Winged Ants

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The Difference Between Ants and Termites

Now that spring is in full swing, you may notice a lot of activity going on with insects as they are beginning to buzz around a little more. Many insects, specifically ants and termites, are starting to or will soon come out of the ground to gather into swarms in order to mate and set up new colonies. That's normal for this time of year and thus isn't much of a real concern. However, it is important to know that it is quite difficult to tell the difference between winged ants and winged termites. Yet knowing the difference and properly identifying what are ants and what are termites will help you in how you control them. More importantly, when it comes down to the possibility termites might be near or feeding on your house, there is no time or room for error.

Most people have seen and know what ants and termites look like either from kicking open a fire ant mound or looking under a termite infested rotting log. Worker ants are usually black or brown and worker termites are pale yellow in color. However, at first glimpse, winged drone (male) ants and winged queen ants look awfully like winged drone termites and winged queen termites. The problem is that both are relatively the same size, both are black, and both have wings. But if you know what to look for and look closely, the average person can tell the difference between winged ants and winged termites. It is actually quite simple. Here is how:

Physically, winged ants and winged termites are similar in that they both have three body segments, six legs, a pair of antennae, and two pairs of wings. One noticeable difference, however, between the two is that winged ants have elbowed (bent) antennas and winged termites have straight antennas. Another difference is with their waist or area between the thorax and abdomen. All ants have a thin, threadlike waist, similar to wasps, separating the thorax and abdomen. Termites do not have this waist or any such threadlike structure whatsoever between segments.

Once new colonies of ants and termites have been established, they can become problem or nuisance in the future. Ants, especially fire ants, can be major pest and problem in the home lawn, garden, and pasture. Termites, however, are a different story in being that their destruction potential is great and can be very expensive. Simple mention of the word "termite" around a homeowner will often cause uncontrollable panic.

Keep plants, mulch, mulched beds, and gardens at least 12 inches away from the house's foundation. Keep any wood-based items, such as firewood, scrap lumber, fencing, and planter boxes from coming in contact with exterior siding. Divert sprinkler water, air conditioner condensation, and washing machine water away from exterior walls and foundation. Promptly repair any water leaks and moisture problems in the roof, attic, walls, bathroom, and kitchen. Clean gutters and downspouts and keep splash blocks in place.

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