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Flying Ants or Termites? How To Tell the Difference in Sydney
NSW EPA licensed · 5.0★ from 100+ reviews

Flying Ants or Termites? How To Tell the Difference in Sydney

Spotted a cloud of winged insects around your windows or porch light? Don't panic. Truthfully, it's a very common spring sight in Sydney, and it doesn’t automatically mean your home is in trouble. But flying ants and termites look alike at a glance, so it pays to check properly. The Quick Answer: Look for three things: waist, antennae and wings. Ants have a pinched waist, bent antennae and unequal wings. Termites have a straight, waistless body, bead-like antennae and four equal wings.

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Why Flying Termites Emerge in Sydney in Spring

It’s no surprise that you’re contemplating whether there are termites in your yard. Spring is the peak season for the emergence of these pests as they’re attracted to more humid weather. As a colony matures, it sends out the winged reproductives called alates to start new nests. These flights of pests are usually done in warmer, more humid weather.

The appeal of these pests from the Spring to Summer conditions is why so many homeowners become more alert in this period. These types of pests can be extremely detrimental to any property, causing significant damage. That’s exactly why it’s crucial to be able to pinpoint whether a termite pest is affecting your home or office.

Flying Ants vs Termites: Side-by-Side Comparison

If you’re unsure of what could be plaguing your home, it’s easier than you might think. As experienced technicians at All Pest Free, we know the signs and symptoms all too well.

See our simple breakdown below:

FeatureFlying antFlying termite
WaistNarrow, pinched “hourglass”Thick and straight, no waist
AntennaeElbowed (bent)Straight, like tiny beads
WingsFront pair bigger than back pairFour equal wings, longer than the body
ColourOften dark brown, black or reddishUsually paler, creamy to light brown
Wings after landingUsually stay attachedDrop off quickly

*Tip: The most important feature to look out for is the waist. It’s the easiest sign to see, even without a magnifying glass. Providing peace of mind to you.

What Termites and Flying Ants Look Like: Visual Breakdown

Image A) Termite
Image B) Flying ants

Is My Property at Risk? Here are the Termite Warning Signs to Look Out for

Oftentimes, it’s more likely that you’ll see the consequences of termites than the pests themselves. It’s important to know that spotting a swarm of insects doesn’t always mean termites. To promptly pick up on an infestation, it’s important to readily detect a few signs.

  • Piles of identical, shed wings on windowsills, near doors or under light fittings
  • Insects emerging from a wall, skirting board or floor gap
  • Thin mud tubes on brickwork, piers or subfloor walls
  • Timber that sounds hollow when tapped
  • Doors or windows that suddenly stick, or paint that bubbles for no clear reason

*Ticked one of these signs off of the list? Don’t panic. To prevent the problem from progressing further, get in touch with All Pest Free for a professional termite inspection. This helps to preserve your property.

How to: The Right Steps for Flying Termites in Sydney Controller

When a termite infestation is first spotted, we know that it often begins to feel tempting to “sweep them all away”. However, it’s important to let a professional pest controller manage the entire duration of the process. This means that you should hold off on anything until the pest controller arrives.

What to Do

  • Take a picture of the insects and wings up close
  • Note down details, including date, time, weather and termite location
  • Take pictures of the surrounding area, including timber and mud tubes

What to Avoid

  • Don’t spray them as sprays can scatter a colony and cause it to worsen
  • Don’t break open mud tubes or poke at suspect timber.
  • Don’t vacuum up wings until you’ve photographed them

All Pest Free is Here for All Your Pest Control Needs

Have a pest problem and don’t know who to call? All Pest Free is committed to providing same-day pest support. Our team of prompt and licensed pest controllers operate across several homes and businesses in Sydney. We understand the urgency of a pest problem and are fast acting as a result.

The moment we arrive at your property, our termite pest control is designed to be efficient and effective. Using infrared imaging, and employing expert techniques, we’ll ensure an accurate pest diagnosis. However, if it turns out to be flying ants, that’s better news. Though they don’t eat away at the properties structure, our flying ant pest control is designed to ensure a germ-free space.

Bug Free technician at an industrial site with the service vehicle

Not Sure What You’ve Found? Contact Our Sydney Pest Controllers

You don’t have to work it out alone. At All Pest Free, our processes are designed to protect households and workplaces from the risks of pests. Our fast pest infestation support is done to prevent the problem from escalating further. Rest assured, when you choose our team, you’re choosing pest controllers with extensive experience operating across the Sydney region.

FAQs

FAQS

Are Flying Ants a Sign of Termites?

Not necessarily. They’re separate insects, but share similar characteristics. They swarm in similar conditions and are easily confused. This is why it’s best to confirm this through a professional pest inspection.

Do Flying Termites Mean I Have an Infestation?

This isn’t in all cases, but an indoor swarm is a good reason to get checked. Termites swarm from mature colonies, which may be in your home, your garden or a neighbouring property. An inspection can confirm whether your home is affected.

Do Flying Termites Eat Wood?

The winged termites themselves don’t cause damage. Their job is to find a mate and start a new colony. The risk is the colony they come from, or the new one they may establish nearby, because worker termites feed on timber.

Are Flying Ants Dangerous to My Home?

Flying ants don’t eat timber, so they’re generally a nuisance rather than a structural threat. A large indoor swarm can still point to a nearby nest, so it’s worth having it looked at.

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