--- title: Termite or Flying Ant? description: Termites in Massachusetts are on their way. Here's a quick lesson on how to tell a termite swarmer from a flying ant. image: https://blog.burgesspest.com/hubfs/ANTS%20V%20TERMITES%20CARD%202%20SIDED.png --- [![Burgess-and-Capeway-logo.png](https://blog.burgesspest.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Burgress_Oct2018/Images/Blog/Burgess-and-Capeway-logo.png?width=468&name=Burgess-and-Capeway-logo.png "Burgess-and-Capeway-logo.png")](https://www.burgesspest.com) 508-587-4309  |    [Customer Login ](http://login.burgesspest.com/) - - - - - Residential - [Pad Protection Plans](https://www.burgesspest.com/pad-protection-plans/) - [Ant Control](https://www.burgesspest.com/massachusetts-ant-control/) - [Tick & Mosquito Control](https://www.burgesspest.com/massachusetts-tick-mosquito-control/) - [Rodent Control](https://www.burgesspest.com/massachusetts-rodent-control/) - [Bee Control](https://www.burgesspest.com/massachusetts-bee-control/) - [Insulation Cleanouts](https://www.burgesspest.com/massachusetts-insulation-cleanouts/) - [TAP® Insulation](https://www.burgesspest.com/massachusetts-tap-insulation-installer/) - [Wildlife Control](https://www.burgesspest.com/massachusetts-wildlife-control/) - [Schedule an Inspection](https://www.burgesspest.com/schedule-an-inspection/) - Commercial - [Partnering with Burgess](https://www.burgesspest.com/partnering-with-burgess/) - [3-Part Plan](https://www.burgesspest.com/inspect-detect-correct/) - [A Higher Standard](https://www.burgesspest.com/higher-standard/) - [Services](https://www.burgesspest.com/services/) - [Disinfectant Services](https://www.burgesspest.com/disinfectant-services/) - [Sanitation Services](https://www.burgesspest.com/trash-chute-elevator-pit-cleaning/) - [Pest Management for Food Services](https://www.burgesspest.com/food-services-pest-management/) - [Pest Management for Warehousing & Distribution](https://www.burgesspest.com/warehouse-distribution-pest-management/) - [Our Guarantee](https://www.burgesspest.com/our-guarantee/) - [Pest Management for Healthcare](https://www.burgesspest.com/healthcare-pest-management/) - Termites - [Termite Control](https://www.burgesspest.com/massachusetts-termite-control/) - [The Sentricon System](https://www.burgesspest.com/the-sentricon-system/) - [Schedule an Inspection](https://www.burgesspest.com/schedule-a-termite-inspection/) - Bed Bugs - [Identifying Bed Bugs](https://www.burgesspest.com/massachusetts-bed-bug-control/) - [Heat Treatments](https://www.burgesspest.com/bed-bug-heat-treatments-in-massachusetts/) - [Let’s Talk!](https://www.burgesspest.com/lets-talk-bugs/) - Resources - [Our Blog](https://blog.burgesspest.com/blog) - [Video Library](https://www.burgesspest.com/video-library/) - [SDS](https://www.burgesspest.com/sds/) - [Consumer Bulletins](https://www.burgesspest.com/consumer-bulletins/) - Company - [Our Story](https://www.burgesspest.com/our-story/) - [Careers at Burgess](https://www.burgesspest.com/careers-at-burgess/) - [Service Areas](https://www.burgesspest.com/service-areas/) - [Customer Reviews](https://www.burgesspest.com/customer-reviews/) # Our Blog # Termite or Flying Ant? By [Admin](https://blog.burgesspest.com/blog/author/admin)| Mar 17, 2020 9:00:00 AM |[0 Comments](https://blog.burgesspest.com/blog/termite-or-flying-ant#comments-listing) # Termite swarm season is coming in Massachusetts-- do you know the difference between a termite and a flying ant? Over my years working in the pest management industry, I’ve found that one of my primary indicators of spring’s arrival is the first “I’m not sure if it’s [ants](https://www.burgesspest.com/massachusetts-ant-control/) or [termites](https://www.burgesspest.com/massachusetts-termite-control/)” phone call. Today was that day, ladies and gents. When in doubt, you should always consult a professional to identify termites in your Massachusetts home, but here’s a brief lesson on how you might be able to tell them apart with your own eye. ![ANTS V TERMITES CARD 2 SIDED](https://blog.burgesspest.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ANTS%20V%20TERMITES%20CARD%202%20SIDED.png?width=768&name=ANTS%20V%20TERMITES%20CARD%202%20SIDED.png) **Body:** Ants have distinct body parts and a “pinched” waist while termites have more uniformly shaped bodies with broad waists. The body of an ant is harder than that of a termite. **Antennae:** Termite antennae are straight. Ant antennae are bent, or “elbowed”. **Wings:** This can be the tricky part. Both flying ants and termite [swarmers](https://blog.burgesspest.com/blog/termite-season-is-coming) have two sets of wings. Ants’ wing sets will be different lengths while termite wings are all the same length. Termites shed their wings once they have found a mate, which is why a number of detached wings in an area can be one of the first signs of an infestation. Termites and ants are treated differently in order to eliminate them. Because both can damage your property, it’s best not to wait or guess-- have a professional identify the problem as soon as possible and determine the best plan of action. The experts at [Burgess Pest](https://www.burgesspest.com/schedule-an-inspection/) have the experience, the latest science, and the industry-leading treatment and control methods to Protect Your Pad from any pest. 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