Flying Ant or Termite Swarmer: How to Tell the Difference

As a homeowner in Illinois, discovering winged insects in your home can be a cause for concern. Two common culprits often mistaken for each other are flying ants and termite swarmers. While both may appear similar at first glance, they have distinct characteristics that set them apart. Understanding these differences is crucial for effective pest management and protecting your property. In this blog, we will delve into how to differentiate between flying ants and termite swarmers.

Physical Appearance

Flying Ants:

• Flying ants have a distinct body structure with three distinct segments: head, thorax, and abdomen.
• They have bent or "elbowed" antennae and a pinched waist, giving them an hourglass shape.
• The front set of wings is larger than the hind pair, and they are typically longer than the insect's body.
• Flying ants come in various colors, including black, brown, or reddish, depending on the species.

Termite Swarmers (Reproductive Termites):

• Winged termites have a straight, bead-like antennae and a broad waist, without the distinct hourglass shape of ants.
• They have four wings of equal length, which are often translucent or milky white and can be shed easily.
• Termite swarmers are typically light-colored, ranging from creamy white to light brown.
• Unlike flying ants, termite swarmers have a more uniform body structure without the visibly segmented appearance.

Behavior and Habits

Flying Ants:

• Flying ants are often seen during the warmer months, especially after rain, as they are more active in humid conditions.
• They are attracted to sweet substances and can be found near food sources indoors.
• Flying ants are a sign of an established ant colony, and their presence may indicate a larger ant infestation.

Termite Swarmers:

• Termite swarmers emerge in large numbers during the spring, typically after a rainfall, as they seek to establish new colonies.
• They are attracted to light and are commonly found near windows, doors, or light fixtures.
• Termite swarmers do not pose an immediate threat as they do not feed on wood; however, their presence indicates the potential presence of a nearby termite colony.

Damage Assessment

Flying Ants:

• While flying ants themselves do not cause structural damage, they can indicate an underlying ant infestation that may require attention.
• Ant colonies can nest in walls, insulation, or wood damaged by moisture, potentially leading to structural issues if left unchecked.

Termite Swarmers:

• Termite swarmers are the reproductive members of the colony and are not responsible for structural damage.
• However, the presence of swarmers indicates an established termite colony nearby, which can cause significant damage to wooden structures and require professional intervention for control and prevention.

What to Do if You Suspect an Infestation

• Identify the Insect: Take note of the insect's physical characteristics, behavior, and location where it was found to determine if it's a flying ant or a termite swarmer.
• Inspect Your Property: Look for signs of damage, such as mud tubes (a common sign of termite activity), sawdust-like frass, or hollow-sounding wood, which may indicate a termite infestation.
• Consult a Professional: If you suspect a termite infestation or are unsure about the type of insect you've encountered, it's essential to contact a licensed pest control professional who can perform a detailed ant or termite inspection.

In conclusion, distinguishing between flying ants and termite swarmers is crucial for effective pest management and protecting your home from potential damage. By understanding their physical characteristics, behavior, and habits, homeowners can take appropriate measures to address infestations and prevent future issues. When in doubt, seeking professional assistance is always recommended to ensure thorough inspection and control measures.

FAQ About Winged Ants vs Termites

What Are The Most Common Types of Winged Ants In Illinois?

In Illinois, several types of ants can have winged forms that are commonly referred to as flying ants. The most common types of flying ants in Illinois include:

1. Carpenter Ants (Camponotus spp.): Carpenter ants are among the largest ant species found in Illinois. They are known for excavating galleries in wood, although they do not eat wood like termites. Carpenter ants can be black, red, or a combination of both colors, depending on the species. Their winged forms emerge during the spring and summer months as part of the reproductive cycle.
2. Field Ants (Formica spp.): Field ants are also prevalent in Illinois and can vary in size and color. They are typically black, brown, or reddish in color. Field ants build nests in soil or under rocks and logs, and their winged forms appear during the warmer months when they engage in mating flights.
3. Odorous House Ants (Tapinoma sessile): Odorous house ants are small, dark brown to black ants commonly found in homes throughout Illinois. They emit a strong, rotten coconut-like odor when crushed, hence their name. These ants also have winged forms that emerge during their mating season.
4. Pavement Ants (Tetramorium caespitum): Pavement ants are small, dark brown to black ants commonly found nesting under sidewalks, driveways, and pavement cracks. They can also invade homes in search of food. Pavement ants have winged forms that are produced during warm weather for mating purposes.
5. Thief Ants (Solenopsis molesta): Thief ants are tiny, pale yellow to light brown ants known for their habit of stealing food from other ant colonies. They are often found in homes and can have winged forms during certain times of the year when they mate and establish new colonies.
6. Acrobat Ants (Crematogaster spp.): Acrobat ants are named for their ability to raise their abdomen over their thorax and head when disturbed, resembling an acrobat performing a stunt. They are typically light brown to black in color and can have winged forms during their mating season.

It's important to note that while these are some of the common flying ants found in Illinois, there are many other ant species in the state as well. Proper identification of the ant species is crucial for effective pest management strategies, especially if you suspect an infestation in or around your home. If you're unsure about the type of flying ants you're dealing with, consider consulting with a pest control professional for accurate identification and appropriate treatment options.

What Are The Most Common Types of Winged Termites In Illinois?

In Illinois, the most common types of termites that homeowners may encounter include:

1. Eastern Subterranean Termites (Reticulitermes flavipes): Eastern subterranean termites are the most widespread and destructive termite species in North America, including Illinois. They live in underground colonies and build mud tubes to access food sources above ground. Eastern subterranean termites feed on wood and cellulose materials, causing structural damage to homes and buildings.
2. Formosan Subterranean Termites (Coptotermes formosanus): While less common than eastern subterranean termites in Illinois, Formosan subterranean termites are known for their aggressive and destructive nature. They are particularly prevalent in warmer regions but can still be found in some areas of Illinois. Formosan termites create large colonies and can cause significant damage to wooden structures.
3. Drywood Termites (Incisitermes spp.): Drywood termites are less common in Illinois compared to subterranean termites. They infest dry wood and do not require soil contact to survive, unlike subterranean termites. Drywood termite colonies are smaller than subterranean colonies but can still cause damage to wooden furniture, structures, and other items.
4. Dampwood Termites (Zootermopsis spp.): Dampwood termites thrive in moist or decaying wood, making them less common in Illinois homes unless there are specific conditions conducive to their habitat. They are typically found in forested areas or homes with moisture issues.
5. Conehead Termites (Nasutitermes spp.): Conehead termites are not native to Illinois but have been introduced in some areas. They are aggressive termites that can quickly infest and damage wooden structures. Conehead termites build above-ground nests known as "carton nests" and can be challenging to eradicate once established.

It's important to note that termites can cause significant damage to homes and buildings, and early detection is crucial for effective pest control. Regular inspections, proper maintenance, and addressing moisture issues around your property can help reduce the risk of termite infestations. If you suspect termites or notice signs of termite activity such as mud tubes, wood damage, or discarded wings, it's recommended to contact a licensed pest control professional for inspection and appropriate treatment options tailored to the specific type of termites present.