Do you know the difference between termites and winged ants? If not, you’re not alone. Many don’t know the difference, and even more, don’t understand the potential damage each can do to their home especially termites which damage millions of dollars Americans’ homes.
These two insects commonly get confused with one another because they share some physical similarities. Both termites and flying ants have wings, for example. However, there are several key differences between these two pests that you should be aware of.
In this blog post, we will explore the differences between termites and flying ants, and discuss the damage each can cause. We will also provide tips on how to protect your home from these pests!
Determining whether you have flying ants or termites in your home is important because the treatment for each pest is different.
Termites can cause serious damage to your home if they are left untreated. Flying ants, on the other hand, generally do not pose as big a threat, and can usually be taken care of with do-it-yourself methods.
Let’s take a closer look at the key differences between these two pests.
How Do I Know If I Have Termites Or Winged Ants?
One of the most obvious ways to tell termites and flying ants apart is by their size. Termites are much larger than flying ants. Their wingspan can range from four to seven inches while flying ants typically only measure about three-eighths of an inch.
Additionally, termites have two pairs of wings that are equal in size and shape. Flying ants, on the other hand, have one pair of larger wings and a second smaller pair.
Another difference between termites and flying ants is their antennae. Termites have straight antennae while flying ants have bent or elbowed antennae. This is a key identifier since both termites and flying ants often lose their wings after they mate.
Do Flying Ants And Termites Live Together?
Both termites and flying ants live in large colonies, so it’s not uncommon for them to share the same space. However, they don’t typically live together in the same colony.
Termites and flying ants can coexist in the same general area, but they usually keep to their kind.
Termites live in colonies underground while winged ants are attracted to light and often invade homes through open doors and windows.
Do Flying Ants Eat Wood Like Termites?
Here are some ways to identify the difference between flying ants and termites:
- Size: Termites are much larger than flying ants.
- Wings: Termites have two pairs of wings that are equal in size and shape. Flying ants, on the other hand, have one pair of larger wings and a second smaller pair.
- Antennae: Termites have straight antennae while flying ants have bent or elbowed antennae.
- Eating habits: Termites eat wood while flying ants do not.
When it comes to diet, termites and flying ants differ quite a bit. Termites are wood eaters and will often build their nests in trees or stumps. They will also tunnel through wooden structures like your home’s foundation, framing, and support beams in search of food.
Flying ants, on the other hand, are more interested in sweets and other sugary substances. They are attracted to your home in search of food but are not known to cause the same type of damage as termites.
While both termites and flying ants can be a nuisance, termites are generally considered to be more dangerous since they can cause significant damage to your home.
Termites Are a Major Threat To Homes And Businesses While Flying Ants Are Not
Termites and flying ants are both pests that can cause damage to your home. Termites are small, white insects that live in colonies underground.
They tunnel through wood and eat cellulose, which is found in plants. Flying ants are black or dark-colored insects that have wings. They do not eat cellulose, but they can damage wood by burrowing it into it.
Termites can cause serious damage to your property if left untreated while flying ants are not as destructive
The damage that termites can do to your home is much greater than the damage that flying ants can do. Termites will tunnel through the wood in your home and eat away at the cellulose, weakening the structure of your home.
Flying ants will not eat cellulose, but they can damage wood by burrowing it into it.
The Damage That Termites Can Do To Your Home
Termites are one of the most destructive pests that can invade your home. If not detected and treated early, they can cause extensive damage to the structural integrity of your home.
Termites are especially attracted to wood, so they will target any areas of your home that are made of wood, including framing, flooring, and siding.
They can also damage insulation, drywall, and piping. In severe cases, termites can even cause a collapse of the entire house.
That’s why it’s so important to be on the lookout for signs of an infestation and to call a pest control professional as soon as possible if you suspect you have a problem.
Termites are responsible for billions of dollars in damage every year in the United States alone. Each year, termites and similar pests cause an estimated $40 billion in damage to homes and businesses.
Of that, termites are responsible for $30 billion in damages, while carpenter ants and other wood-destroying insects account for the remaining $11 billion.
According to the National Pest Management Association, termites are present in every state except Alaska. So, no matter where you live, termites could be a threat to your home.
Is insect damage covered by homeowners insurance?
Standard homeowners insurance policies typically do not cover termite damage, so it’s important to have a termite treatment plan in place to protect your investment.
But homeowners may also have “insect riders” or “endorsements” that they can purchase to add coverage for termite damage. These riders or endorsements typically have a dollar limit and may require an additional premium.
Does USAA Homeowners Insurance Cover Termite Damage?
Yes, USAA homeowners insurance covers termite damage. However, the company does not cover termite damage that occurs before the policy is in effect. In addition, USAA only pays for termite damage that is reported within a year of the date it occurred.
For these reasons, it’s important to have a termite treatment plan in place and to call a pest control professional as soon as you suspect termite damage.
Is termite damage tax deductible?
Unfortunately, termite damage is not tax deductible. However, you may be able to deduct the cost of termite treatment as a home improvement expense.
How much does termite treatment cost?
The average cost of termite treatment is $800 to $1000. However, the cost will vary depending on the size and severity of the infestation.
The Damage That Flying Ants Can Do To Your Home
Flying ants are a pest that can do a lot of damage to your home. They are attracted to light, so they often end up in homes through open doors and windows.
Once they’re inside, they can quickly multiply and become a serious nuisance. In addition to being a general nuisance, flying ants can also cause damage to your home.
Their nesting habits can lead to structural damage, and their eating habits can damage insulation and wiring. If you suspect that you have a problem with flying ants, it’s important to call a pest control professional as soon as possible.
Typically the damage flying ants cause is not as extensive as the damage termites can cause. However, left untreated, flying ants can still do a significant amount of damage to your home.
How to Prevent Termites And Flying Ants
Now that you know the difference between termites and flying ants, as well as the damage they can each cause, you may be wondering how you can prevent these pests from taking over your home.
There are a few things you can do to help prevent termites and flying ants:
- Keep your gutters clean and free of debris.
- Remove any wood that is touching your home. This includes firewood, tree branches, and mulch.
- Repair any cracks or holes in your foundation.
- Make sure your windows and doors fit snugly and are no gaps.
- Seal any openings around plumbing and electrical wires that enter your home.
- Store food in sealed containers and keep all food areas clean.
- Keep wood piles, mulch, and other cellulose materials away from your foundation.
- Reduce moisture in and around your home by fixing leaks and draining standing water.
- Inspect the exterior of your home regularly for signs of termites, such as mud tubes or wood that sounds hollow when tapped.
- Call a pest control professional immediately if you suspect termite activity.
By following these tips, you can help prevent termites from damaging your home. However, even if you take all the necessary precautions, termites can still find their way into your home.
That’s why it’s important to have a termite treatment plan in place and to call a pest control professional as soon as you suspect termite damage.
A termite treatment plan typically includes an annual inspection by a certified termite control specialist. This inspection can help identify termites or other wood-destroying insects before they cause significant damage to your home.
In addition, most termite treatment plans include some form of termite baiting system. Baiting systems are designed to attract termites to the bait, which then kills them.
There are several different types of termite baiting systems on the market, so it’s important to talk to a pest control professional about which system is right for your home.
The sooner you identify and treat an infestation, the fewer damage termites will cause.
Where To Get Help If You Have Termites or Flying Ants in Your Home?
If you think you may have termites or flying ants in your home, the best thing to do is call a pest control professional.
They will be able to inspect your home and confirm whether or not you have an infestation. They will also be able to recommend the best course of treatment for your situation.
Don’t wait to get help if you think you have termites or flying ants. The sooner you call a pest control professional, the sooner they can get rid of the problem and help prevent further damage to your home.
With the termite treatment plan in place, you can rest assured knowing that your home is protected from these destructive pests.
