Termite vs. Ant Swarmer: How to Tell the Difference
Seeing bugs swarming in or near your home can be terrifying. For many, their biggest fear is that the swarm is made up of termites. These insects can cause thousands of dollars in property damage in a relatively short time, making them one of homeowners’ worst nightmares. However, sometimes what people believe are termite swarms, are actually ant swarms. While still not ideal to have around your home, these swarming ants are much less destructive than termites.
How Can I Tell the Difference Between Ants and Termites?
While ants and termites can look quite similar, there are some tell-tale signs that you can use to make an accurate identification. Properly identifying your pest as ants or termites will help you determine how serious of a problem you have on your hands.
Types of Ant Swarms
First, you should be aware that there are multiple types of ants which are known to swarm. This includes:
- Carpenter Ants: These ants swarm when it is time to mate. Finding them swarming indoors usually means there is a colony nearby.
- Fire Ants: Swarms of these ants are usually associated with heavy rainfall. The winged reproductives leave their nests to mate and establish new colonies.
- Pavement Ants: These swarms are often seen on sidewalks and pavements. They may be confused with subterranean termites due to their similar size and color.
- Citronella Ants: These are the ants most often confused for termites. They can easily be identified by crushing a few between your fingers and smelling the distinctive lemony citronella scent.
Any of the above ants can be confused for termites. It is helpful to be familiar with all of the types of swarming ants, allowing you to rule out termites with confidence.
When Do Termites Swarm vs. Ants?
One of the easiest ways to identify swarming ants vs. termites is by the time of year. Termites are known for swarming in the spring, particularly after periods of warm, rainy weather. Different types of swarming ants will swarm at different times of year, but most reach peak swarming in the summer. Usually, if you are seeing swarming insects any time outside of spring, you can be confident that they are not termites. While spring time swarming may mean they are termites, there is still the potential that they are ants.
What Do Termite Swarmers Look Like Compared to Ants?
There are many differences in the appearance of a termite swarmer vs flying ants. These physical characteristics can often be the most reliable way to determine which of these insects has invaded your home or business. Some of the characteristics you can use for identification include:
- Body Shape: The body of a termite is straight, uniform, and has no pinched waist. On the other hand, the body of an ant has a pinched waist and three distinct body segments, which are the head, thorax, and abdomen.
- Antennae: The antennae of a termite are relatively straight or slightly curved. The antennae of an ant are elbowed.
- Wings: Termites have two sets of wings that are equal in size. The wings are held flat over the body. Ants also have two pairs of wings. However, the front set of wings is larger than the rear set of wings.
- Color: This can be a difficult characteristic to use for identification purposes, as there is some overlap between the two. Termites are usually black, brown, or tan. Ants are usually black, brown, or reddish.
- Size: Termites only reach a size of about 1/4 to 1/2 inch long. The different types of swarming ants come in all sizes, including larger than termites. If the swarming insect is greater than ½ inch long, it is likely an ant and not a termite.
Using the above characteristics, you should find it relatively easy to identify whether it is termites or ants that are swarming in or near your home or business.
Should I Be More Worried About Termite Swarms or Ants?
While both are pests that should be dealt with as soon as possible, you should be much more worried about termites. Termites can cause hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages to your home or business. If left unchecked they can even undermine the structural integrity, making a building unsafe to inhabit. While ants can also cause damage, particularly carpenter ants, it will usually be nowhere near the amount of damage termites can accomplish. Should you suspect termites, it is imperative that you seek the help of a pest control expert as soon as possible.
How to Spot a Swarm Inside a Home or Business
The first step in protecting your home or business from a swarm of termites or ants is to notice them. You should do regular inspections around your home or business. Not just inside, but also outside, particularly around the foundation of the structure. Keep an eye out for discarded wings and surface damage to wood surfaces. The sooner you notice a swarm, the less time they will have to damage your property.
