Termite Swarmer or Winged Ant?

How to Tell the Difference Between Termite Swarmers and Winged Ants

Ants Elbowed antennae Narrow (pinched) waistline Two pairs of wings - front wings much longer

Termites Straight, beaded antennae Broad waistline Two pairs of wings - equal in size

What To Do If You Experience a Swarm

• Close off the room in which the insects are swarming.
• Collect a few to show your inspector.
• Use a vacuum cleaner to remove insects after they have swarmed.
• If possible, note the exact locations from which the swarmers are emerging.

Facts About The Termite Swarming Process

• A "swarm" is a dispersal flight of winged termites to start new colonies.
• Subterranean termites typically swarm in the spring on warm, calm, sunny days following rain.
• Subterranean termite swarms usually occur between mid-morning and mid-afternoon and may last several hours.
• Drywood termites and Formosan termites swarm during the evening around or just after dusk.
• Termites swarming indoors will attempt to get outside by flying toward light around windows and doors or even toward lights that are on in the room.
• Swarmers shed their wings after flight, as they will never fly again.
• After shedding their wings, the termites mate, then seek out sites to begin new colonies.
• Wood in contact with moist soil is a suitable colony site for subterranean termites.
• Interior swarms of subterranean termites will not reinfest the structure or its contents.
• A recent termite treatment may not prevent swarming, as the swarmers may have already moved above the treatment zone in the soil when the application was performed.

Winged Ant Swarming Facts

• Like termite colonies, mature ant colonies produce winged reproductives called swarmers that fly out to start new colonies.
• Most ant species swarm in mid- to late spring or summer.
• An ant colony will typically be at least two to three years old before it produces swarmers.
• Fire ants may swarm six or seven times over the course of the spring and summer.
• Pavement ants produce small swarms that may emerge daily or every few days over a period of several weeks.

If you suspect that termites or ants have infested your home, call Terminix at 1-800-TERMINIX right away.