Termites or flying ants?
- Termites: straight antennae, thick waist, four wings of equal length
- Flying ants: bent antennae, pinched waist, front wings longer than back wings
- Termite wings fall off easily, so piles of shed wings are a strong clue
Why swarmers matter
Swarmers are the colony sending out new kings and queens. Seeing them inside the house usually means a colony is close by, and possibly in the structure. They do not cause damage themselves, but the colony they came from might.
Other signs to check
- Pencil-width mud tubes on the foundation, slab edges or walls
- Wood that sounds hollow when tapped
- Bubbling or sagging paint or drywall
- Damage near plumbing penetrations through the slab
What to do
Vacuum up the swarmers and save a few in a sealed bag for identification. Then book an inspection with a licensed pest control company. Treatment usually means a liquid barrier around the foundation or a bait system, and many companies offer an ongoing warranty.