Ants or Termites?
When ant-mating flights occur, homeowners often confuse the winged ants for swarming termites. Here are the most common distinguishing characteristics between ants and termites:

• Both winged forms of ants and termites have two pairs of wings, but ants' front wings are larger and longer than their back wings, while termites' four wings are all the same length and size.
• Ants have narrowed waists and elbowed antennae, while termites have thick waists and short, straight antennae that resemble a string of beads.
• Color and size are not clear distinguishing factors. Ants can the same size as termites, and like ants, winged termites of various species can be yellowish, reddish, brown or black.

Remember, it is important to have a professional confirm whether you have ants or termites. While ants are truly a nuisance pest, termites are a more destructive creature - to the tune of $5 billion in property damage each year. To learn more, visit TermiteInstitute.com