How to tell the difference between flying ants and termites?

Winged ants and winged termite adults look similar. Here are four easy ways to tell them apart.

The front pair of wings on flying ants are larger than the hind wings.
Both pairs of wings on winged termites are approximately the same size and are much longer than the body of the termite.
Flying ants have a thin waists.
Winged termites do not have an obvious waist.

If you have difficulty identifying the insect, take a good cell phone photo and text it to our office.

Remember: Unless you see winged termites erupting from the wood in your house or from the soil near your foundation, they may have flown in from elsewhere. They can travel up to a mile, carried by the wind.

Contributor

Garrett Thrasher

Co-owner & General Manager, Thrasher Pest

Garrett Thrasher is the Co-owner and General Manager of Thrasher Pest, where he leads day-to-day operations for the company’s growing San Diego team. With decades of hands-on industry experience, he specializes in termite control, bed bug management, and solving complex pest problems with practical, long-term solutions.

Pest-Free Starts With One Call

A helpful member of our team will follow up within 15 minutes during business hours to give you a free quote.

San Diego's Pest Control FAQs

Get a free inspection when you book a pest control service.

What pests are covered in your pest control services?

Thrasher Pest Control provides solutions for a wide range of common pests affecting San Diego’s homes and businesses. Services commonly address ants, cockroaches, spiders, rodents, termites, fleas, and other structural or seasonal pests common to Southern California properties. During an inspection, technicians identify the pest activity affecting the property and recommend the most appropriate treatment approach based on the infestation and conditions present.

How quickly can technicians come to my home for pest control?

Response times depend on scheduling availability and the type of service requested. In many cases, technicians are able to schedule service within a short timeframe after a request is received. During the initial contact, the team reviews the pest concern and schedules the earliest available appointment for inspection and treatment.

Do I need to prepare my home before pest control service?

Preparation requirements vary depending on the type of pest and treatment being performed. For most general pest services, minimal preparation is needed beyond allowing technicians access to key areas of the home and exterior. For specialty services such as bed bug treatments or termite work, the team may provide specific preparation instructions before the scheduled appointment.

What does the pest control process look like?

Most pest control services begin with a detailed inspection of the property to identify pest activity, entry points, and conditions that may attract pests. After the inspection, technicians apply targeted treatments to affected areas using methods appropriate for the pest involved. Preventive measures such as sealing entry points, removing attractants, and monitoring pest activity are then recommended to help reduce future infestations.

Do you offer any warranty or follow-up service if pests return?

Thrasher Pest Control offers a limited warranty period after the initial treatment. If the target pest is found again in the previously treated area during the warranty period, technicians may return to re-treat the area according to the service agreement. Warranty eligibility depends on the service provided and the property conditions being maintained as recommended by the technician.