Termite and pest control companies are often called in to homes because owners believe that their space has been infested by termites, but when the specialists arrive, they only find ants. There is a difference and while both can be a tremendous nuisance, it can be worthwhile to know how they differ.
Winged Stage
A colony – whether ants or termites – will eventually grow to a point where it can no longer be sustained as a single entity. For this reason, mature members of the species – referred to as alates (in both cases) – will grow wings and will leave the colony at certain times during the year in search of a place to start a new group. The swarms of flying insects are often very difficult to distinguish from each other because the flying ants and winged termites do look so much alike. For this reason, it is generally recommended that homeowners call a pest control specialist whenever a swarm is spotted near the home. It is better to be safe than sorry.
Similarities and Differences
The two winged versions of the species have many common attributes. Both have two sets of wings and bodies will be dark brown or black in color. They will also both drop their wings once they have secured a new nesting place. However, there are many differences, when looking closer. Ants can come in a variety of sizes, have narrow waists, and have segmented antennae. None of this is true for winged termites, which have a uniform width to their body, all share a pretty consistent size of body and wing, and whose antennae are straight. It is also worth noting that a flying ant’s wings come in two different sizes. The front pair will be slightly larger than the back set.
These two distinct species also behave differently when searching for a new spot to grow a colony. Termites will pair up and then search out a place of moist wood or soil. Their wings drop shortly after pairing. A male flying ant, at this stage of life, does not have long to live. It is his job to inseminate the female and then he will die. The female will then go on to find shelter to nest.
Though both can be pesky and unnerving, spotting any termites should be an instant warning sign to contact a termite control service such as Slug-A-Bug, immediately.