As the early summer season approaches after weeks of heavy rain, reports of “flying ants” have emerged across Hong Kong, sparking concerns that the insects could cause a nuisance and even damage homes.
Social media users also shared photos of the insects circling street lights in the evening or of their carcasses scattered across toilet sinks, with some questioning whether they are in fact termites.
The South China Morning Post looks into these flying insects and how to prevent termites from entering homes.
1. Are these ‘flying ants’ actually termites?
The massive swarms of winged insects appearing during rainy days in homes are essentially termites. Although commonly referred to as “flying ants” in Chinese, there are differences between the two.
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While both termites and ants live in colonies, ants are close relatives of bees and wasps, while termites are not, according to a pest control newsletter by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department.
Despite sharing some resemblance, termites have straight antennae and broad waists, while ants have elbowed antennae and constricted waists.
Termites subsist on wood, but ants feed on a variety of food.