While they may look similar at first glance, there are significant differences between flying ants and termites. Understanding these differences is crucial for determining the appropriate course of action, as these two insects require different approaches when it comes to pest control. Read on to learn how to identify the pests and provide guidance on how to remove them.
Appearance: How to Tell Them Apart
Flying Ants
Flying ants, also known as alates or swarmers, are the reproductive members of an ant colony. Key characteristics include:
- Body Shape: Flying ants have a narrow, pinched waist that clearly segments their body into three parts: the head, thorax, and abdomen.
- Wings: Their wing pairs are of unequal length, with the front pair larger than the hind pair. The wings are translucent and have noticeable veins.
- Antennae: Antennae on flying ants are bent or ‘elbowed’.
Termites
Termites, particularly the winged reproductive termites, have a different set of characteristics:
- Body Shape: Termites have a more uniform, straight-sided body without a pinched waist, giving them a more streamlined appearance.
- Wings: Both pairs of wings are of equal length, long, and tend to be white or translucent, with fewer visible veins compared to flying ants.
- Antennae: Termites have straight, bead-like antennae.
Behavior and Habitat
Flying Ants
Flying ants are typically seen during the warmer months, when they leave their nests to mate and establish new colonies. They are attracted to light and can often be found near windows, light fixtures or in your pool. While they will eat a wide variety of food, they are particularly attracted to sugars, fats and oils. If you notice a significant number of winged ants, it could indicate a nearby ant colony, and it may be time to consider professional ant exterminators.
Termites
Termites, on the other hand, feed on wood and other cellulose materials. This can lead to severe structural damage to your property over time. Termites are usually hidden from view, and their presence might only become apparent when you notice damage to wooden structures, mud tubes along walls, or discarded wings. Winged termites are often seen during their swarming season, the timing of which varies depending on the species and climate.
Damage and Signs of Infestation
Flying Ants
While flying ants themselves are not particularly destructive, their presence can signal a larger ant infestation. Signs of an ant infestation include:
- Visible Trails: Lines of ants moving to and from food sources.
- Nesting Sites: Piles of dirt or debris indicating a nest.
- Food Contamination: Finding ants in food storage areas.
In addition to indoor infestations, ants may also nest in wooden structures. If carpenter ants are the issue, specific steps for carpenter ant removal will be necessary to protect your home from structural damage.
Termites
Termites can cause extensive damage to wooden structures. Signs of a termite infestation include:
- Wood Damage: Hollow-sounding wood, blistered wood, or tiny holes in wood surfaces.
- Mud Tubes: Pencil-thin mud tubes along foundation walls, which termites use to travel between their colony and food sources.
- Discarded Wings: Piles of wings near windows, doors, or other entry points.
Prevention and Control
How to Get Rid of Ants
To get rid of ants, it’s crucial to address the factors that attract ants. Keep your kitchen clean, wipe down surfaces, and store food in airtight containers. To prevent ants from entering, seal any cracks or gaps around windows, doors, and foundations. Knowing the causes of ant infestations will help you stay ahead of the problem.
First, it’s important to keep your kitchen and dining areas clean. Wipe down surfaces, sweep floors, and store food in airtight containers. Another deterrent is to seal possible ant entry points, paying particular attention to gaps and cracks around windows, doors, and foundations to prevent ants from entering.
To get rid of an existing ant infestation, you can use commercial ant baits and traps near entry points and along ant trails. The ants will carry the bait back to their colony, tackling the problem at the source. You might also want to consider natural remedies for minor infestations.
For more significant ant infestations, or persistent presence of ants in your home, it is advisable to contact professional ant exterminators for a thorough and effective solution.
How to Get Rid of Termites
Termite control requires a different approach. To minimise the risk of termites entering your home, start by eliminating sources of moisture, fixing any leaks and ensuring that there is adequate drainage around your property’s foundation.
Next, remove any wood debris that might act as a source of food for termites. Keep woodpiles, mulch, and wooden debris away from the foundation of your home.
To head off any termite infestation before it becomes a problem, conduct regular inspections of your home’s wooden structures, paying particular attention to basements and attics.
Given the complexity and potential severity of termite infestations, it is often best to contact termite exterminators – both for prevention and to treat any infestation.
When to Call the Professionals
Due to the potential for extensive damage, professional termite exterminators should be contacted at the first sign of termites. Pest control companies have the expertise and tools necessary to manage and eliminate termite colonies.
For ant infestations, we’d recommended contacting the professionals for cases where DIY methods are not sufficient, especially if the infestation is large or the problem persists over time.
As you can see, while flying ants and winged termites may appear similar, recognizing their differences is crucial for proper identification and treatment. Understanding their behaviors, signs of infestation, and appropriate control methods can help you protect your home.