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Termites and ants are often mistaken for others. But the two have fewer similarities than differences. Keep reading and learn about these creatures in our termites and ants comparison.
Termites against ants
Here’s a look at both types and their behavior.
Ants
There are over 12,000 species of ants. These powerful insects are capable of lifting 20 times their own weight. Queens can give birth to millions of babies. As social animals, they live and travel in groups.
The colonies are made up of the queen, working women and men. Some ant colonies have multiple queens. Although they cannot fly, only males and queens have wings. The male is responsible for fertilizing the ant. Only the queen lays eggs.
Solder ants act as protective barriers, protecting the colony and guarding the queen. They attack other colonies, seeking to conquer and eat. The attackers even take eggs from another colony and hatch them to become slaves.
Termites
Termites feed on wood. The community is made up of kings, queens, swarms and workers. You differentiate between swarms and workers by the cream-colored workers. Swarmers breed where only ant queens lay their eggs. Swarmers may be missing wings, as limbs may fall off shortly after birth.
Termites are detritivores, meaning they feed on wood and tree bark. Insects feed on the cellulose in the wood. In some cases, they eat plants. Termites can also feed on plastic, paper, and drywall when in dire need.
These determined creatures burrow deep into wooden structures. They are usually found after causing significant damage to these structures. Having found a house, termites quickly take root. They build what are called mud pipes. These structures serve as a bridge between the food source and the colony. Mud tubes protect the colony and retain moisture. Adult termites will leave to create new colonies.
Comparison of ants and termites
The following table compares the two species, highlighting the main differences between them at a glance.
| Ants | Termites | |
|---|---|---|
| Ants are social animals, members of the Formicidae family. Surprisingly, they are related to bees and wasps. | Termites are social animals. Part of the Rhinotermitidae family, the closest relative of termites are cockroaches. | |
| The emergence | Like all insects, ants have three pairs of legs. Each leg has three joints. They have large, curved antennae, powerful jaws, and compound eyes. They come in black or red. | Termites have a soft body with straight antennae. Colors range from light brown to white. The termite swarm is dark and worker termites appear lighter in color. |
| Colonies | The ant community consists of queens, females and males. Each group has its own specific responsibilities. | The termite community is more defined by the caste system. You have workers, soldiers and termites. |
| Wings | Ants have many large front and hind wings. | Termites have four wings of the same size. |
| Diets | The diets of ants differ depending on the species. They mainly feed on seeds, leaves, small insects, honeydew and nectar. The ants collect food and carry it to the colony. | Termites eat wood because cellulose is critical for survival. But this does significant damage as they burrow into destroyed foundations. |
| Behavior | Ants travel in well-organized, almost belligerent groups. They are looking for food to take home. In the open air, you will see ants gather outside their mounds or boldly run into them. Ants find food with a supernatural sense of smell. It is no coincidence that they invade picnics. | In fact, termites are rarely seen as they tend to spend their time safely in mud pipes and in their feeding places. You’re more likely to be the first to hit the damage left behind. |
6 key differences between termites and ants
Ants and termites often reckon with each other, although termites are never outdoors. Here are six major differences between termites and ants.
1. Termites against ants: antennas
The ant is the only insect whose antennae are bent at the elbows. Termites have regular, straight antennae, but they look like they have balls or beads on them.
2. Termites against ants: body shapes
Ants have a narrow body, especially around the middle or waist. Termites usually have a wider waist.
3. Termites against ants: wings
Both termites and ants have four wings. Termites’ wings are fairly uniform in size. Ants have two small wings on their hind legs. The front wings are larger. Both insects can lose their wings. Exterminators say homeowners are more likely to find discarded termites’ wings before seeing the insects themselves.
4. Termites against ants: visibility
The ant finds itself in different conditions when it gets its food. This is why you will see how the ants walk boldly through your interior and exterior spaces. Most often they are found on baseboards and window sills. Termites are underground. You will find traces of their work, such as droppings and wings, but you rarely see termites.
5. Termites against ants: diets
Ants eat a wide variety of foods, including other insects. Termites strictly follow a woody diet. But they don’t eat wood. Instead, insects feed on the cellulose in the wood. They shave the tree and remove the composition.
6. Termites against ants: attractants
Ants and termites of all kinds seek moisture. They both lean towards a tree with convenient entry points. Of course, both insects are so tiny that it doesn’t take long for them to find ways to invade our habitat.
Next: Grasshopper vs. Locust: 6 Key Differences That Make Them Out
Termites versus ants – 6 main differences, frequently asked questions (frequently asked questions)
Are ants like termites?
From a human point of view, they are, which is why most of us confuse them. But if you look at the pictures of these insects, you will see that they have unique characteristics that distinguish different species.
How to tell ants from termites?
Each insect has its own body type. But the most obvious difference is the wingspan and size. Ants of all kinds are larger than termites. Ants can be 0.03 to two inches long. Termites are usually between a quarter and one and a half inches long.
What are the signs of a termite infestation?
Look for sagging or discolored drywall, peeling paint that may appear damaged by water, wood that makes a dull sound when tapped, warped floorboards, and peeling tiles from termites that add moisture to walls and floors.
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