Termite or Ant?

Telling the difference between winged ants (typically carpenter ants or fire ants) and winged termites can be tough. Luckily a few distinguishing characteristics will help you recognize termites:

• Termites' back and front wings are the same length, while an ant's front wings are larger and longer than its back wings.
• Termites have thick waists versus an ant's narrow midsection.
• Termites' short, straight antennae resemble a string of beads. Ants have elbowed antennae.
• Don't be fooled by color or size. Ants can vary in size, and winged termites of various species can be yellowish, reddish, brown or black like ants.