Every spring and summer in the Coachella Valley, we get a flood of calls from worried homeowners seeing flying insects around their windows or doors. Their first thought? Termites! But more often than not, these winged invaders are actually ant swarmers, not termites.

While both pests send winged “swarmers” to start new colonies, knowing the difference can save you worry—and help you act quickly if you really do have termites.

Ant Swarmers

Here’s how to tell them apart at a glance:

Waist: Narrow, pinched “hourglass” waist (classic ant look).
Antennae: Bent or elbowed.
Wings: Back wings are shorter than the front wings, and both sets are often unequal in length.
Behavior: Often seen crawling in lines before or after flight.

Termite Swarmers

Waist: Thick, straight waist—no pinching.
Antennae: Straight, bead-like (not elbowed).
Wings: Two pairs of wings that are the same size, longer than the body, and often shed near windowsills.
Behavior: Attracted to light; dead or dying swarmers often found inside homes near windows.

When & Why They Swarm

• Ant swarmers usually appear after rain or when temps warm up suddenly — often during spring or early summer.
• Termite swarmers also emerge in warm, humid conditions, often in late spring, but can pop up any time when a colony matures.

Both are on a mission to start new colonies — but only termites will eat your home’s wood!

What If You See Swarmers?

Find a Sample. Carefully collect a few dead or live swarmers (a piece of clear tape works great).

Take a Photo. Get a clear, close-up shot of the insects.

Call Rudy’s. Our team can ID them for you — often over the phone or by text — and recommend next steps.

Don’t panic! Swarmers alone don’t always mean an infestation, but termite swarmers inside your home are a strong sign you need professional help ASAP. 

Rudy’s Pro Tip:

Keep doors and windows screened, and seal cracks around your home’s exterior. This can reduce swarmer sightings — and if you see wings but aren’t sure, remember: When in doubt, call us out!

Need help identifying what you’re seeing? Reach out to Rudy’s Termite & Pest Control today — our experts are ready to keep your home safe, pest-free, and worry-free.