In our experience, Hawaii homeowners often confuse winged ants with termites. Here are a few fool-proof methods for determining the difference between flying ants and winged termites.

Winged termites have fairly straight abdomens, equal length wings and straight antenna’s; Once emerging from their nests, both species shed their wings quickly and are not adept flyers. In Hawaii, winged termites are seasonal swarmers with swarms being triggered by warm, balmy conditions.

Winged ants have narrow waists and bent antennae and two pairs of wings, one noticeably larger than the other. Winged ants will swarm at different times of the year depending on species and conditions.