While spring weather generally signals the start of termite season, you may see another insect flying around – the flying ant.
For most people, the thought of seeing a termite in or around their home is terrifying, and for a good reason. Termites cost homeowners billions of dollars each year in property damage. While spring weather generally signals the start of termite season, you may see another insect flying around – the flying ant. It’s not uncommon for people to confuse the two. We often get calls about termites, only to discover that the homeowner spotted flying ants.
So how can you tell the difference between termites and flying ants? Titan Pest & Wildlife Solutions can help! Our team has over 35 years of experience as professional exterminators identifying and getting rid of pests for our clients.
What Do Termites Look Like?
Termites, at first glance, are often mistaken for ants. They are similar in size and have similar-looking bodies depending on the species. They also tend to live in large colonies, just like ants.
The type that typically gets confused with flying ants is the termite swarmer. This winged adult flies away from the colony to produce new colonies. There can be hundreds, even thousands of swarmers, depending on the colony size. So how can you spot the difference?
Pictured here is a termite. Termites have straight antennae, a broad waist, and their wings are the same size. They do not have a pinched waist as an ant does.
What Do Flying Ants Look Like?
When the two are compared, it’s easy to see why at first glance, they look similar. However, knowing the differences can equip you to spot one from the other more easily.
As shown here, flying ants have three body parts, plus elbowed antennae. Ants have harder bodies, and their forewings are longer than their hindwings.
Titan Pest & Wildlife Solutions is here to help whether you have termites or an ant infestation. We will get rid of your infestation with safe and minimal use of chemicals. Because of the proximity of humans to the infested areas, we take extra precautions to avoid any toxicity or allergies developing in our customers.
Pest Control in St. Louis & St. Louis City
Missouri is home to many different types of pests, and none of them are welcome in your home or on your property. If you’re dealing with a pest infestation of any kind, don’t wait for it to go away on its own. Protecting your home from pests can be a challenge. Our licensed and certified exterminators are committed to providing our customers with complete pest control solutions.
