Are flying ants actually termites?!

Seeing ants with wings can mean one of two things are happening. You either have an ant problem, or a TERMITE problem. So the question is “are flying ants actually termites?!”

Ants and termites are similar in their colony habits and culture. Both termites and ants create winged reproductives, called alates or swarmers. Their job is to leave the colony, reproduce, and form new colonies.

Seeing winged ants or termites strongly indicates that a colony is in the house or in the immediate area.

How do you know if your winged pests are termites or ants?

Most homeowners are not certified entomologists. Do not fear, there are several basic identification indicators to determine whether your winged alates are termites or ants.

Look at the wings

Termite swarmers will have 2 pairs of wings that are the same size

Ant alates will have 2 pairs or wings that are different lengths.

Look at the body

Termite Swarmers will have a long, smooth body.

Ant Swarmers will have “pinch points” along their body called nodes. The number of nodes will depend on the species of ant.

What other evidence do you have?

termite infestation and termite swarmers

If you have been seeing a lot of ants in your home all season, then it would be likely to see winged ants as well. If you have an ant nest in your home, the winged reproductive alates will also be in your home.

Termites, since they are subterranean, will NOT be visible in the home. This is why they are known as the silent destroyers. Termite activity and damage can go unnoticed for years!

Seeing winged alates and swarmers once or twice a year without seeing any ants in the house could mean a termite problem. Especially if the winged reproductives are only localized in at a specific window sill during a specific time of year.

Why do termite swarmers look like ants and not termites?

Subteranean termites are small, and clear or white in color. Their color is based on their lack of sunlight due to living underground and in wood.

The winged ants, or swarmers or alates, of the termite colony have a dark color to them. This allows them to go above ground in search of a reproductive mate. Once they have mated, they will return to the ground and start a new termite colony.

Why are termites called flying ants?

Most homeowners have never seen a termite. Ants, on the other hand, are extremely common and can be found most places. Since the termite swarmers resemble ants in size and general appearance, most homeowners just refer to them as flying ants.

How do I know if I have termites or ants?

If you are seeing winged ants or swarmers in your home and are still unsure if you have termites or ants, its time to call in the professionals.

Having a professional and experienced exterminator come to your home can provide valuable knowledge about your specific pest problem.

Letting an ant issue go is not as bad as letting a termite infestation destroy your home! When in doubt, get the pros to come out!

How do I hire the best termite exterminators?

When it comes to termites and other pests that can damage and destroy your home, you need the best and more experienced exterminators.

If you live in South Eastern and South Central Pennsylvania, we can help!

Termite Control and Treatments

Termidor HE Certified Professional — termidor he certified professional

We provide a full range of termite control and treatment options to our clients. Some of the many termite services we provide include:

Termite Treatments
Termite Inspections
FREE Termite Consultations
Termidor Certified Professional
Termite Warranties
Eco Friendly Termite Solutions
Termite Monitoring
Termite PreTreatments for new construction
Wood Destroying Insect Reports for real estate transactions
Many More!

Where do we service?

We service ALL of South Eastern and South Central Pennsylvania.

Some of the specific areas we service include:

Prudential Pest Solutions are THE termite experts

Chester County Exterminators — Prudential Pest Solutions is a family and veteran owned pest control and exterminator company

We are a full service, fully licensed and insured pest control and exterminator company. As a veteran and family owned and operated company, you can trust that we have your best interests in mind.

As a Marine Corps Veteran with a degree in Biology from Penn State University, I promise you haven’t met an exterminator like me before!