You’re doing a little yard work when you happen to notice little winged bugs are swarming around your property. They appear organized and attracted to the exterior. So, you grab your phone and take a picture, then post it on social media, asking family and friends to help identify what these things are. The comments come rolling in, but they clash. Some say those bugs are Formosan termites, while others contend they’re flying ants. Great. Now what?
You can’t ignore the problem because you know it will only get worse. However, you need to know what to get to kill them off. Frustrated, you try Big G and even a couple of AI chatbots to get an answer. Still, you’re not convinced the answers are right, because the differences between Formosan termite swarmers and flying ants just aren’t extremely obvious. If you want to know what to do next, simply read on.
How to Tell Flying Ants from Termite Swarmers
Okay, identifying flying ants versus Formosan termite swarmers isn’t easy. This is because they share many similarities. Since you’re not a trained etymologist, you’re going to have to do a lot of comparing and contrasting. After all, let’s face it, unless you are an insect scientist or in the business of professional pest control, finding out what you’re dealing with will be a chore.
The good news is that it isn’t impossible. Sure, it will take a little time and effort, but if you can get a close-up of those bugs, you’ll know whether or not you’re up against Formosan termite swarmers or flying ants. To help you make the right identification, here are the differences between flying ants and Formosan termites:
- Termites have a thick, straight, and uniform body, without a pinched waist. Ants have a narrow, pinched “hourglass” waist.
- Termites have straight, beaded antennae (that look like a string of pearls). Ants have bent, or “elbowed” antennae.
- Termites have four wings of equal length that are often twice as long as their body, and they drop them quickly. Ants have smaller back wings and larger front wings.
- Formosan swarmers are often dark brown, while worker termites are creamy white. Ants can be black, brown, or red.
And last but not least, termites swarm in vast numbers during warm, humid weather (especially after rain), and are highly destructive to wood. By contrast, flying ants feed on food debris, seeds, and insects, not the wood itself.
What To Do If You Think You Find Formosan Termites
Termites can cause significant damage. But it takes time for this to happen. If you witness a swarm of flying insects that appear to be termites, don’t panic. The swarm is only momentary. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be concerned. Collect a few of the bugs as soon as you can. Then, call an experienced technician with Trad’s Pest Control to identify what you’re dealing with. But, do not attempt to treat the problem on your own. Even if you purchase a powerful insecticide and it’s supposed to kill termites, over-the-counter pesticides may only disperse the colony, making professional treatment harder.
What To Do If You Think You Find Flying Ants
Now, if you think flying ants are what you’ve seen, take a few moments to check. You can identify them by their bent, or “elbowed,” antennae. (Flying ants also have narrow or pinched waists and unequal-sized wings.) Once you know the pests are flying ants, you can begin cleaning up.
You can vacuum them up, if possible, and then deep clean the area. Start by removing any crumbs, food, and other attractors. Seal all food and declutter storage spaces. This is also a good time to discard expired items and things that just take up space that you won’t actually use.
Next, check carefully for any entry points. Remember, these are tiny creatures and can enter through the smallest of openings. So, seal any cracks and repair or replace weatherstripping on doors and windows. If you remove the food sources and close up any entry points, flying ants will have a very hard time getting in again.
Regardless of whether you’ve seen termites or flying ants, you’ll need to ensure you don’t have a larger problem. This takes a trained professional to assess the situation and give you a straight answer. Don’t just guess or think that by spraying a can of ant and roach spray, you’ve fixed the problem. While you may get rid of the ones right in front of you, you’ll likely be dealing with the same pests again soon after.
Trust Trad’s Pest Control for the Solution
Getting rid of termites or ants requires professional services with the right equipment; don’t try to do it yourself. The so-called “treatments” sold in stores just aren’t strong or targeted enough to get the job done right. Instead, call Trad’s Pest Control, and we’ll schedule a day and time to come to your property. Our trained and experienced staff know how to deal with all types of situations, big or small. Just phone us at 904-733-7488 and give us a quick rundown; we’ll take care of the rest.