Termites’ wings tend to be a cloudy white color, while flying ants’ are usually brownish and more transparent.

In general, watch for an infestation if you see more than a dozen flying ants or termites in your home. You’ll usually see hundreds of insects flying about during an infestation, but finding more than a dozen can mean a nest is close by. [6] X Research source

Always wipe up crumbs and spills as soon as they happen. Flying ants munch on anything they can find, so they’re often attracted to food and liquids that are left out.

To prevent either bug from entering your home, store firewood and other wooden materials high off the ground and away from your house. Also trim back any tree branches that touch your home; branches that touch your house can become pathways inside. Because flying ants love moist wood, they often build their nests behind sinks, dishwashers, under bathtubs, by window and door frames, or anywhere with an active leak. [10] X Research source You will never see termites walking on the grass outside unless there is something wrong with it. They stay in moisture and will not be wandering around like ants.

Finding flying ants or termites in your home is not always a sign that you’re dealing with an infestation. They might just have a nest near your home.

Generally, termites cause more structural and foundation damage to homes than flying ants. While no one wants to find termites in their home, the good news is that they eat slowly. It can take several weeks to months for termites to cause damage, so you have plenty of time to get them under control.

The best way to find a flying ants’ nest is to watch where the ants go. Also check for their nest around moist areas like bathtubs, sinks, and anywhere you see their sawdust tracks. Bait is another great way to control termites and flying ants. For termites, place their bait stations about every 10 to 20 feet (3-6 m) along your house’s perimeter. For flying ants, set ant bait anywhere you see them roaming. If you don’t feel comfortable treating your home, contact a pest control service.

Termites and flying ants also go through different life stages. Termites only have 3 life stages–egg, larva, and adult–while flying ants go through an additional pupa stage. [19] X Research source