Pest identification
Identify a pest
Answer two quick questions and PestMan will suggest what you’re likely dealing with — and what to read next.
- 1. What did you find?
- 2. Describe it
- 3. Likely pest
It could be one of these
Possible match
Ants
Winged ants swarm on warm, humid days. Ants have a narrow waist and elbowed antennae.
Check these features
- Three body segments with a narrow "waist" (petiole) between thorax and abdomen.
- Elbowed (bent) antennae. Termites, which are often confused with ants, have straight, bead-like antennae and no narrow waist.
- Winged ants (reproductives) appear in swarms, usually on warm, humid days after rain.
- Size and colour vary by species: tiny pale ghost ants, small black house ants, and light-brown coastal brown ants with some big-headed workers.
What to read next
Possible match
Termites
Termite swarmers have a thick waist, straight antennae and equal-length wings. If you find them indoors, get a timber pest inspection.
Check these features
- Pale, soft-bodied workers about 4–6 mm.
- Straight antennae and no narrow waist (unlike ants).
- Winged swarmers with two pairs of equal-length wings.
Suspected termites
Don’t disturb or spray suspected termite activity. Arrange an inspection by a licensed timber pest inspector. See our termite basics.
Describe it in your own words
Try something like “tiny brown bugs in the pantry” — PestMan will search its answers for a match.