Springtime in Georgia is perfect for those leisurely outdoor activities, with mild weather that’s perfect for relaxing and flowers beginning to bloom. But as you grab a picnic blanket from your cupboard, you notice a small pile of what looks like sawdust along your baseboards, with a few discarded wings mixed in. It’s springtime, all right, and those wood-destroying bugs have made their presence known.

Both termites and ants produce winged reproductive insects known as swarmers. When an established colony gets large enough, it releases winged “swarmers”—new queens and kings sent to establish brand-new colonies. Georgia’s warm temperatures, high humidity, and heavy spring rainstorms create the perfect conditions for these swarms to take flight.

But how do you know if you have flying ants or termites? Protecting your property starts with knowing what you are dealing with. Let’s look at how you can identify flying ants vs. termites and how to remove them before they destroy the structure of your home.

How to Tell If You Have Flying Ants or Termites

With over 2,750 species of termites currently known, you may be justified in jumping to the conclusion that the insect you found munching on your woodwork is a termite. But don’t panic just yet. When it comes to flying ants vs. termites, the quickest way to tell them apart is by looking closely at their body shape.

Termite Body Shape

Flying termites have a straight, uniform body. Their thickness remains exactly the same from head to tail.

Flying Ant Body Shape

In contrast, flying ants have a pinched waist. Their bodies are clearly separated into segments.

Quick tip: If the insect looks like it has an “hourglass” waist, you are likely looking at flying ants.

Examine the Wings

When comparing flying ants vs. termites, the size and shape of their wings can tell you a lot.

• Flying termites have four wings that are all the same size. These wings extend well past the insect’s body and have a milky or translucent look.
• Flying ants, however, have front wings that are significantly longer than their back wings. Their wings also appear slightly bent rather than perfectly straight.

Homeowner clue: If you find discarded wings on your windowsills or near doors, then you most likely have a termite swarm on your hands. Flying termites often drop their wings after swarming.

Check the Antennae

Though it’s tricky, take a close look at the insects’ antennae. This will settle any flying ants vs. termites confusion.

• Flying termites’ antennae look like a minuscule string of beads. There is no bend or curve.
• Meanwhile, flying ants have noticeably bent or “elbowed” antennae.

Where Are They Hiding?

Both flying ants and flying termites have distinctive, predictable patterns, like where they hide in your home.

You will usually find flying termites near windows, inside walls, or around your baseboards. They frequently emerge from the soil near your home’s foundation (look for mud tubes!).

Flying ants hang out near kitchens or around indoor trash and food sources. They are also frequently spotted outdoors, finding their way inside.

Signs Your Invaders Are Actually Termites

Secondary clues in your home can help you determine if you have flying ants vs. termites. Termites are usually the culprits if:

• You find discarded wings left behind on windowsills or the floor
• You find pencil-sized mud tubes on your foundation
• Wood around your home sounds hollow when tapped
• Paint is bubbling or damaged 
• Seeing swarms inside your living space is a major termite red flag

Why Termites Are a Bigger Threat

While a swarm of flying ants is certainly annoying, flying termites are a threat to your home’s structural integrity. They work silently inside your walls and wood framing, completely out of sight.

Termites can cause thousands of dollars in structural damage if left untreated. In fact, these destructive colonies can grow for years before you even notice them, and the damage they do is extensive. The National Pest Management Association estimates that termites cause more than $5 billion worth of damage a year in North America alone.

Take Termites Out of the Equation With Square Pest

Finding flying termites in your home can be alarming. While it’s natural to assume the worst, Square Pest is here to spring into action and put your mind at ease. Our licensed experts will perform a thorough inspection, create a tailored treatment plan, and offer year-round protection.

Square Pest is your local Georgia pest control expert. We aim to keep your home and your family safe. Call Square Pest today to schedule your professional inspection.