or summer. They are attracted to light and can be seen swarming around windows or light fixtures. After mating, they shed their wings and start new colonies.

Where these insects choose to nest can also provide clues to their identity. Flying ants often nest in soil, wood, or inside walls. They prefer moist environments and can sometimes be found in kitchens or bathrooms.

Flying termites typically build their nests in wood or soil. They can cause significant damage to wooden structures, including your home’s foundation, furniture, and even books.

As far as diet goes, flying ants feed on a variety of foods, including sweets, proteins, and other insects. While they can be a nuisance because of this, they don’t cause structural damage to your home. 

Flying termites feed on cellulose, a component found in wood. This diet makes them highly destructive to wooden structures, as they can chew through beams, walls, and floors, leading to costly repairs.

How to Identify an Infestation

Recognizing the signs of an infestation early can save you time and money. Again, determining the difference between the two can be tough, but there are some key differentiators.

For a flying ant infestation, you might notice:

  • Visible Ants: Seeing ants with wings inside your home is a clear sign.
  • Discarded Wings: After swarming, flying ants shed their wings, leaving small piles near windows or doors.
  • Ant Trails: Look for trails of ants leading to food sources or nesting sites.

If you’re suffering from termites, this might appear as:

  • Mud Tubes: Termites build mud tubes to travel between their nest and food source. These tubes are often found on walls or foundations.
  • Hollow Wood: Tap on wooden structures; if they sound hollow, termites may have chewed through them.
  • FrassTermite droppings, known as frass, resemble sawdust and can be found near infested areas.

Preventing Flying Ant and Flying Termite Infestations

Prevention is always better than cure, especially when you’re dealing with termites (which are notorious for going unnoticed for years before the damage they’ve inflicted becomes too severe). Here are some tips to keep these pests at bay: 

  • Keep Your Home Dry: Both flying ants and flying termites are attracted to moisture. Fix any leaks, use dehumidifiers, and ensure proper ventilation to keep your home dry.
  • Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home for cracks, gaps, or holes that could serve as entry points for these insects. Seal them with caulking or weatherstripping to prevent access.
  • Regular Inspections: Conduct regular inspections of your home, paying close attention to wooden structures, basements, and attics. Early detection can help you address problems before they escalate.
  • Diatomaceous Earth: Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around entry points and infested areas. This natural powder dehydrates and kills insects on contact.
  • Essential Oils: Certain essential oils, such as peppermint, tea tree, and eucalyptus, may help to repel flying ants and termites, though the jury is still out on their effectiveness. Mix a few drops with water and spray around your home.

Sometimes, DIY methods aren’t enough, and you may need to call in some reinforcements. If you notice significant damage to your home’s structure, it’s time to call a professional pest control service. They can assess the extent of the infestation and recommend appropriate treatments.

Can You Tell the Difference Between Flying Ants and Flying Termites?

If you’re dealing with a persistent infestation – regardless of whether it’s ants or termites that are wreaking havoc on your peace of mind – or you just want to make sure your home is truly pest-free, consider reaching out to Orange Pest Control in Brevard County, FL. Our team of experts can help you address any pest issues and provide ongoing protection for your home. 

Ready to take action? Contact Orange Pest Control today and let us be your first line of defense against any pest invader.

Scroll to Top