At first glance, flying ants and termites can look very similar, and it is common for homeowners seeking pest control in Knoxville, TN, to get them confused. However, the treatment required to eradicate these two pests is very different, so knowing which one you are dealing with is important. When you book professional pest control in Knoxville, TN, the technician will be able to identify the type of pest you are dealing with, but in the meantime, it might be helpful to learn some of the key differences that can help you to tell these two types of pest apart.
Quick Tips to Spot the Difference
Here are a few quick tips that can help you decide if you are dealing with flying ants or termites:
- Body Shape - Termites have a very uniform body shape, but in flying ants, each individual part of the body is distinct.
- Wings - If you get a chance to see the pest up close, take a look at the shape of the wings. Termites have a rounded tip, and flying ants have a more pointed tip.
- Habitat - Flying ants are more likely to make their homes outdoors, but Termites are often found in your walls.
- Behavior - Termites tend to swarm in the early part of spring, but flying ants start swarming in the summer months.
Let’s take a more in-depth look at these differences between flying ants and termites.
Body Shape
At a distance, flying ants and termites are both small insects with wings. However, on closer look, the flying ant’s body has three distinct parts - the head, thorax, and abdomen that look noticeably different from each other. Termites have a more uniform shape, making distinguishing the parts from the other body sections harder. The termites are long and thin, while the flying ants have a visible ‘waist’ that is narrower than the other body parts. There is also a difference in the antennae. Termites have a straight beaded antennae, while the fling ant has a bent antennae. Identifying the differences will help you determine which type of pest control treatment in Knoxville, TN, you will require.
Wings
Both types of pests have four wings, but the shape and size make it easy to tell the difference between a termite and a flying ant. Termites have wings that are around twice the size of their bodies, with all four being the same length. They are a translucent shade of white with rounded ends. The wings are fragile; you may find them discarded around your home once a swarm has settled in. This is one of the significant indicators that you need pest control in Knoxville, TN.
In comparison, flying ants have longer front wings than the back wings, and they have a pointed tip. The wings are a similar length to the ant’s body and are light brown in color. Female flying ants will lose their wings after mating, which is when you are more likely to see them crawling around in your home.
Habitat & Behavior
It is normal to see both termites and flying ants swarming during warmer weather, especially after the rain. They will both swarm when it is time to reproduce, but flying ants tend to do so in summer, while termites swarm in early spring. Both types of pests are known to swarm in warm and humid conditions. However, it is more likely that you will spot flying ants outdoors, especially outside doors and windows. You may find them in the kitchen as they like to feed on leftovers. They are not generally harmful and won’t damage your property, but some species will sting when threatened. It is best to arrange for pest control in Knoxville, TN, to remove them from your property. Termites will usually only be flying around indoors; swarms will seldom venture outside. Termites are wood-destroying pests that can cause substantial damage. That’s why it is essential to contact pest control in Knoxville, TN, immediately if you see evidence of a termite swarm in your home.
Will Flying Ants Cause Damage to My Home?
Flying ants will not typically cause the level of damage that termites can do to the structure of your home. However, it is important to know the difference between flying ants and termites since dismissing flying ants as termites could result in costly damage if you delay arranging pest control in Knoxville, TN. Flying ants are more or less harmless to both humans and property; however, you should still treat the infestation and have them removed from your home.
In conclusion, while flying ants and termites may look similar at first, understanding the key differences between the two is crucial in determining the right course of action for pest control in Knoxville, TN. Termites can cause significant damage to your home, making prompt professional intervention essential, whereas flying ants are mostly harmless but still warrant removal. By familiarizing yourself with distinctions such as body shape, wing structure, habitat, and behavior, you can better identify the pest in question and avoid costly mistakes. Always consult a pest control expert to ensure proper identification and treatment for a safe and pest-free home.
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Otis Termite & Pest Control is a full-service pest control company with a focus on outstanding service. We have been serving the East Tennessee area for over 56 years and our reputation is built on prompt and effective service. We’re good at what we do and we’re fast. We do the job right the first time – and that’s an actual guarantee!
Call 865.690.1662 or visit www.otispestcontrol.net.
112 Hayfield Road 
