Which is Worse Carpenter Ants VS Termites? How to Tell the Difference Between Swarmers & More?
No one wants to think that an insect was working at chewing away the structural integrity of their home. Unfortunately, when you have a termite or carpenter ant infestation, that is exactly what is happening. However, if you have termites, the damage to your home may be far more severe. It is important that you understand what sets carpenter ants and termites apart so that you know what type of pest you are dealing with when it comes to property damage. Ross Environmental Solutions is here to talk about the differences between carpenter ants and termites.
How Can You Tell the Difference Between Termites & Carpenter Ants?
Termites and carpenter ants are different pretty much across the board with the exception of the fact that they damage your home. The way that these two insects behave is drastically different from one another.
– Nests: Both of these insects build nests where their colony will live, but carpenter ants are known for building their nests inside damaged or soft wood. Termites, depending on the species, will build their nests underground and travel to the wood they need for their diet. You see, carpenter ants hollow out wood to build their nests and will go foraging for food. Termites don’t live in wood; they eat it as their primary food source.
– Mud Tubes & Sawdust. When you see little mud tubes on the foundation of your home, it is a big sign of termite infestation. These use these tubes as a means of transportation to your home. Carpenter ants leave behind sawdust that is left behind as they build their nest inside the wood.
– Damage: Because termites actually eat the wood, they cause more damage than carpenter ants that merely hollow it out for a nest.
Do Carpenter Ant Swarmers Look Like Termite Alates?
At first glance, when you see a flying insect near your home, you may mistake it for a flying ant. This is because carpenter ants and termites look so alike. However, there are distinct differences if you look closely.
– Body: Carpenter ants have a pinched waist while termites have a straight waist and are the same size top to bottom. Carpenter ants are much larger (as much as 5/8 inches long) than termite swarmers (only 3/8 inches long).
– Wings: Each insect has two sets of wings, but the carpenter ant has a set of smaller wings and a set of larger that do not stack evenly on top of each other. Termites have two sets of identical wings. In addition, termite wings are white while ant wings are tan.
– Antennae: Carpenter ants have a bend or elbowed antennae while termites have straight antennae.
– Color: Termites are a light brown, almost transparent colored body. Carpenter ants are usually dark red, brown or black.
Carpenter Ants & Termites
If you notice there are insects resembling termites or carpenter ants near your home, it is important that you call on the pest control professionals at Ross Environmental Solutions to help you get rid of them as soon as possible. The longer these insects are left to their devices, the more property damage you will have. Call us today!
