Sometimes it is difficult to tell the difference between termites, some of which are winged creatures, and flying ants. Both types of pest have a few things in common, they both live in colonies and they somewhat resemble one another in shape. However, there are still ways of differentiating the flying ant from the termite and one need only know what those ways are. By being able to tell the difference between these two pests, you will be able to take the steps necessary to protect your home against invasion.

In order to determine whether the pests in your home are ants, check to see if their bodies have three unique segments. Ants’ bodies consist of a head, thorax and abdomen. Each division meets the other in a cinched space and there is something like a little neck between each region of the body. In contrast, termites have only two body segments, but they cannot really be differentiated like that of the ant. The termite appears to have a single smooth, oblong body unit. Ants appear to have small waists and the termite has no waist at all. Termites have thick abdomens.

There is also a color difference between the two. Ants tend to be black, brown or red, and winged termites are a single shade of black. Ants and termites also have different sorts of wings, though ants typically only have wings if they are preparing to leave the colony, mate and set up a new colony elsewhere. Termites and ants grow two sets of wings each and both types of pest use their wings to fly. Ants, however, have longer front wings and shorter back wings. On a termite, both sets of wings are the same length. The wings on this bug will show several veins, unlike those on a termite.

The last way to tell the difference between termites and winged ants is by looking at their antennae: ants have antennae which are slightly bent, like the crook of an elbow. Termite antennae do not have any indentation, and stick straight out instead. There is also a textural difference between the two, but this will not be easy to determine unless you happen to have both kinds of pest on hand which would be most unfortunate.

If you have any kind of pest infestation, it is always a good idea to seek professional assistance. While an ant problem may not be as immediate a concern as a termite infestation, you will still want to ensure that it comes under control before becoming worse. A termite colony in your home can lead to severe damage in the house’s internal structure and paying an exterminator to get rid of the problem may become the least of your problems. To ensure that the damage done is not too great, act as quickly as possible. Carpenter ants, like termites, enjoy making their home in rotting, wet wooden structures. To ensure that your home is not targeted by these pests, it is a good idea to check the property for any such structures on a regular basis.

Author Bio: Stewart Wrighter found evidence of flying antsat his home. He has been doing research on how to deal with the flying ant infestation.

Category: Home Management
Keywords: flying ants,flying ant