Look at the waist
Ants have a narrow, pinched waist between the thorax and abdomen. Termites have a thick, straight waist, so the body looks like one even tube.
Look at the antennae
Ant antennae are bent at an elbow. Termite antennae are straight and look like a string of tiny beads.
Look at the wings
Flying ants have two pairs of wings of different sizes, with the front pair longer than the back pair. Termite swarmers have two pairs of wings that are nearly the same length and extend well past the body. Termite wings break off easily, so piles of shed wings on a windowsill are a common clue.
Why the difference matters
A flying ant swarm usually means a mature ant colony nearby, sometimes in the yard and sometimes in a wall or other void. Pest-Ex can inspect and treat ant activity around homes and businesses.
Termite swarmers indoors can be a sign of a termite colony in or near the structure. Termite inspection and treatment are specialized work. Pest-Ex does not offer termite service, so please contact a licensed termite company in Alabama for that inspection. Save a few swarmers and wings in a sealed bag so they can be identified.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Flying ant | Termite swarmer |
|---|---|---|
| Waist | Narrow, pinched | Thick, straight |
| Antennae | Bent at an elbow | Straight, beaded |
| Wings | Front pair longer than back | Both pairs about equal, longer than body |
| Shed wings | Less common | Often left in piles near windows |
| Who to call | Pest-Ex for ant service | A licensed termite company |
What to do when you see a swarm
- Observe from a distance and do not handle unknown insects.
- Collect a few insects and wings in a sealed bag or jar.
- Take a close photo showing the waist, antennae, and wings.
- Note where they came from, such as a window, wall, or floor crack.
- Call Pest-Ex for ants, or a licensed termite company for termites.
Some ants, including winged queens, can sting. If you were bitten or stung and feel unwell, contact a doctor or call 911.
Not sure which you have? Upload a photo to our free Bug Identifier. If it is ants, Pest-Ex can help. If it looks like termites, we will point you toward a licensed termite company.
Related pest pages
Frequently asked questions
When do flying ants and termites swarm in Dothan?
Both often swarm in spring and early summer, frequently on warm days after rain. Timing alone is not enough to tell them apart.
Does Pest-Ex treat termites?
No. Pest-Ex does not offer termite service. If you think you have termites, contact a licensed termite company. We do treat ants.
Do flying ants mean I have an ant problem inside?
Sometimes. Swarms indoors can come from a colony in a wall or other void. Pest-Ex can inspect and explain treatment for ant activity.
How can I get the swarmer identified?
Save a few in a sealed bag, take a close photo, and try our free Bug Identifier. You can also call (334) 794-5903 with questions.