Need pest help? Save $50 on your first recurring service today with code GET50

There are bugs that look like ants in my house

Question: I found these ant-looking bugs in my house. The smaller ones look like a regular ant; the bigger ones look the same, but they have wings. Could these be a type of termite, and if so, what is the best way to kill them?

Answer: Ant and termite colonies produce swarmers during a certain time of the year. These individuals are males and females (future queens) and are capable of reproduction. The process of swarming is important for starting new colonies.

You can distinguish swarming ants from swarming termites by looking closely at some important body parts. (A magnifying glass can help with the identification.) Ants have a narrow waist and bent antennae, and they do not immediately shed their wings. Winged termites have no waist and straight antennae. They shed their wings soon after they emerge.

As you are unsure of what you have, and I cannot make an accurate determination without specimens to look at, your best course of action is to call Orkin. An Orkin Pro will come to your home and conduct a thorough inspection. Upon completion, a report will be provided, and the inspector will be able to assess what you actually have. Whether they are ants or termites, they are both pests that need to be controlled. Your Orkin Pro will develop a customized treatment plan to control whichever pest you are dealing with.

Ask Orkin

Get More Answers from Orkin

Should I buy a house with beam damage from insects?

Q

Could it be ants instead of termites causing the damage?

Long, brown, hard shell bug that jumps

Carpenter Ant Infestation in the House

Q

Large carpenter ant infestations can cause structural damage to your home. Make sure your home is protected from carpenter ants with Orkin.

Rat Mite Bites vs. Bed Bug Bites

Q

Learn how to tell the difference between rat mites and bed bug infestations. Call an Orkin Pro for help with mite and bed bug control.

Do Bed Bugs Have Wings? | Flying Bed Bugs

How can I get rid of a spider in my car?

Q

I saw a spider in my car today, but I was unable to kill it. What can I do now?

What kind of spider do I have?

Q

I have large, hairy spiders in and around my house. Is it a tarantula or something else?

How or where do bed bug infestations originate?

Q

I was wondering if you could answer some questions for me so I could include them in my article.

Is pest control safe for newborn babies?

Q

We have a newborn in our house, and I'm wondering if it is safe to spray for pests.

Is it normal to see dead bugs showing up for several days after a pest control treatment

Q

If so, does that mean there is an infestation problem?

Connect with Us

Our customer care team is available for you 24 hours a day.

877-819-5061

Find a Branch

Our local Pros are the pest experts in your area.

Get a Personalized Quote

We will help you find the right treatment plan for your home.

THE BEST IN PESTS.™

SERVICES

Pest ControlTermite ControlPrevent and Protect

PEST LIBRARY

Browse All Pests

© 2023 Orkin LLC

Terms of UsePrivacyAccessibility StatementCareers

Your Branch  

Call Now