How to Identify Flying Ants
Although flying ants and termites may resemble each other at a distance, up close the two insects couldn't be more different. Here are a couple of quick pointers derived from information presented by the University of Minnesota that will help you identify flying ants. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Capture one of the little creatures. If you cannot catch one live, use a spray pesticide to kill at least one and gather the body for further study.
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Examine the antennae. In flying ants, the antennae are bent like an elbow. Termite antennae are straight. There is a slight textural difference which can also help you identify flying ants: flying ant antennae are scaled in appearance, while the termite antennae have a more beaded appearance.
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Compare the wings. Both flying ants and termites have two sets of wings, a front set and a back set. The way you can identify flying ants is by looking at the comparative length of the wing sets. In flying ants the front set of wings will be longer than the back set of wings. In termites, the wing pairs are of equal length
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Take a look at the abdomen. Insect bodies are divided into three main sections: the head, thorax and abdomen. Flying ants have a narrow abdomen which gives them a graceful, wasp-waisted apperance. Termites have a thick and chunky abdomen.
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Take the insect to a local exterminator if you are unable to distinguish any of these characteristics or are still unsure if you have a flying ant or a termite.
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Tips & Warnings
Many species of ants gain wings as part of their reproductive life cycle. One species of ants, the carpenter ants, can cause damage to structures, especially if there is water damage associated with the house. You should consider giving an exterminator a call if you have found flying ants in or on your home.
Termites have wings only during their swarming stage, which is the part of their life cycle when they attempt to establish colonies. Swarming termites do not eat wood. However, after a short mating season, a termite queen will begin to lay eggs and produce the familiar white termites that we all know and loathe. So if you find a flying termite, you may have caught the infestation before it became established.
If you used pesticide to kill the insect in question, do not handle the insect with bare skin. The chemicals in the pesticide can absorb through your bare skin and may be hazardous to your health.
