What do termites look like?Termites are small, soft-bodied, and usually pale-colored. The antennae are relatively short, straight, and threadlike or beadlike. Flying forms have two pairs of wings of equal length. The wings are often much longer than the body; however, short-winged forms also occur. Unlike ants, termites never have a constricted “waist” or elbowed antennae. Often, homeowners first encounter termites when the young kings and queens swarm from the nest. The first question homeowners want to resolve is what they dealing with – termites or flying ants. What is the difference between a termite and a flying (winged) ant?People often confuse swarming termites with flying ants. There are distinctive differences, however. In order to discern a termite from a winged ant, compare the visual biological differences:Ants have a narrow, wasp-like waist (more “cinched” in the middle of the body). Termites do not have a defined waist. Ant wings are about equal to the body size, with the fore and hind wings of unequal length. Termites have four wings of equal length that are nearly twice as long as their bodies. Ant antennae are L-shaped, with a “bend,” while termite antennae are straight.