Carpenter ants and termites are both pests. They are similar in that they both cause destruction to wood. They are different in that they engage in different behaviors and cause different types of damage to the wood. Carpenter ants – for example – excavate the wood that they damage to construct their nests. Termites actually consume the wood that they damage and treat it as their main source of food.
It is quite common for people to confuse termites with carpenter ants. They are quite similar in their appearance and they are both known for nesting in the spring. Despite their similarities, they are different in the damage that they cause in residential structures. Termites are considered to be the costliest as far as being a structural insect pest within the State of Indiana.
If you are reading this guide, it is quite likely that you know that you have some type of problem and that some type of pest has invaded and taken up resident in the wooden components of your home. You have observed warning signs, you have determined that there is some damage occurring, and you may have even seen a carpenter ant or a termite. Now, you want to learn more so that you are capable of putting an end to the tenure of the insects- the question is, though – what type of insect is it, carpenter ants or termites? Continue reading to learn more.
What are Termites?
Termites are insects that have an assortment of digestive-based enzymes, a variety of protozoa, and various types of bacteria that allow them the capability of digesting cellulose, which is the main component that is present within wood. While it is true that one termite is capable of consuming and digesting a little bit of wood, the size associated with the swarm could result in the damage caused by termites to be absolutely astronomical. Many homeowners do not even realize that they have termites until the damage is vast. The rate of the consumption of a termite will be determined by the size of the infestation, the particular species, and the climate.
What Do Termites Look Like?
You may identify termites through several different factors. First, the wings. The wings of a termite are equally shaped and sized. They are colored silvery to opaque. The width of the insect’s body is the same from front to back. There are absolutely no curves. The antennae are generally straight, but may have a slight curve. The antennae are never bents.
What Does a Carpenter Ant Look Like?
Carpenter ants are large, are either black or reddish or a combination of both. The body of the carpenter ant is segmented. It includes a head, a thorax region, and an abdomen. The thorax is rounded in an even manner. There is a single little node that connects the thorax to the abdomen. The antennae are elbowed-shaped. They vary in size. Workers may be as large as a half an inch and queens may be as large as one inch long. The waist is pinched. Many have wings, while others have no wings.
The wings on carpenter ants are different both in shape and in size than termites. These ants will usually have one set of wings that are larger than the other set of wings. The wings are usually transparent. If you find that you have winged carpenter ants in your home, you must get a professional ant treatment done on your home.
Why are Carpenter Ants and Termites Often Mistaken for Each Other?
The carpenter ant and the termite are often mistaken for one another because the reproductive insects of each of the species look similar to each other.
Do Carpenter Ants Eat Wood?
No, carpenter ants do not eat wood as it offers them absolutely no nutritional value. They do destroy it, but only to make their nests. Infestations of carpenter ants are less costly than that of termites. Additionally, it is easier to control carpenter ants than it is to control termites. The carpenter ant will nest in both dry and moist wood. If these insects are observed in small numbers inside of the home, it is likely that they are just foragers from outside. If they are observed in large numbers, it is likely that there is an infestation present.
If there is an infestation and it is left untreated, it is likely that the insects will cause damage to the home. If you see winged carpenter ants emerge from ceilings, walls, or any other type of crevice, or if you see wood shavings in areas in piles, this indicates that there is a colony present. The presence of wood shavings indicates a severe infestation.
How Do I Identify a Termite Infestation?
There are several signs that you may look for if you are trying to determine if you have a termite infestation in and/or around your home. These include the following:
- If you see an irregularly-shaped pattern on the exterior walls of the home that resemble tunnels and seem to be composed of mud, it is likely that you have termites.
- If termite swarmers are flying in or around your home, it is likely that you have a termite infestation.
- Mud tubes that connect a nest of termites to wood are a significant indicator of termites.
- If termites are present and there is an abundance of shedded wings in one area, it indicates that there is an overpopulated nest and adult insects are attempting to relocate and/or build a new nesting site.
- If you see paint that is on wood and buckling or small holes within a wood surface, you could have a termite infestation.
- Damaged wood is a solid sign that there is a termite infestation. If you suspect an infestation, you should knock gently on the wood, if it sounds hollow, there could be an infestation.
Main Differences Between Carpenter Ants and Termites
There is a total of six main differences between carpenter ants and termites. These are as follows:
- Damage – The damage from termites is much more costly and expensive than the damage from carpenter ants.
- Wood Consumption – The termites actually eat the wood and the carpenter ants do not.
- Swarming – Both of these insect’s swarm when it is time to reproduce. The termite engages in this activity in the spring and the carpenter ant does it mainly in the spring or summer- it all depends on the species.
- Appearance – The termite has a body that is straight and has wings that are equal in shape and antennae that is straight and bead-like. Carpenter ants have a waist that is pinched. The antennae are bent and the length of the wings is uneven.
- Moisture – Carpenter ants are known for preferring wood that is damp or decaying. Termites will infest both dry wood and wood that is moist.
- Infestation Signs – Termite infestations may be identified by mud tubs, wings that have been left behind, antennae that is straight and beaded. Carpenter ants have uneven wing lengths and bent antennae.
Is a Termite More Destructive Than a Carpenter Ant?
Yes, a termite is significantly more destructive than a carpenter ant. According to statistics, termites do more than $5 billion dollars of damage to buildings each year. Just one colony is capable of causing major damage to a home within three to five years. Carpenter ants take much longer to do heavy damage to a home.
How to Find a Carpenter Ant Nest?
If you are trying to locate a nest of carpenter ants in or around your home, look for trails of the insects, look for piles of sawdust-like material, and listen for sounds that sound like rustling. Most will nest in areas that are moist, in woodpiles, in or near trees, and in ceilings within the home. Other common areas for carpenter ant nests within the home are in window sills, in the basement, and in crawl spaces.
What Do Carpenter Ants Dislike?
Carpenter ants do not like scents that are strong and are pungent. The reason being is that these scents interfere with their ability to properly navigate. Examples include citrus, lemon, and vinegar. Items that are capable of dehydrating ants are also disliked by carpenter ants. Examples include boric acid and spices – such as cinnamon.
Contact Us
It does not matter if you have a termite problem, a carpenter ant problem, or both, contact us here at All Pest and we can assist you. We will find the nest and/or colony and come up with a customized treatment plan that will help eliminate the infestation that you are experiencing. Additionally, we will also help you prevent future infestations by offering our knowledge and expertise. In addition to pest control services, we also offer pre-inspections and home inspections. If you would like to learn more or would like to set up an appointment, give us a call today at the following phone number: 765-965-2171
