Understanding the Differences Between Flying Ants and Termite Swarmers
Dealing with pests in your backyard can be tricky, especially when it comes to identifying and managing flying ants and/or termite swarmers. Both can be problematic, but knowing the differences and how to treat them can help you protect your home and garden effectively.
Physical Characteristics
Flying Ants:
- Waist: Narrow and pinched.
- Antennae: Elbowed or bent.
- Wings: Two sets, with the front pair larger.
Termite Swarmers:
- Waist: Broad, with no separation.
- Antennae: Straight and beaded.
- Wings: Two sets, equal in size.
Behavior and Habitat
Flying Ants:
- Nesting: In wood, soil, and plants. Commonly found outdoors but can invade homes.
- Swarming: During warmer months, especially after rain.
Termite Swarmers:
- Nesting: Within wood structures, including dead trees and parts of buildings.
- Swarming: Often in the spring, triggered by changes in temperature and humidity.
Impact on Your Outdoor Space
Flying Ants:
- Damage: Can excavate wood to create nests but generally less destructive than termites.
- Nuisance: Large swarms can be bothersome but usually don’t harm healthy plants or trees.
Termite Swarmers:
- Damage: Cause extensive damage to wood structures, leading to costly repairs.
- Nuisance: Can weaken trees and wooden structures, posing safety hazards.
How to Get Rid of Flying Ants and Termite Swarmers
Flying Ants:
- Baits and Traps: Use ant baits and traps to target the colony.
- Insecticides: Apply outdoor ant sprays around your home’s perimeter.
- Prevention: Seal cracks and crevices to prevent entry.
Termite Swarmers:
- Termite Baits: Place baits around your property to attract and kill termites.
- Professional Treatment: Hire pest control services for comprehensive termite inspections and treatments.
- Prevention: Maintain proper drainage, keep wood piles away from your home, and ensure proper ventilation in crawl spaces.
Recommended Pest Control Products
- Ant Baits:
- Terro Liquid Ant Baits
- Combat Max Ant Killing Bait
- Advion Ant Gel
- Optiguard Ant Gel
- Termite Baits and Liquid Treatments (Most Require A Licensed Professional)
- Spectracide Terminate Termite Detection & Killing Stakes
- Advance Termite Bait System
- Trelona ATBS Bait System
- Termidor SC/HE
- Taurus SC
- Insecticides:
Conclusion
Understanding the differences between flying ants and termite swarmers is crucial for effective pest management. Both pests can impact your outdoor space, but with proper identification and targeted treatments, you can protect your property.
For severe infestations, contacting a local pest control company, is recommended to ensure complete eradication and prevention of future problems.
Author: Griffin Thomas 
About the Author: Griffin Thomas is the owner and operator of Preferred Pest Management, serving the Plano, TX area, just north of Dallas. Griffin grew up in the pest control industry, with a grandfather who has owned his own pest control business in the Midwest for over 30 years. In 2020, after losing his pest control job during the COVID-19 pandemic, Griffin decided to start his own company. In his spare time, Griffin enjoys creating articles like this one to inform the public about pest issues around their homes and businesses and how to prevent them. He also loves spending time with his wife and two daughters.
