The Difference Between Carpenter Ants and Termites: What You Need to Know
Carpenter ants are common household pests and are often mistaken for termites. They can be found almost anywhere in the United States, but they’re most commonly found in the southern and eastern regions of the country.
Carpenter ants are winged insects with a black or nearly black body that is about 1/4” long. They possess a stiff, pointed abdomen that is used to break into the wood in order to lay eggs. Carpenter ants have six legs, two antennae, and one pair of wings.
Termites are more challenging to identify because they have a wide variety of sizes-from microscopic to over 12 inches long! Termite workers will eat through wooden materials to bring them back to the nest, where others will carry on the work. They cannot live without eating wood-this is why they can do so much damage. Termites also have an equal number of males and females, so each colony has both genders present.
The next time you find unwanted visitors
Is it a termite or a carpenter ant?
Carpenter ants and termites have a very similar appearance. The most noticeable difference between termites and carpenter ants is their number of wings. Carpenter ants are winged insects while termites are not.
Termites are larger and can vary significantly in size, including microscopic to over 12 inches long! They also have an equal number of males and females, so each colony has both genders present.
If you find either type of insect, it is best to contact a professional pest control service. The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) recommends that homeowners call a professional if they see any evidence of either type of an insect for the first time or multiple times.
What do they look like?
Carpenter ants are black, and their body is about 1/4 of an inch long. They have six legs, two antennae, and one pair of wings.
Termites are a bit harder to identify because they come in a wide variety of sizes-from microscopic to over 12 inches. Termite workers will eat through wooden materials to bring them back to the nest, where others will carry on the work. They cannot live without eating wood-this is why they can do so much damage. Termites also have an equal number of males and females, so each colony has both genders present.
The next time you find unwanted visitors, you’ll know what kind you’re dealing with!
How can I get rid of them?
Carpenter ants can be challenging to get rid of because they live and travel in colonies. They’re often found in moist areas and may drain from your house’s plumbing or seep through cracks in the foundation. If you think you have an infestation, contact a professional pest control service to identify the problem and provide a solution.
Termites are more difficult to exterminate because they never stop eating wood! To eliminate termites, it needs to be done all at once-the entire colony must be eliminated for them to die out. If you have a termite problem, contact a professional pest control service ASAP!
What do carpenter ants eat?
Carpenter ants will eat almost anything, but their favorite foods are sweets, breads, and meats. They can get into your home or office through tiny cracks that lead to wall spaces and door frames.
What do termites eat?
Termites eat wood and can cause considerable damage to your home. They eat the wood from the inside out, leaving a hard shell on the outside of your house.
Termites will eat through wooden materials to bring them back to their nest, where others will carry on the work. If you see termites in your home, you need to call Lighthouse 516-800-1272 immediately!
Conclusion
The bottom line is the difference between carpenter ants and termites can be tough to spot if you don’t know what you’re looking for. The good news is that it’s easy to tell the difference once you understand what to look for. With the correct information, you can quickly determine whether it’s a termite or a carpenter ant and take action to get rid of them.
