Termites Compared to Ants
There are three simple physical differences between the ant vs termite.
Antenna
The antenna on an ant reminds me of the arm bent at the elbow, and is thus called “elbowed antennae”. While the antennae on the termite is straight but looks like a string of pearls.
Wings
The wings are also different between the two alate, term used when referring to the adult cycle in termites and ants. Both have two sets of wings but only on the termite is the second set of wings easily visible. The front wings of the ant are larger than the hind wings and the termite wings are uniform.
Body
A termites body is very different looking from an ants. Termites have broad wide bodies from head to tail. An ants body is thin and constricted at the neck and waist. Ants also tend to be strongly colored black or red. Termites stay out of the light and tend to be a pasty off white color, which is why they are sometimes mistakenly called white ants.
Food Sources
Another important difference between the ant and termite is where they are located. Ants want edible food and sugars while termites are interested in the appropriate woods. Most likely termites will be found in places that give them access to woods, such as rafters and walls. Ants on the other hand love the kitchen where they will have access to sugar and other foods that have been dropped or not cleaned up.
