Termites were once known as the “white ant” and were widely confused with an actual ant. However, with the advent of technology and the use of microscopes, people were able to prove that there are several distinguishing features between termites and ants. These were typical termite features that include a broad abdomen, straight termite antennae, and equal sized wings.

Fascinatingly though, due to the million dollars worth of destruction caused by termites each year, they are considered truly “novel” insects and have been ranked as the most successful insect pests to deal with.

They have also been given the title of “silent destroyers” due to their unbelievable ability to chew through wood, furniture, flooring, wallpapers, and fence posts, and that too, undetected! You will be surprised to hear that in a given year, termites cause more than $5 billion in property and structural damage each year.

One of the key differences between termites and ants is the shape of their bodies. Carpenter ants, along with other ants, have narrow “waists.” Termites, on the other hand, have more broad “waists.”

Carpenter ants swarm when it’s mating time. This means that you could see something resembling a flying ant. And that could be exactly what it is. Carpenter ants that are swarming do have wings and look similar to flying termites. But flying ants and flying termites have different body shapes, antennae and wings.

Yes, termites can be mistaken for ants (and vice versa), especially when they’re flying during a swarm. We’ve outlined some key differences in their appearances above, such as body shape, antennae and wings. But it can certainly be difficult spotting these differences. This is where a trained pest control professional can help.