Difference Between Flying Ants and Termites

While both species have four wings, termite wings are uniform in size. Winged ants have noticeably larger wings in the front than the pair in the back. Termites antennae are almost straight where the ant's antennae is elbowed. Termite wings are twice as long as their body.

1. What causes flying ants in your house?
2. Are flying ants as bad as termites?
3. Do flying ants eat wood?
4. How do you tell the difference between an ant and a termite?
5. Should I worry about flying ants?
6. What are flying ants a sign of?
7. How do I keep flying ants out of my house?
8. How do you find a flying ants nest in your house?
9. How long do flying ants stay around?
10. Are flying ants bad for your house?
11. What to do about flying ants?
12. What is the fastest way to get rid of carpenter ants?

What causes flying ants in your house?

Ants and termites swarm to mate, then the males die, having done their duty, and the queens drop their wings to find a nesting site. ... But because the ants are not active outdoors in the winter, a flying ant seen indoors at this time most likely means that the ants are nesting within the structure.

Are flying ants as bad as termites?

When it comes to termites vs. flying ants, termites take the cake. Flying ants usually are more of a nuisance than they are harmful. Termites, however, can be destructive to houses and other structures and can lead to a more serious problem.

Do flying ants eat wood?

If the insects are ants or termites, you will see a number of winged individuals present in the mass of insects. ... Ants do not eat wood but will chew tunnels and chambers within the wood itself, so look for signs of sawdust under the damaged wood.

How do you tell the difference between an ant and a termite?

Wing Differences

Ants, by contrast, have front wings that are much bigger than the smaller wings underneath. Termite wings are double the lengths of the insects' bodies. Ants have shorter wings that are proportionate to their body sizes.

Should I worry about flying ants?

Now, if you see a swarm of flying ants inside of your home, this probably means you have a colony of ants living inside your wall voids, or nearby on your property. For swarms in your home, call a pest management professional immediately.

What are flying ants a sign of?

For many homeowners, the first obvious sign of termite infestation is a swarm of flying insects. However, not all swarming insects are termites – some are flying ants.

How do I keep flying ants out of my house?

Fill a spray bottle with one part liquid soap, two parts water, and a few drops of oil, and then spray the ants and the surrounding area. The soap dehydrates the insect, while the peppermint oil suffocates them.

How do you find a flying ants nest in your house?

How to Find an Ant Nest Indoors

1. Look for Wood Shavings – This could be a sign of carpenter ants. ...
2. Look for Swarmers – First, determine if the “ants” are really ants and not termites. ...
3. Look for Dead Ants – Piles of dead ants, particularly around a window, is another sign of an interior infestation nearby.

How long do flying ants stay around?

While workers, who are all female, live for around a month, queens can live for over 10 years. They spend most of their lives in their nest - only leaving for the "nuptial flight" as immature queens to mate and ultimately found their own colony.

Are flying ants bad for your house?

Although carpenter ants can chew through wood and create property damage, generally speaking flying ants are not dangerous. They are not more likely to bite and they are not poisonous. They are, however, annoying and a swarm of flying ants does not look good and can lead to a full on ant infestation around your home.

What to do about flying ants?

Simply suck the pests up with a handheld or full-sized vacuum and then immediately replace the vacuum bag. A simple spray made from dish soap and peppermint oil spray will do the trick if the ants are scattered and difficult to reach by vacuum. Fill a spray bottle with one part liquid dish soap and two parts water.

What is the fastest way to get rid of carpenter ants?

Make a bait to find the nest.

They're attracted to sweets, so a little bit of jam or jelly can work. You can also mix equal parts sugar and baking soda, then place the mixture in a shallow dish. The sugar attracts the ants, but the baking soda will kill them naturally.