Flying Ants or Termites? How to Tell in East Tennessee

Why it matters

Flying ants are a nuisance. Termite swarmers can mean a colony is already feeding on your home. Both show up on warm spring days in East Tennessee, often after rain, so they're easy to confuse.

Termite swarmers

Straight, bead-like antennae, a thick waist with no pinch, and two pairs of wings that are the same length. Swarmers often shed their wings, so piles of small wings near windows, doors or light fixtures are a strong sign.

Flying ants

Elbowed (bent) antennae, a narrow pinched waist, and front wings that are noticeably longer than the back wings.

What to do if you think it's termites

Don't spray the swarmers and assume the problem is gone. The swarm is a sign of a colony nearby, usually in the soil. Save a few in a sealed bag if you can, and book a professional inspection so the colony can be located and the right treatment planned.