World Pest Day Brings Awareness This Summer
06/06/2019
June 6, 2019, has been declared World Pest Day, a multinational event, according to the National Pest Management Association NPMA. This day was est...
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Termites and ants look surprisingly similar when they come equipped with wings. But there are a few key differences that you should know about before the weather warms up and the swarmers come out.
Termite Behavior
Eastern subterranean termites are a real risk in the DC Metropolitan area. These constantly foraging insects can do major damage to a home before they are even noticed. There are a few important points to keep in mind about the biology of these termites to keep your home protected from damaging insects.
Termite Swarmers vs. Flying Ants
So just what is the difference, aside from their dangerous implications? Every time you see a small flying insect in your house should you freak out and call in reinforcements? Not necessarily.
Flying ants are annoying. Just like their small crawling comrades, flying ants can be a major nuisance. Termite swarmers, on the other hand, are evidence of something far more sinister—the potential sign of a termite colony in, or dangerously close to, your home. Termite swarmers
Not Twins
While the little insects look similar at first glance, our technicians are trained to spot their subtle differences to know the best course of action to protect your home. When it comes to identifying insects, it is a task best left to the experts. However, there are some characteristics that may help in identifying the insects when you want to play entomologist on your own.
Ants vs. Termites
Ants have a narrow, pinched waist, elbowed antennae, and differing wing sizes between their two sets. Termites, on the other hand, have a thick waist, making their bodies the same size all the way down their abdomen. They also have straight antennae and two sets of the same size wings.
See the differences? Like we said, identifying these subtle differences is best left to the experts at American Pest, just as eradicating them is best left to a professional with knowledge and experience.
