Swarmers or Ants? How Glendale Homeowners Can Tell the Difference
- SEO Next Mile
- Oct 4
- 2 min read
Is It a Flying Ant or a Termite Swarm?
Body shape: Termites have straight bodies; ants have narrow waists.
Antennae: Termites’ are straight — ants’ are bent.
Wings: Termites’ wings are equal in size; ants’ front wings are larger.
Color: Termites look pale or creamy; ants are darker and shinier.
Location: Termites appear near windowsills, attics, and wooden beams.
If you’re unsure what’s flying in your home, book a free inspection with Termike Pest Control or call (888) 683-3592.
You Might Be Wondering… Why This Confusion Happens
Both flying termites (swarmers) and flying ants appear after rain or on warm, humid days, often during late summer and early fall. Glendale’s hot climate makes this season particularly active.
According to University of California’s Integrated Pest Management (UC IPM), termite swarmers emerge from hidden colonies to start new nests — a key warning sign that your property may already be infested.
Ants, on the other hand, are harmless in comparison — but they can still indicate moisture or cracks in foundations that termites exploit later.
Spot the Difference: Termite Swarmers vs. Flying Ants
Feature | Flying Termite | Flying Ant |
Waist | Broad and straight | Narrow and pinched |
Antennae | Straight | Bent (elbowed) |
Wings | Equal length | Front pair longer |
Color | Creamy or light brown | Black or reddish |
Behavior | Shed wings near windowsills | Walk erratically, seek crumbs |
📸 Tip: Include a side-by-side infographic comparing both insects — Termike’s design team can upload this under “About Termites” for better engagement.
What to Do If You See Flying Termites Indoors
Stay calm — but act fast. Flying termites are a sign of an active colony nearby.
Collect a sample. Place one insect in a clear plastic bag for identification.
Check for clues: look for discarded wings, droppings (frass), or mud tubes around wood trim or baseboards.
Avoid spraying household pesticides. They kill visible swarmers but not the colony.
Call a professional. Schedule a termite inspection immediately.
Why You Can Trust Termike
Licensed Branch 2 & 3 pest operators under California Structural Pest Control Board.
Member of NPMA (National Pest Management Association).
25 years serving Glendale and Greater LA communities.
Specialized tools: FLIR thermal imaging, UV tracking dust, and entry-point sealing audits.
Environmentally safe options: see eco-friendly termite control.
Termike’s methodology ensures not just removal but long-term prevention through damaged wood repair and follow-up maintenance plans.
Expert-Backed Prevention Tips
Schedule annual termite inspections during Glendale’s swarming season (July – October).
Keep woodpiles, mulch, and debris away from your foundation.
Fix leaks and poor drainage — moisture attracts both ants and termites.
Use preventive treatments like borate sprays or orange-oil injections recommended by California DPR.
Learn more about the difference between drywood termites and subterranean termites.
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Final Word
If you’re seeing small winged insects and aren’t sure whether they’re ants or termites, don’t guess. Flying termites mean your home’s structure is already under attack.
👉 Call (888) 683-3592 or book your free inspection today before the damage spreads.