There are two pests that cause terror in the heart of any homeowner – termites and carpenter ants.
Both of these bugs are wood destroyers and can cause serious structural damage to homes, businesses and other property. They look similar. They can cause quite a bit of damage before the human inhabitants even know there’s a problem. If you have a problem with either of these, you’ll need to call pest control professionals.
Still, there are a few essential differences between these pests. Let’s get to know each of them.
Termites are a light golden color, and carpenter ants are dark brown or black. Termites have a large head with a smaller body, while carpenter ants have three sections – head, thorax and abdomen. Both have wings – but termite wings are typically longer. You may find loose termite wings near their nests.
Both termites and carpenter ants are attracted to the wood in your home, but for different reasons. Carpenter ants burrow into the wood to create a nest; they don’t actually ingest the wood. Termites, however, see wood as an all-you-can-eat buffet and need it to live. Ants will eat other insects instead of wood. Ants and termites require water to live, so be sure to prevent any leaks around your home.
Termites are messy eaters, so you may find mud and dirt around their tunnels. It’s common to find mud tubes created by termites on outer walls. Carpenter ants will create clean tunnels throughout the wood. You may find little piles of wood pieces that look like sawdust outside of their nests, as they clean up behind them.
Termites are nicknamed the “silent destroyers” because they can destroy a building with little to no warning. They also work faster than carpenter ants. Ants may take years to demolish a structure.
How do you know if you have termites or carpenter ants? If you suspect you have either, call in the professionals. Ark Pest Control & Prevention will inspect your home or office for both pests, take care of the problem and prevent them from returning. Contact us today!