Hong Kong's 'Flying Ants' Identified as Termites, Sparking Home Damage Concerns

As early summer approaches after weeks of heavy rain, Hong Kong reports "flying ants" sparking concerns of nuisance and home damage. Social media shows insects circling street lights and carcasses in sinks, with some questioning if they are termites. The South China Morning Post investigates. 1. Are these 'flying ants' actually termites? The swarms of winged insects during rainy days are essentially termites, not ants. Despite the common Chinese term "flying ants", termites differ from ants. Both live in colonies, but ants are close to bees and wasps, while termites are not, per the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department. Termites have straight antennae and broad waists, unlike ants with elbowed antennae and constricted waists. Termites eat wood; ants eat various food.