Ants and termites do share numerous similar physical characteristics, making it quite hard to distinguish between the two insects. Mistaking termites for ants can undoubtedly leave to some costly repairs for homeowners.
What Do Termites Look Like?
While there are more than 2,600 termite species worldwide, the dampwood, drywood, Formosan, and subterranean termites are most commonly found in the U.S.
These pests can cause a variety of damage to your home and other structures. The color of the termites varies by caste, with the appearance of the pest being determined by their role in the nest.
Below is how you’ll be able to distinguish the types of termites.
Worker Termites
The worker termites are responsible for gathering food. They look similar in all of the four major species in the U.S.
Workers are wingless with a soft body. They can range in color from light caramel to milky white.
Flying Termites
Homeowners are likely to find flying termites, which are also referred to as Swarmers. Typically, Swarmers will emerge in the spring and summer. They will take flight in large groups, searching for mates and new nests.
Swarmer termites can sometimes be black in color. Swarmers of the most common species, subterranean termites, will have black bodies and veined wings.
The wings of swarmer termites are typically colorless. However, the number of veins in the wings will offer a clue related to the species. For instance, drywood termites have three major veins, while Formosan, subterranean, and some dampwood termites have two major veins.
Soldier Termites
While soldier termites tend to stay closer to the colony, residents can also spot them around the home.
Soldiers have beige bodies with large, dark heads and mandibles. Termite professionals often rely on the soldier’s appearance to determine the various species of termite.
Each species of swarmer can vary a little bit in color. For example:
- Dampwood termites can be light yellow or tan.
- Formosan termites have yellow bodies and slightly hairy wings.
- Drywood termites usually feature red or brown bodies.
What Are The Differences Between Termites And Ants?
There are some significant body features that differ between these two pests. Let’s take a look at a few noticeable differences between termites and ants below.
Body
Termites seemingly feature no visible waist whatsoever. Ants, meanwhile, have a visible yet narrow waist.
Wings
This may be the easiest way to tell the two pests apart. Termites have front and hind wings that are the same length, typically twice as long as their bodies.
Ants have shorter wings than termites. Their front wings are also longer than their hind wings.
Antennae
Ants have antennae that is bent. Termites have straight antennae.
What To Do If Your Home Has Ants Or Termites
It’s always best to contact a professional exterminator when you are unsure which insect has invaded your home. While an ant infestation is usually something homeowners can treat on their own, the presence of termites calls for professional services.
Termite Control Phoenix Metro Area
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