Termite vs Ant – Identification
![termite 2 | Walter Reeves: The Georgia Gardener immature termites](https://t9e4s3i5.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/termite-2-600x400.jpg)
Termites and ants are similar in that both have winged “reproductives.” These insects emerge from where the colony has been living in a cloud of silver wings. When you see a swarm, are they ants or termites?
To tell them apart, look at their body shape. The ant will have a very distinct neck and waist.
A termite body will be pretty much the same diameter from head to tail (like a cigar).
If the winged insect is more than 1/2 inch long and dark black, it is likely to be a reproductive carpenter ant.
What to Do When You Find Termites
![termite 2 | Walter Reeves: The Georgia Gardener immature termites](http://www.walterreeves.com/wr2020/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/termite-2.jpg)
termite workers
![termite swarm 1 | Walter Reeves: The Georgia Gardener reproductive termites](http://www.walterreeves.com/wr2020/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/termite-swarm-1.jpg)
reproductive termites
![carpenter ants | Walter Reeves: The Georgia Gardener carpenter ants](http://www.walterreeves.com/wr2020/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/carpenter-ants-e1300458414468.jpg)
carpenter ants
![ant b-w | Walter Reeves: The Georgia Gardener ant body](http://www.walterreeves.com/wr2020/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/ant-b-w.jpg)
ant body