Many of us fear termites after an infestation of flying insects swarming our homes. But, all of the flying insects are not termites, they can also be flying ants with wings.
Although there is a vast difference between termites and flying ants, they can look the same at first glance. In this article, we'll tell you how to separate these pesky insects and we'll also guide you on how to repel them.
Termites vs Flying Ants
Termites and flying ants could easily be confused, but it is their features that set them apart. Termites have straight antennae and a thick waist with equal-length wings. Their bodies are pale, often light-colored.
Flying ants have bent antennae, narrow, pinched waists, and two pairs of wings with the frontal wings larger than the back. They often have darker, shining bodies.
Termites are notorious for their wood-destruction habits, whereas flying ants do not attack structures, though they may become a nuisance when swarming.
Size: How Large is a Termite Compared to a Flying Ant?
Termites and flying ants do bear a resemblance in some ways, but they are distinct with differences in their size and appearance. Most termites are roughly 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch in length, while flying ants are more often 1/2 inch to 5/8 inch or larger.
How To Identify Termites
Among common signs of termites, mud tubes, discarded wings, and hollow-sounding wood probably feature.
During swarming, winged termites swarm around windows and doors; early infestations can thus be noticed through periodic routine inspections that minimize possible damage.
Subterranean termites are the most common type in the U.S. They live underground and build mud tubes to access wood structures.
These termites are fond of moist environments and must have soil contact to survive. Subterranean termite colonies may contain millions of members - and are known for causing extensive damage to homes.
Drywood Termites
Unlike subterranean termites, drywood termites do not need contact with soil and moist environment so they are harder to find. They excrete small dry fecal pellets which can be found near the dry wood infestation area.
Usually, they are not as rapid at destroying wood as subterranean termites, but the presence of drywood termites within a structure results in expensive repairs.
Dampwood Termites
Dampwood termites will favor decaying wood and moist one; they are mainly found in rotten and moist logs or in woods that have been exposed to moist conditions.
Compared to other types, these termites are less likely to infest your house but can also cause damage where there is excess humidity - so it is better to ventilate the home.
How To Identify Flying Ants
Flying ants are the reproductive individuals of the ant colony. These swarm in favorable warm humidities, taking to the wings to mate in flight and found new colonies.
Seeing swarms of flying ants indoors can indicate that there is an infestation; thus, keen observation is needed along with eliminating the colonies in the surroundings.
Carpenter ants are big black ants that burrow into wood to make their nest. Infestation and building of new colonies are indicated by swarming flying carpenter ants.
They do not eat wood like termites, but they have the potential to weaken a structure over time. Regular inspection and reduction of moisture are effective preventive measures against nesting by carpenter ants.
Pavement Ants
Pavement ants are small brown to black that nest under sidewalks, driveways, and foundations. Flying pavement ants emerge in large numbers during their mating season.
Though pavement ants do not cause significant structural damage, they can be a nuisance indoors. Sealing cracks, and maintaining clean surfaces inside homes are ways to keep pavement ants outside.
Fire Ants
Fire ants are one variety of aggressive, red-brown ant that produce painful stings. Flying fire ants tend to appear in mating season and are thus indicative of some nearby colonies.
The large mounds they build in yards could increase since these ants breed fast. Their sting is a danger, especially to children and pets; therefore, it is critical to control the fire ant colonies.
Flying ants swarm during flying ant day (mid-July) to mate.
After mating, males die, and females (future queens) shed their wings.
The queen seeks a location to start a new colony.
Eggs are laid, hatching into larvae.
Larvae develop into worker ants who care for the colony and queen.
The colony eventually produces more reproductive ants for future swarming.
Ants go through complete metamorphosis (egg, larva, pupa, adult), ensuring continuous colony growth.
Termites vs Flying Ants Bite
Termites do not bite people, as it were, because these insects actually feed on wood. Their jaws are changed in such a way that they can only chew cellulose and in no way may serve as a weapon in either defense or attack.
Some flying ants, such as fire ants, can sting and bite if threatened. Fire ants are known to sting painfully as their stings result in itching and swelling with allergic reactions. Most flying ants, however, cannot sting and seldom bite unless they are intentionally provoked or disturbed in some form.
What To Do For Flying Ants Sting / Bite?
If you are stung or bitten by a flying ant, you should immediately take action in order to attempt to reduce pain and discomfort. First, clean the site of the sting or bite using soap and water to avoid infection.
A cold compress is very effective to lessen the swollen parts and pain. You may also use some over-the-counter cream like calamine lotion to soothe itching and discomfort. In case of symptoms such as difficulty breathing and swelling of face areas, consult immediate medical help.
Termites build their nests either underground - referred to as subterranean termites, in wood, or in mounds above ground. Their nests sometimes are hidden within wall spaces, foundations, or behind soil faces, thus making them difficult to detect.
Termites construct mud tubes to travel in and also to maintain favorable moisture levels within the colony and may have millions of colony members.
Flying ants like carpenter ants nest above ground while others are primarily burrowed in soil under rocks or in walls. For example, carpenter ants tunnel into wood but don't eat it.
Fire ants construct visible mounds but pavement ants nest under sidewalks and driveways. Ant nests are typically more available and visible than termite nests.
What Do Termites and Flying Ants Feed On?
Basically, cellulose is the food for termites, which is contained in wood, plants, paper, and other organic materials. Subterranean termites need decaying moist wood for nutrition, whereas drywood termites feed on dry wood comprising structural timbers and furniture.
They do not feed on wood but burrow into it for nesting sites just like carpenter ants. The flying ants eat sweet things, for instance, nectar, honeydew from aphides and other sweet elements that contain sugar in human food.
What Do Termites And Flying Ants Do?
Termites are very important in nature, as they help in the decomposition process of dead trees. They work industriously day and night to increase their colony through constant feeding, nest construction, and reproduction.
Flying ants contribute to pollination and control other insects by preying on them for food. The swarming of flying ants is believed to be the mating period of the flying ant's colony, and these colonies survive through gathering sweet foods and proteins as survival nutrient foods.
Before seeking professional assistance, here are some home remedies that repel flying ants and termites, in both organic and chemical manners:
Seal Entry Points: Most cracks, gaps, and openings should be inspected and sealed around windows, doors, and along the foundation against entry of both flying ants and termites.
Repellent Plants: Plant mint, basil, and garlic around your home. These plants give off odors that flying ants and termites avoid, like a protective barrier to your residence.
Diatomaceous Earth: Sprinkle this at entrance points, or wherever you notice their activity. This organic product severs exoskeletons, which dehydrates and kills them.
Vinegar and Water Spray: Take out flying ant pheromone trails with a 50-50 mix of vinegar and water, and deter termites from entering any wooden structure.
Boric Acid Baits: For flying ants, you can mix boric acid with sugar water and make bait. The ants take the bait back to their colony, and it will eliminate their population. Termites can also be treated with boric acid applied to infested wood.
How To Prevent Termites And Flying Ants
To keep the termite infestation and the flying ants at bay, here are several ways through which you can do that:
Moisture Reduction: Always maintain the moisture in your premises low. Patch any leakages and ensure proper drainage is carried out, if a place is highly damp, use a dehumidifier. Termites find a moist environment friendly for survival, whereas flying ants like to move towards wet areas.
Proper Wood Storage: Firewood and lumber piles should be stored at least 20 feet away from the house and off the ground to minimize the risk of flying ant and termite infection near the house.
Landscaping: Plants and mulch must be kept off the foundation of your house. Shrubs and trees should be pruned back because these too can provide food for flying ants and termites, as well as it can shelter access to the house.
Physical Barriers: Installation of physical barriers, such as metal meshes or treated wood, in places most vulnerable to termite infestation will keep them away from your home.
Eliminate Food Sources: Store food in tight containers and promptly clean up spills. This reduces attractants for flying ants while also keeping your kitchen clean.
Regular Inspection: Regular inspection of your house for signs of termite and flying ant activities will help you in the early detection of their infestation and thus prevent larger ones.
