Botanic Garden >> Gardening > >> Question and Answer >> Pests

Small Dark Winged Insects: Ants vs. Termites

Homeowner finds 3-4 dead insects weekly: dark, two equal-length wing pairs (body-length), straight antennae. Pest control tech leaned toward ants. Termite wings are usually longer than body.

Expert Answer: Likely ants. Most pros easily distinguish ants from termites. See winged termite drawing. Post a photo for confirmation.

— Jack DeAngelis

Pests: Aspen Burrowing Insect: Likely Earwigs, Not Primary Pests; Large Aphids on Coats in Isle of Wight: Giant Willow Aphid; Spruce Sawfly Larvae: Not Caterpillars, Bt Won't Work; Beech Blight Aphids on Large Maple: Systemic Soil Treatment; White Bugs on Angel's Trumpet: Likely Aphids, Use Systemic Treatment; Itchy Bites in Georgia Yard: Likely Fleas from Prior Dogs; Insect Identification: Refer to Pest Specialists; Rosinweed (Silphium compositum): Taprooted Native Perennial; Dogfennel Identification and Control in Pastures and Landscapes; Walkingstick Insect: Master of Camouflage

Garden Articles

Primitive Flies in UK Home: Damp Soil Breeders

Identifying and Managing House Centipedes

Identifying and Caring for a Ferocactus latispinus

Identifying White/Purple Morning Glory-Like Flowers in PA

Drosera hartmeyerorum: Buy Seeds, Not Plants

Identifying and Treating Scale on Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)

Controlling Scale Insects on Spider Plant and Yucca

Plants

Roadside Wildflower: Spiderwort (Tradescantia ohiensis)

Mystery Bulbs Identified as Iris: Divide and Replant for Blooms

Identifying a Tall Plant with Yellow Flowers in Idaho

Identifying Lawn Pests: Fleas, Ticks, and What to Do About Them

Horntail Woodwasp: Identification and Why Control Is Rarely Needed

Rose Sawfly Larvae: Identification and Control

Giant Resin Bee: Carpenter Bee Hole Squatters from Asia