One easy noticeable difference between Termites and Flying Ants is their shape. An Ant's body has three individual sections that when they meet look like a neck and waist. Yet a Termite has two segments, the head and the thorax, and looks more like one piece. Species of Ants have a variety of colors, from red to brown to black, but Swarming Termites are usually shiny black.
Another simple anatomical difference is their wingspans. Although both kinds of insects develop two pairs of wings just to mate, reproduce, and produce new colonies, their wings look dissimilar. A Termite's back wings are visible beneath the overlaying front wings. If you outstretch both pairs (on a dead specimen), you'll see they're actually the same length. On a Flying Ant, the back wings hide beneath the front wings, so they are shorter. Their wings have tiny, visible veins. It's easy to knock off the wings of a termite, so you'll probably see them scattered around the site of a swarm.
Finally, the last noticeable difference between Flying Ants and Termites are their antennae. Look closely and you'll see that the Ant's antennae curve or bend inwards, topped by a ball called a club. However, a Termite's antennae gently point outwards without any kinks, bends, or knobs at the end. To further identify them, you're more likely find Termites around wood, where they nest and feed, such as in the rafters in the attic or old furniture stored in the basement or crawlspace. Most Ants, of course, prefer the kitchen where they snack on sweets like sugar or fruit.
Call Assassin Exterminating today for a free inspection and estimate regarding your termite infestation.
