So how do I tell a termite from an ant? There are quite a number of differences between each insect which one can actually see. But termites and ants do have similar structures which gives most folks a little confusion by just looking at them. Often these two are considered pests in homes and other structures. And while they both pose a threat on different ways, they are enemies to each other. And before you further delve to tell the difference, these are the things you might want to check.

Colony

So again you ask, ‘how do I tell a termite from an ant?’ One way is by looking into their homes. Each of these insects has their own colony and social caste. But looking at their homes will make you realize that they thrive on different environment which is obviously seen in each of their colonies. While ant hills have visible opening, termites try every possible way to conceal their home from outsiders. Although they expand their colony upwards, most parts of termite colonies are often found underground. This is because they are often attacked by the ants. And in order to keep their predators from finding them, they seal their homes with soil and only create tunnels to provide protection to workers while they gather food.

Color

The first thing that will really strike when observing termites is their color. This alone will clearly tell a termite from an ant. But before, termites were mistaken as ants for the reason that their body structures are quite similar to that of ants. Termites have been dubbed as ants with white color, thus the term ‘white ants’. Through careful inspection, it will appear that termites do have softer bodies, which is why they are easy prey to ants.

Swarmers

Swarmers are called reproductives as they are the ‘founders’ of the colony. They are often known as flying termites or flying ants. How do you tell a termite from an ant swarmer anyway? By looking at pictures of flying ants, you will get a good grasp of their physical characteristics. Also, these swarmers are active during mating season. For termites, mating season happens on favorable weather conditions, where air and soil are moist. These conditions are conducive to building colonies from scratch.

Termite vs Flying Ant

These are the key physical characteristics which could tell apart a termite from a flying ant:

Antennae:

Termites – Straight, with a little bit of curve at times
Ants – Bent inwards similar to elbows

Wings:

Termites – Equal lengths
Ants – Winged ants have unequal wing lengths, with their hind wings shorter

Abdomen:

Termites – Straight abdomens having almost the same size as their whole body
Ants – Thin, as though separating their head from their abdomen

Food

Food is one of the best indicators of the difference between a termite and an ant. How do I tell a termite from an ant through the food they eat? Termites love chewing on woods. These insects will feed on wood, and their life depended on it. You can seldom see these insects outside of their colony as they feast from the inside out. The damage to wood surface will come unnoticeable, until the infestation is at its worst. Ants, on the other hand, have the ‘sweet tooth’. You will see these tiny creatures crawling over sweet stuffs. They do have a great skill in detecting such sweet foods, even if it means infesting your dining table. Your trash bin is also as important to ants, as these are the usual places where their food is found. So if you find small crawling insects inside your trash, they’re most likely ants, and not termites.

So when you find yourself asking the same question again ‘how do I tell a termite from an ant?’ You’ll know the answer pretty darn well.