Ants and termites are closely related, and part of both insect’s life cycle is the winged reproductive. These insects operate a specific role in their respective caste systems, as they will leave the nest and swarm in large numbers, until they begin mating and settling down to form new colonies. If you’re spotting swarming insects around your property, you might be wondering if it’s ants or termites you’re dealing with. While flying ants and termite swarmers may look the same at first glance, there are several key differences in both appearance and behavior that can help you distinguish them.
Flying ants can lead to a new ant colony that will invade your kitchens and bathrooms, and termite swarmers can lead to a new termite colony that can decimate the wood in your home. No matter what type of insect problem you are dealing with, Summit Pest Control can help. Our team of pest control experts can identify the species you are dealing with, provide you with safe and effective treatments to control their population, and then continue preventatively treating your property to prevent them from returning in the future. Contact us today to get started with a FREE estimate at 703-884-2124!
What Are Flying Ants?
Flying ants, also known as allates, swarmers, or winged reproductives, are a special type of ant laid by queens to go out and reproduce, forming a new colony somewhere else. The queen lays future queens and male ants that can mate with them, and then all of the reproductives from several different colonies will congregate together in large swarms looking for mates, in what’s called a nuptial flight. After the ants successfully mate, the male ant sheds his wings and dies, while the new queen retreats underground and waits to lay her first batch of workers to start building a nest.
Flying ants aren’t harmful, and they don’t bite or sting. Those who are afraid of insects might not want their yard to become a swarming ground for ants, but these winged reproductives provide a great food source for local wildlife, as well as a powerful pest control agent in their own right. Unfortunately, ant colonies that start on your property can often invade your home once the colony is mature enough to begin sending out scouts.
What Are Termite Swarmers?
Termite swarmers serve roughly the same role in their colonies as flying ants. Termite colonies produce winged reproductive adults to go swarm in large masses, eventually mating and forming a new colony. Termite swarms happen during the daytime, often during spring, especially after a heavy rainstorm, as termites require more moisture than ants do to survive. Termite swarms are an easy way for termites to spread their colonies out, and they can become a serious issue if they begin swarming near your home.
If you spot piles of discarded wings near your windows and doors, this is a surefire sign that you have a termite colony on your property, and a professional termite inspection should be conducted immediately to prevent any further damage.
How To Tell The Difference Between Flying Ants and Termite Swarmers
Flying ants and termite swarmers have a few distinct differences that can help you tell them apart:
- Wings: the biggest and easiest indicator, flying ants have longer front wings, while termite swarmers have wings of the exact same size. Termite wings are also more rounded and translucent than the pointed, yellow-ish wings of flying ants.
- Antennae: termites have straight antennae, while flying ants have elbowed antennae.
- Color: Flying ants can be reddish brown or black, depending on the species, while termite swarmers are black or brown.
- Waist: ants have a pinched waist with defined body segments, whereas termite swarmers have a thick waist.
How To Get Rid of Flying Ants and Termite Swarmers
If you see swarming insects in your yard or near your doors and windows, it’s a good idea to have your property inspected by a licensed pest control professional. Flying ants and termite swarmers both have the same goal: to start a new nest/colony. When ants form a new colony on your property, their next step might be marching into your kitchen or bathroom. When termites form a new colony on your property, they might begin feeding on the wood inside your home, which can create severe structural damage and drastically lower your home’s market value.
Professional pest control treatments are the best way to get rid of flying ants and termite swarmers on your property in Northern Virginia. Professional pest control can get these populations under control, and then preventative treatments can keep them from returning in the future.
Best Pest Control in Northern Virginia
If you need ant or termite pest control services in the Northern Virginia areas of Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Fredericksburg, or more, contact the experts at Summit Pest Control today. Our team of pest control experts start with a FREE estimate, where we will inspect your home and determine whether you have flying ants or termite swarmers. Then, we will develop a customized treatment plan based on your exact needs and budget. Finally, after implementing the pest control program, we will continue treating your property on a regular basis, preventing ants, termites and other pests from setting up shop near your home. Get in touch with Summit Pest Control today to get started at 703-884-2124!
