Flying Ants VS Swarming Termites in Absecon, NJ; What They Look Like & Eat, Damage & More

One of the first indications of a termite problem for homeowners is the presence of swarming termites. Before homeowners panic, they should know that not all flying insects are termites. In fact, flying ants look a lot like swarming termites at first glance. Ross Environmental Solutions is here to talk about the difference between flying ants and swarming termites to help you avoid a mix up.

Difference between Winged Ants & Termites

When you see a flying insect that is swarming around the exterior of your home, your first thought is termite. However, to decipher whether or not you are dealing flying ants or termites is often the distinguishing differences in the way they look. One of the biggest differences is that termites have a straight body with no defined waist, but ants have a pinched waist. Another noticeable difference is in their wings. Termites have two wings that are the same length and shape. Ants have wings that are uneven. Termites also have straight antennae while ants have bent antennae. Some flying ants are red while termites are also black or brown. This is a great distinguishing feature since ants are also often black or brown.

Behavior of Carpenter Ants Compared to Termites

Termites will also be found near wood. They often look for decaying wood like trees, homes or wood piles. The only ant species that makes their home in wood are carpenter ants. Termites cause a considerable amount of damage to wooden structures in a small amount of time, while carpenter ants still cause damage, but it is a much slower process.

What Do Carpenter Ants & Termites Eat?

Termites feast on the cellulose that is found in wood. Even the ants that live in wood, don’t eat it. They feed on sugary, oily or greasy food. They also eat seeds and crumbs they find around homes as well. Termites will only eat paper or wood.

Termite Damage

When you have termites in the structure of your home, it can cost you thousands of dollars. They cause damage quickly as there are thousands of members in some caste systems. As termites feed on the wood, they weaken your structure and can sometimes make your home unsafe to live in where severe infestations are concerned.

Carpenter Ant Damage

When you have carpenter ants living in your home, the damage they cause is much slower. Carpenter ants don’t actually eat wood. They actually eat nectar and other sugary, greasy foods. They do, however, hollow out wood to build their nests. They are usually on the hunt for wood that has been damaged by water and is easier to bore out.

Pest & Termite Inspections & Control

If you see insects swarming around your home and aren’t sure what you are dealing with, the experts at Ross Environmental Solutions can identify and get rid of these pests. We have the training and experience to eradicate any pest problem you may have to help you avoid damage to your home. Call us today!