If you live in Long Island or Uniondale, NY, spotting flying bugs near your home can be worrying. Are they flying ants? Or are they termites? While they may look the same, knowing the difference is important—especially when it comes to protecting your home. This guide will help you tell them apart and give you simple tips to keep them out of your house
Flying ants and termites both have wings and come out during the warmer months. But look closely—you’ll notice a few key differences:
| Feature | Flying Ants | Termite Swarmers |
|---|---|---|
| Wings | Uneven in size | Equal length, longer than body |
| Antennae | Elbowed or bent | Straight, bead-like |
| Waist | Pinched, narrow | Straight or thick |
| Body Color | Black, brown, or reddish | Black to dark brown |
Flying ants and termite swarmers might look alike, but they affect your home in different ways—and both can lead to costly damage if ignored.
Termites feed on wood and can slowly weaken the structure of your home from the inside out. They're known as “silent destroyers” because they often go unnoticed until major repairs are needed. In the U.S., termite damage costs homeowners billions of dollars each year, and most insurance policies don’t cover it. Click on the link below to learn more.
Carpenter ants don’t eat wood like termites, but they chew through it to build their nests. Over time, this tunneling can damage wood beams, decks, or window frames.
The good news? You’ll likely only deal with one or the other, not both. In fact, carpenter ants may even attack termites when competing for space.
While over-the-counter products often promise to eliminate termites and ants, their effectiveness can be hit or miss. Some products can provide some protection, but they rarely wipe out an entire infestation. Instead, they often address only part of the problem, allowing pests to return in full force. To truly safeguard your home, consider the practical DIY tips below to effectively protect your property from these persistent invaders.
We recommend these following tips to prevent ant and termites from entering and damaging your property.