As the weather warms especially after a shower of rain, many homeowners in Manhattan and all across Kansas may notice an unsettling sight: large numbers of winged insects fluttering around inside. Often close to a window or door, these springtime visitors can be reproductive ants or termites, emerging from their colonies to mate and establish new ones. While their sheer numbers can be alarming, understanding the difference between these two common household guests is the first step in addressing any potential concerns.
Spot the Difference: Ant or Termite?
Distinguishing between winged ants and termites is crucial, as their presence and potential impact on your home differ significantly. Here are three key characteristics to look for:
| Feature | Winged Ant | Winged Termite |
| Antennae | Elbowed (bent) | Straight, bead-like |
| Wings | Two pairs, unequal length | Two pairs, equal length |
| Waist | Thin, constricted | Thick, broadly joined |
Ants: The Organized Neighbors
Ants are social insects that live in colonies, which can be located indoors or outdoors depending on the species. Each colony typically has a queen responsible for producing eggs, and a workforce of sterile females that handle tasks like caring for the young and foraging for food. During warmer months, established colonies sometimes produce additional winged males and females, known as reproductives, which fly off to mate. After mating, the males soon die, while the females shed their wings and attempt to start new colonies elsewhere.
What to Do About Winged Ants:
Seeing a swarm of winged ants can be startling, but it doesn’t necessarily signal a major infestation within your home. These individuals are emerging from dark crack or crevice in the structure. They are most likely discovered near a light source, like a window or door as they try to get outside.
- A few stray ants: Simply vacuum them up and dispose of the bag outdoors. They are unlikely to start a colony inside.
- A significant indoor swarm: This could indicate a colony is located within your house or very close by. In this case:
- Sanitation is key: Eliminate food sources like crumbs, spills, pet food, and open containers that may attract ants.
- Consider targeted treatments: Indoor-safe insecticide sprays can help reduce populations, but treating the nest directly is the most effective solution. For outdoor nests, concentrated sprays can be more economical. Treat ant trails or the nest itself if you can locate it.
- When in doubt, call a pro: If the nest is inaccessible or the problem persists, a professional pest control operator can provide effective solutions.
Learn More About Ants: For more in-depth information, read the publication from K-State Research and Extension, titled ‘Ants: Structural Pests’ which can be accessed online.
Termites: The Silent Destroyers
In Kansas, the eastern subterranean termite is the most prevalent and damaging species. These termites thrive in warm, moist environments and are often found in soil, building characteristic mud tubes or tunnels made of soil, fecal matter, and saliva. Termite colonies have a complex social structure with workers (creamy-white, wingless, and blind), soldiers (with distinctive large jaws), and winged reproductives (swarmers). It’s often these swarmers that first alert homeowners to a potential termite problem.
What to Do About Winged Termites:
The presence of termite swarmers indicates an existing termite colony in or around your home. In Kansas, the eastern subterranean termite is the most common and damaging. While the swarmers themselves are not immediately dangerous and are unlikely to establish a new colony indoors unless they find moist soil, their appearance should prompt further investigation.
- Vacuum and inspect: Like winged ants, vacuum up any swarmers you find and discard the bag outdoors. Then, carefully inspect your home for other signs of termites, such as:
- Mud tubes: Look for these pencil-width tubes running along foundation walls or wooden structures.
- Mud-filled joints: Check wood framing, paneling, and trim for areas that appear to be filled with mud.
- Damaged wood: Probe wood near the foundation with an ice pick, pocket knife, etc. Soft, easily punctured wood can indicate termite damage.
- Professional help is recommended: Termite infestations are often complex and best managed by experienced pest control professionals. They can accurately assess the extent of the problem and implement effective treatment and control measures.
Learn More About Termites: For more in-depth information, read the publication from K-State Research and Extension, titled ‘Termites: Structural Pests’ which can be accessed online.
By understanding the differences between winged ants and termites and knowing the appropriate steps to take, homeowners can effectively address these springtime visitors and protect their homes.
For information that covers general information most common to Kansans, read the publication from K-State Research and Extension, titled ‘Household Pests of Kansas’ which can be accessed online.
More information: Jeff Whitworth, (785) 565-2371, jwhitwor@ksu.edu