There are several types of ants that can cause problems for homeowners, including termites and flying ants, also known as carpenter ants. Flying insects and gnawing insects can both invade your home. The EPA estimates that termite infestations cause billions of dollars’ worth of damage every year. Identifying the pest species is important to treating an infestation effectively – something that can be overlooked at first glance. In this article, you will learn how to identify flying ants and termites, as well as how to treat them.
Flying Ants vs. Termites: Key Differences
Carpenter ants and termites look similar from a distance. There are many differences between them, from their lifecycles to their diets to how they nest. These two insects can be distinguished in the following way.
Habitat
An outdoor area like a pool or a moist area like a wood frame is a good place to find flying ants. In dry wood as well as in moist wood, they are attracted to moisture. In homes, they nest near leaky windows, doors, sinks, and bathtubs. Despite not eating wood, flying ants tunnel and excavate wood to build their nests. A gazebo or storage shed, on the other hand, is a popular place for termites to nest and take up residence.
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Diet Differences
Flying ants feed on seeds, tree nectar, food scraps, and other insects in and around a home when they are hungry. There are termites that eat wood, plants, paper, and cotton fibers, which includes organic home fabrics, books, and your new monstera delicious plant.
Lifecycle Differences
The lifespan of an ant queen is a few years. The lifespan of an ant worker can range from a few days to several months. In contrast, queen termites can live for decades under the right climate conditions, while workers live for only a few years, making them a serious pest.
Termites vs. Flying Ants: Key Similarities
A good pest control company knows the similarities between termites and flying ants. Swarmers are produced by both insects to scout and obtain food.
Their commonalities are as follows:
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Nature and man-made structures both build nests.
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Each species has a head, four wings, six legs, and a thorax.
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Both flying ants and termites nest outdoors.
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Swarmers are produced by each insect family.
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Insect queens live longer than worker insects.
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Through wood, both gnaw and tunnel.
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How to Identify Flying Ants
Catching a flying ant and closely inspecting it is the best way to identify it. When you examine flying ants, you’ll find that they have bent antennas, pinched waists, and different front and back wing lengths.
How to Identify a Flying Ant Infestation
If you see any of these signs, you have a flying ant infestation:
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When you see large winged insects emerging from your ceilings, floor joists, walls, hollow spaces, doors, and any other crevice in your home (especially if their physical appearance matches the description above).
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Your house is surrounded by long ant trails
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Seeing a mature nest near your house
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Wood shavings and sand
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The walls are making noises
How to Identify Termites
Straight antennae, circular beads, an undefined, broad and shapeless waist, and four wings of equal size are all characteristics of termites. It depends on the type of termite what color it is. Formosan termites have yellow bodies, while dampwood termites have pale yellow or tan bodies. In contrast, drywood termites are brown or red in color.
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How to Identify a Termite Infestation
If you or a pest specialist inspect your home, you can identify a termite infestation because termites cause structural damage. Qualities to look for include:
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Peeling paint on home
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Drywall that is sagging, fading, and discolored
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Your drywall has tiny holes
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Hardwood or laminate floorboards that buckle
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Floorboards that are extremely squeaky
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The sound of wood is hollow
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Tiles that are loose on the floor
How to Get Rid of Flying Ants
A vacuum is the easiest way to remove flying ants indoors. You can use an upright vacuum or a powerful handheld vacuum. Dispose of the bag or receptacle for bagless vacuums when you’re finished.
Depending on the advice of your local pest control company, you can spray the flying ants with pesticides. Whenever you use pesticides, open the windows and wear goggles and a mask, and follow any other safety instructions given by a professional.
Using essential oils, dish soap, and water mixtures can get rid of flying ants without spraying pesticides. Peppermint, tea tree oil, cinnamon, patchouli, cloves, and cinnamon are just a few of the essential oils that work well. Mix two parts water with one part dish soap and add a few drops of oil.
It is important to note that many essential oils can be harmful to pets. Consult your veterinarian before using essential oils in your home if you have pets.
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How to Get Rid of Termites
Consider hiring a pest control company to eliminate these uninvited guests. Termite treatment costs between $230 and $930. You will need to consider the size of your residence, the location of the infestation, and the extent of your termite infestation when determining the final price.
How to Prevent Flying Ants
Flying ants can be deterred from entering your home in many ways. Here are some tips to consider:
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Including roof leaks and plumbing leaks, fix moisture issues.
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Branches that can serve as ant bridges should be cut back close to the house.
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You should keep firewood away from your home.
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Cracks in the foundation should be sealed.
How to Prevent Termites
Maintain a foot distance between shrubs and exterior walls, and keep them trimmed. Shrubs and plant life also dry faster after trimming.
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You can keep termites at bay by following these tips in addition to maintaining the landscaping around the house:
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Firewood should be kept away from the foundation.
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Install a vapor barrier in your basement or crawl space to reduce moisture.
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Scrap wood should be kept at least six inches above the ground.
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Mulch retains moisture and attracts termites, so consider using stone or gravel instead. Apply mulch sparingly and keep it away from wood siding, windows, and doors.
Bottom Line
Identifying the difference between termites and flying ants is essential when dealing with termites and flying ants in your region. Even though flying ants are a nuisance, they aren’t as destructive as termites. Contact a professional as soon as possible if you suspect a flying ant or termite infestation.
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