Carpenter Ants vs. Termites: What’s the Difference?

If you are starting to notice unusual pest activity and are concerned that you might have a costly termite infestation but aren’t quite sure what it is. Well, let’s dig a little deeper to make sure you have clear knowledge of what you are dealing with!

Signs of Termite Damage

While you may not see the actual pest culprit, you most likely are seeing the evidence or aftermath of some recent activity, whether it be fecal matter or mud trails along the side of the wall. Here are some things to look out for to determine if you are dealing with termites:

Mud Tubes

• Built by termites to provide moisture and protection
• Found on exterior walls, crawl spaces, and basements

Discarded Wings

• Winged termites shed their wings after mating
• Found near windowsills, doors, and other possible entry points

Hollow Wood

• Termites feed on wood from the inside out, leaving a hollow shell
• Tiny holes or buckling paint may be signs of infestation

Swarming

• Large groups of winged termites may swarm around windows and doors
• Swarms usually occur after rain or in the spring

Signs of Carpenter Ant Damage

Unlike termites, carpenter ants do not eat wood, they just tunnel through it in order to travel and nest. Carpenter ants typically will eat the same things every other ant would eat: pet food, sugar, crumbs, etc. Nevertheless, they can be just as destructive to your home as termites. Here are some signs that you may have a carpenter ant infestation in your home:

Piles of Sawdust

• Commonly found near ant trails and nests
• Wood fragments or “frass” near woodwork

Hollow Wood

• Carpenter ants create galleries and tunnels in wood
• Holes around the size of a pencil

Visible Trails of Ants

• Ants move in trails to and from their nests
• Ants are often seen at night around windows or lights

Difference Between Carpenter Ants and Termites

Carpenter ants and termites may look similar, but they are actually quite different. When looking at a winged carpenter ant and a winged swarmer termite, the differences can be hard to spot. Take a look at the side-by-side comparison of the two:

So, What Now?

So you have figured out whether you have a termite or a carpenter ant issue, so what now? Well, the most important thing it to determine whether or not this is an issue that you can take care of yourself. Most of the time, with the right insecticides you can solve your pest problem with a localized treatment that you do yourself and some infestations are better left up to the professional pest control companies. We at HowToPest.com have experienced pest technicians on hand to help you to figure out what your best plan of action is!