There are bugs that look like ants in my house

Question: I found these ant-looking bugs in my house. The smaller ones look like a regular ant; the bigger ones look the same, but they have wings. Could these be a type of termite, and if so, what is the best way to kill them?

Answer: Ant and termite colonies produce swarmers during a certain time of the year. These individuals are males and females (future queens) and are capable of reproduction. The process of swarming is important for starting new colonies.

You can distinguish swarming ants from swarming termites by looking closely at some important body parts. (A magnifying glass can help with the identification.) Ants have a narrow waist and bent antennae, and they do not immediately shed their wings. Winged termites have no waist and straight antennae. They shed their wings soon after they emerge.

As you are unsure of what you have, and I cannot make an accurate determination without specimens to look at, your best course of action is to call Orkin. An Orkin Pro will come to your home and conduct a thorough inspection. Upon completion, a report will be provided, and the inspector will be able to assess what you actually have. Whether they are ants or termites, they are both pests that need to be controlled. Your Orkin Pro will develop a customized treatment plan to control whichever pest you are dealing with.