BJ's quiz on the difference between a termite and a winged ant.
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Which one of these small flying insects would create
alarm for homeowners? One is a termite and the other
an ant.
There are three key differences between a winged ant and an
adult termite:
- Winged ants have a cinched waist (like a wasp, hence
the name "wasp waist"). The termite waist is
thick.
- The winged ant has elbowed antennae (bent).
The termite's antennae are straight.
- Termites have two pairs of wings that are equal in
length and generally are much longer than its own body.
The winged ant has wings pairs that are unequal.
Did you figure out which one is the termite? If you
said the one on the left, you would be correct!
If the insects swarming near the house are more like the one
on the right, don't worry. Individual ants leave the
group and generally don't return. If you find a winged
ant or two, just sweep them up. If the insects are
more like the one on the left, future action is generally
necessary.
More information about termites and other common insects,
visit
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_termites
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