The thought of any insect eating away at your home is unnerving. Termites and carpenter ants cost homeowners thousands in property damage every year. Many people confuse these two insects as they look extremely alike. If you take a closer look, you will see that there are actually several physical differences as well as behavioral. A-Tex Pest Management is here to share the distinct differences between these two destructive insects.
Physical Differences Between Termites & Carpenter Ants
If you ever look closely at a termite and carpenter ant close together, you would be able to clearly see the differences between the two. However, when you are seeing one of these two on their own in your home, it is a different story. Here are the differences between the two:
– Body: When looking at carpenter ants and termites, you will see that carpenter ants have a pinched waist while termites have a straight body.
– Antennae: Carpenter ants have bent antennae while termites have straight.
– Wings: As termites and carpenter ants are searching for a new place to nest, they have wings. They both have two sets of wings, but the termite’s wings will all be the same size. Carpenter ants will have one set of large wings while the second set are much smaller. Termites also lose their wings much easier that carpenter ants. When you see these wings by small openings in wood, it is most likely a termite infestation.
– Color: Carpenter ants are red, black or brown. Termites are transparent or creamy in color, and you will notice that termites avoid sunlight at all costs.
Behavior Differences Between Carpenter Ants & Termites
Not only do these insects have may physical differences, but they also behave quite differently. Termites actually eat wood while carpenter ants just hollow out the wood to build their nests. When you look at infested wood, the galleries look quite different. With termites, it is messy and rough looking. Carpenter ants completely clean out these tunnels and there is very little mess and the inside is smooth and clean. Termites also don’t nest in wood, they build their nests in the ground and use mud tubes to travel to and from their food source. If you ever notice small mud tubes on the foundation of your home, it is almost a guarantee that you are dealing a termite infestation rather than carpenter ants. Carpenter ants build their nests in the wood and leave to forage for food. Termite damage happens much quicker than damage caused by carpenter ants.
Termite & Pest Inspections, Treatment, Control, Removal & More in Austin, Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville & Cedar Park Texas
Because these insects can cause so much damage to your property, it is essential that when you notice any activity, you call on the pest professionals at A-Tex Pest Management to inspect your home and work to get rid of the problem. We have the experience and equipment needed to ensure your home is safe from termites and carpenter ants. Call us today!