Both carpenter ants and termites are unwanted pests that can be found inside the home. These pests will differ based on appearance and behavior.
What Are The Differences Between Carpenter Ants And Termites?
Knowing whether you are dealing with a termite or carpenter ant can ultimately help you figure out how to best get rid of them. Let’s take a look at the differences between these two pests.
Appearance
Waist size is one of the most obvious ways to tell the difference between termites and carpenter ants. Carpenter ants will feature a small, pinched waist that forms a clear separation between lower and upper body. Meanwhile, termites have a broader waist that gives their bodies a more uniform look.
The majority of carpenter ants will appear either dark brown or black. It is possible, however, that some are red or yellow. Termites can range all the way from white to black in terms of color.
Carpenter ants will have an elbow-shaped antennae that are divided in two segments. Termites have moniliform antennae that looks like a string of beads.
Both termite and carpenter ant swarmers have two sets of wings, in the front and back. On termite swarmers, the wings will be equal size and length. Wings in the front are much larger than wings in the back on carpenter ants.
Behavior
While both pests are attracted to wood, it is only termites that actually consume the wood. This means carpenter ants are less destructive than termites because the damage caused will be limited to excavating tunnels.
Carpenter ants are frequently witnessed leaving their home bases in search of food. Their food sources include meat, fruit, sweets, and even pet food. You’re more than likely to see these pests searching the floor during the nights because they are nocturnal.
Termites are much harder to spot partly due to the fact that do not like to leave their tunnels. Swarming season or mating season is really the only time they will actively venture out of their homes.
Signs
Carpenter ants and termites can chew through wood without being detected by homeowners. They will dig out tunnels and galleries inside the wood, weaking the wood and putting the structure of your home at risk.
Mud tubes can usually be spotted outside the home and along the walls inside. They will be made of a combination of soil, saliva, and wood. Their purpose is to protect the termites and keep the moisture in.
Little piles of frass or excrement are signs of carpenter ants. These droppings will resemble sawdust or tiny pellets.
How To Get Rid Of Termites And Carpenter Ants
Baits, sprays, wood injections, and powders can be used to treat carpenter ants. These treatments can also work with drywood termites, which are typically found in similar locations. A combination of methods is usually your best bet since the pests often hide deep inside the wood.
Contact the team at Poor Boy Termite Control in Scottsdale, AZ for more information!
Termite Control Phoenix Metro Area
Poor Boy Termite Control can solve all of you termite issues. We only deal with termites as the name implies. We use thermal imaging, with no drilling or guessing. At Poor Boy Termite Control we detect termites and treat them. If you have a termite infestation, Call Poor Boy Termite Control at (480) 994-4240 and schedule an appointment before the problem gets worse!
