26
Feb

Is It an Ant or a Termite?

Is It an Ant or a Termite?

In the early spring, when the weather turns warm and rainy, termites emerge from their nests in a process called swarming. Though they’ll later shed their wings, at the time of swarming, they each have a set of wings. This means that, for a short time – and during the time you’ll most likely notice them entering your house – termites look a lot like flying ants.

It’s important to know if you’re dealing with ants or termites in your home, as the troubles they cause and the methods to eliminate them are different. So, how can you tell the difference between swarming termites and flying ants?

Remember, both animals have wings at this point, so the main differentiator is their body shape. Termites have a straight body, like the shape of a narrow tube below a small head. Their short antennae point up straight from their heads.

Ants, on the other hand, have curved, three-part bodies, with a separate head, small thorax (middle section where legs attach), and bulging abdomen. Their antennae are bent and are quite long.

If you can see the wings clearly, a termite’s two sets of wings are the same size, while an ant’s upper wings are longer and larger than their lower wings.

If you still have trouble distinguishing between ants and termites, you can take a quick photo and post it to our Facebook page. We’re happy to help with the identification – and elimination – of either kind of pest.

Family-owned in the Carolinas since 1957

Thompson Brothers helps businesses and families with a wide array of services, from basement leaks, to invasive bugs, to termite services for new home sales.

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Thompson Brothers Exterminating and Waterproofing has been serving families and businesses in North Carolina and South Carolina for over 60 years, and we look forward to serving you. We are happy to provide free estimates with absolutely no obligation to you.

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Jordan H, Pest Control

Thompson Brothers does an excellent job spraying my home throughout each season to keep unwanted pests out. They are locally owned and customer service is a top priority.

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We had extensive water intrusion that our inspector did not see. Thompson Brothers had to engage in grading, extensive digging, reinstallation of French drains, and install a new drainage field. The work was excellent. All personnel is polite, on time, and very professional. Highly recommend.

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