Termites and Flying Ants
WouterTermites and flying ants are insects that have wings. They are often confused with one another. However, they are different in many ways. For example, termites are more likely to cause damage to structures such as homes.
Termites have two wings on each side of their body. They are about 1/8-inch to 1-inch long. They are shades of white to light brown. They usually attack wood that is close to the soil. They are also more likely to be found in southern states.
Flying ants are similar to termites, but they differ in several ways. They have four wings. The wings are symmetrically shaped and are made of transparent material. They also have straight antennae.
Winged ants are reproductives, which means they will lay eggs on human property. They also perform nuptial flight, which means they will fly away from their nest to mate. They are also larger than other ants.
Flying ants spend most of the spring inside their colonies. In the late summer, they take flight to seek mates. They also create mating aggregations around trees and chimneys. They are often attracted to heat and bright lights.
They can also sting if they are threatened. They are also prone to swarming, which occurs at the same time every year. A swarm can last a few hours. It is a common sight in the summer months.
Termite swarms can be recognized by piles of waxy wings. These wings will fall off once the termite lands. They are also more likely to be found inside wood, such as a tree or wooden fence.
