Ants vs. Termites: How Do You Tell the Difference?

Termites and ants are two of the most unwelcome in and around your home. While the termite vs ant debate continues to rage on, most people can agree that neither of these insects belongs in your slice of heaven.

While termites can cost you dearly in repairs and potential structural damage in your home, ants tend to ruin your paper goods, create infections with their bites, and disrupt your home one crumb at a time.

If you opt for pest control, you must know the difference to ensure you get the right kind of help.

So, without further ado, here’s the guide on the differences between ants vs termites.

Wing Difference

By far, the most significant discrepancy between the two is in their wings. Ants have two pairs of wings, whereas most termites only have one.

Moreover, the wings of a termite are equal in size. This is opposed to an ant which has larger and longer forewings.

When flying, ants can be spotted as they have a habit of flapping their wings. In contrast, termites move smoothly and silently through the air.

Color Variations

While the color variation between termites and ants may not be visible to the naked eye, one can easily tell them apart with a closer look. Ants typically have darker colorings of red, yellow, and brown.

Termites, on the other hand, have two segmented body shapes with a wide waist. They are usually light brown or translucent in color.

Size Matters

Generally speaking, ants are usually larger than termites. On average, they range in size from 2mm to more than 25mm. Meanwhile, termites are generally much smaller, ranging from 0.5mm to 10mm.

There are, however, exceptions to the rule when it comes to size. In some cases, formicine and dolichoderine ants may be as small as the largest subterranean termites. Furthermore, some larger wood-feeding termites may be almost as large as the smallest ants. 

Nuptial Flights

The primary difference between ants and termite nuptial flights is the size of the reproductive pair in comparison to the workers. During a nuptial flight, ant reproductives are much larger than the workers, while termite reproductives, known as “alates,” are the same size as the workers.

Additionally, workers will congregate around the reproductives during an ant nuptial flight. Meanwhile, the workers join the alates in the sky in a termite nuptial flight. 

Nesting Habits

Ants build their nests outdoors in the ground and make visible hills of dirt. Some species may also build their nests in walls, wood, logs, or stumps.

Termites, on the other hand, rarely build visible nests outdoors. Instead, some types of termites construct interconnected networks of mud tunnels and channels underground. Some also live in galleries made in the dense wood of trees, furniture, and other structures. 

Know the Difference Between Ants vs Termites

Ants and termites may look similar, but taking the time to understand how to tell them apart is essential for pest control. Knowing how to differentiate between ants vs termites can prevent increased damage from an infestation.

Before calling a pest control specialist, look for yourself to see which type of insect you are dealing with. Examine the body marking, wing shapes, and behaviors to make an accurate assessment. With this knowledge, you’ll be prepared to address any future ant or termite issues.

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