Walter Cohen wrote:

How do I tell the difference between flying/winged ants and
flying/winged termites?
I have what look like winged ants (black bodies with long wings) that
have been congregating on the inside of a window sill in my home.
There are numerous discarded wings along the floor too.

Any help is appreciated.
Walter

It would be difficult (for me) to tell the difference, even with
references and a microscope. Here is an article about Florida
subterranean termits which illustrates some differences:
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IG097

First and foremost, have a reputable company do a termite inspection.
Usually free around here. A dominant termite in your area might be very
different than my area; take bugs/wings to your local extension service
(county or state if you are in a rural area) = ours has bug
specialists. You can find a lot of the signs of termite infestation by
reading topics for your area, and also steps for preventing them that
are relatively simple. A decent extension service should know what
termites are predominant in your locale and the most effective
treatments for them. The chain pest control service often have
sub-contractors who do actual treatment - careful in shopping. Do you
have annual termite inspections?

Inspect around the openings where you find the shed wings - knock around
to see if there are hollow sounding spots in the wood, bubbly or rippled
looking surface on drywall (termites like to eat the paper cover), signs
of water leaks, pinholes, piles of blackish or dark reddish droppings.
On outside, damaged wood, gaps around window/door frames and siding,
landscape against wood, wood too close to ground, stucco that goes down
below grade, gaps around plumbing entries outside or in floor, mud
"termite tunnels" on foundation (or inside crawl space).