Flying Ants vs. Termite Swarmers: Identification and When to Act

Diagram comparing distinguishing features of ants and termites, highlighting antennae shape, waist structure, and wing size differences.

When warm weather hits Southern California, so do pest problems. Among the most alarming is the sudden appearance of winged insects inside or around your home. But are they flying ants or termites?

At Jetty Termite & Pest Control, we often get calls from homeowners who are unsure whether they’re facing a minor nuisance or the early signs of a serious termite infestation. Knowing the difference can save you thousands of dollars in structural damage and ensure you get the right treatment fast.

Here’s how to identify which pest is invading your space—and when you need to take action.

Distinguishing Characteristics

• Antennae:

  • Flying Ants: Elbowed or bent.

  • Termites: Straight and beaded.

• Waist:

  • Flying Ants: Narrow, pinched waist.

  • Termites: Broad, uniform waist.

• Wings:

  • Flying Ants: Front wings longer than hind wings.

  • Termites: Both pairs of wings are equal in length.

• Coloration:

  • Flying Ants: Typically black or dark brown.

  • Termites: Typically black with either a black or red head.

• Behavior and Habitat:

  • Flying Ants: Nest outdoors in soil, woodpiles, or under concrete. They don’t eat wood but may nest inside a structure's walls and appear out of cracks at windows and baseboards.

  • Termites: Eat wood, paper, and cellulose-based materials.

    • Subterranean Termites: Come up from the soil and create mud tubes to maintain moisture within the colony. They then tunnel through walls, beams, and flooring. The main nest may be up to 100 yards away from the noted infestation.

    • Drywood Termites: These termite do not live in the soil, but as the name suggests, in the dry wood that makes up your homes structural framing.

Why You Should Be Concerned About Termites

Flying ants are mostly a nuisance pest and do not usually cause major damage to your property. Termites, however, are a major threat to the structural integrity of your home.

In California, drywood termites and subterranean termites are prevalent. If swarmers are present, it likely means a mature termite colony is nearby—and actively feeding on your home.

Warning Signs of a Termite Infestation:

• Discarded wings near windows, doors, or light fixtures

• Mud tubes along the foundation or crawlspace

• Hollow-sounding wood or bubbling paint

• Visible wood damage, such as blistering or soft spots

• Frass (termite droppings) resembling tiny wood-colored pellets

Pest Control Tips to Prevent Flying Ants and Termites

At Jetty Termite & Pest Control, we recommend these integrated pest management practices to reduce the risk of infestation:

• Eliminate Moisture: Termites thrive in damp conditions. Fix leaky faucets, poor drainage, and roof leaks.

• Remove Wood-to-Soil Contact: Keep wood siding, lattice, or posts at least 6 inches above soil level.

• Seal Cracks and Entry Points: Caulk around windows, doors, and utility pipes.

• Trim Landscaping: Keep shrubs and tree branches away from the home’s exterior.

• Store Firewood Away from the House: Keep it at least 20 feet from the foundation and elevated off the ground.

Schedule a Professional Termite Inspection Today

If you’re seeing winged insects and are unsure whether you have ants or termites, don’t wait. A licensed inspection from Jetty Termite & Pest can give you peace of mind—or early intervention before significant damage occurs.

Why Jetty?

• Veteran-Owned, Local Expertise

• Licensed Termite & Pest Specialists

• Same-Day Inspections Available

• Comprehensive Treatment Plans

📞 Call Jetty Termite & Pest at 805.651.3225

🌐 Visit www.JettyPest.com to schedule your inspection today