Spring is termite swarming season, but many people have difficulty identifying flying termites when they swarm because they look very similar to flying ants. Here are a few tips to distinguish them.
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- Termites have straight antennae, while flying ants have elbowed antennae
- Termites have a uniform body, while flying ants have a pinched waist
- Termite wings are equal in length, while flying ants have wings of unequal length
- Termites have finer veins in their wings that create a lace-like, silvery appearance, while flying ants have wings with fewer well-defined veins
The Subterranean termites we see in New England are the most destructive kind of termite, costing homeowners millions of dollars annually. If you identify a termite swarm, it’s likely that you’ve had an active termite colony for at least 5 years and there is probably more than one colony in your yard.
If termites are suspected in or around your home, a pest management professional should be contacted immediately. For a FREE termite inspection, please contact us at 1-800-323-7378.
For an overview about termites, please see our blog article, “Termites – An Overview”.