Finding flying termites can be a big worry. Many homeowners have significant worries over termite infestations. An infestation of termites will bring down an entire house if it not properly treated. With homes being most people's biggest investment, they are understandably anxious to protect it. This means that when they find a flying termite in their homes (or even near it) they can be worried. However, flying ants look very similar to flying termites and the two can be easily confused. This article will look at the differences of flying termites versus flying ants so that you can determine whether you need to get a termite inspection or whether you can just leave it and no harm will be done.

Flying Termite Bodies vs Flying Ant Bodies

The most distinctive difference between flying termites and flying ants is in the shape of their body. Flying ants have a body which is divided into three sections. The middle section of their body, the abdomen, is very small (much smaller than its body and its head). In contrast to this, a flying termite has only two sections (a head and a body). The body of a flying termite is fairly straight along its length - not curving inwards at the abdomen.

Flying Termite Wings vs Flying Ant Wings

Flying termites and ants also differ slightly in their wings. Both have two pairs of two wings. However, the front pair of wings of the flying ant are longer than its rear wings. With the termite, its wings are all the same length. This difference is a little harder to spot since they will tuck their wings up when not flying and it is difficult to spot when they are flying.

Flying Termite Antennae vs Flying Ant Antennae

The antennas of ants and termites also offer up a difference which can help you tell which is which. Ants have bent antennas. The antenna comes out of the side of the ants head, then their is a sharp corner in the antenna when it turns to point forwards (and slightly into each other). Termite antennas, on the other hand, do not have this kink. They come out of a more forwards position on the head and are much straighter.

Another difference in their antennae is the direction they point. If you followed the direction of an ant's antennae, they would cross whereas termites' antennae are splayed outwards.

Flying Termite Legs vs Flying Ant Legs

The positioning of the legs of these insects is also an important distinction between the two of them. All six of an ants legs emerge from the top section of their body (the part above the small abdomen). The termite's legs are more evenly distributed along their body.

Conclusion

With all these distinguishing features, you should now be able to pick out whether you have found a flying termite or a flying ant. Depend on which you have, different courses of action are required. Flying ants are much less of a problem. They can easily be treated with traps that can be readily bought. Termites on the other hand are a larger problem. If you have a termite infestation, it is advisable to have a termite inspection from a professional. They will be able to handle the problem fully.