Photo Credit: UF/IFAS
Ever found yourself staring at a small, creepy crawly and wondering if it’s an ant or a termite? You’re not alone! These insects can look surprisingly similar at first glance. So then, what’s the difference between an ant and a termite?
Antennae: First up, take a look at their antennae. Ants have antennae that are elbowed, almost like they’re carrying tiny bent arms around. On the other hand, termites have straight antennae with no clear elbow.
Wings: Now, check out their wings. Ants have two sets of wings, but the front pair is noticeably larger than the back pair. In contrast, termites’ wings are almost identical in size, giving them a more balanced look.
Waist: Finally, let’s talk about their waistlines. Ants have a more slender body with a pinched waist that looks almost like a corset. Termites, however, don’t have a pinched waist at all; their bodies are more uniform in width.
These are just 3 of the basic easy to see difference of an ant and termite to help you easily tell them apart. This is important because the protocol and treatment will vary greatly between them. So it’s important to have proper identification first.
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