Termites have straight antennae and wide bodies without pinched waists. They are characteristically black or dark brown. Swarmers, or flying termites, have clear front and back wings that are the same length. ... Flying ants have two pairs of brown-tinted wings that differ in size.

Are flying ants as bad as termites?

Flying ants usually are more of a nuisance than they are harmful. Termites, however, can be destructive to houses and other structures and can lead to a more serious problem.

Do flying ants eat wood?

Ants do not eat wood but will chew tunnels and chambers within the wood itself, so look for signs of sawdust under the damaged wood. Most termite species also prefer soft or water-damaged wood, but some species will infest dry, undecayed wood as well.