The Differences Between Termites & Carpenter Ants

How to tell termites & carpenter ants apart by physical appearance

Termites have light-colored bodies with thick waists and straight antennae. Carpenter ants are darker, with constricted or pinched waists and elbowed antennae. Of the two, carpenter ants are the larger insects.

Winged termites and flying ants

The reproductive members of termite and carpenter ant colonies are known as swarmers and have wings. Their primary responsibility is to leave a mature colony, locate a mate, and establish a new colony. After successful mating, both types of swarmers shed their wings. To distinguish between winged termites and flying carpenter ants, it is essential to examine their wings.

Both insects possess two sets of wings, but their similarities end here. While all four termite wings are of equal size and extend beyond their bodies, carpenter ants have wings that are suitably proportionate to their bodies, but their hind wings are shorter than their front ones.

Termites eat wood; carpenter ants do not

Termites consume cellulose, an organic compound found in wood and other materials, such as plants, plant by-products, and paper.

Carpenter ants do not eat wood. Instead, they create galleries to make a protective location for building nests. Like other ants, carpenter ants eat sweet food sources like nectar, plant sap, and honeydew. They also eat protein sources. They get most of their protein from bugs, both alive and dead. Carpenter ants will also help to consume dead wildlife. Indoors, carpenter ants feed on meats, sugary foods, pet food, and other kitchen staples.

Signs of termites versus signs of carpenter ants

Mud tubes, discarded wings near windows and doors, and termites swarming inside the house or in the yard are all signs of a termite infestation. Additionally, wood that has been hollowed out or sounds hollow when tapped, wood that looks like it has been damaged by water, stuck windows or doors, buckling wood, sagging floors and ceilings, and bubbling or peeling paint can also indicate a termite problem. If you notice any of these signs, addressing the infestation as soon as possible is essential.

If you see big black ants crawling around your home or outside, notice sawdust (called frass) beneath holes, or hear rustling sounds, it may indicate a carpenter ant infestation. Additionally, you may observe carpenter ants swarming inside your property or outside. It is easier to detect wood damage caused by carpenter ants if you inspect a section of wood and look for their tunnels and live ants.

What to do if you suspect termite or carpenter ant activity

If you suspect termites or carpenter ants have infested your home, contact Miller Pest & Termite. Our team will inspect your home to identify the type of pest, evaluate the severity of the infestation, locate damage, and determine how they are entering your home and what is attracting them. We will recommend a customized treatment plan to address the problem effectively based on our findings.

How we exterminate termites

The Sentricon® System is a trusted termite bait and control solution that has won several awards and undergone rigorous testing. It is the termite solution we trust because it eradicates the entire termite colony and prevents re-infestation.

We are highly confident in our termite control and offer a one-year warranty for termite re-treatment. If termites return during the warranty period, we will return to provide treatment at no additional cost.

Carpenter ant control from Miller

Miller Pest & Termite is the ideal solution for effective carpenter ant control. Our highly trained and fully licensed pest control specialists have the knowledge, tools, and experience to exterminate carpenter ant infestations, no matter how severe.