When you have a pest invade your home, your first step in getting rid of it is identifying what it is. We frequently get calls from customers saying they might have carpenter ants or termites because the two share some similarities. However, their damage is incomparable, so quickly figuring out what you have is key to minimizing the possible effects.

Appearance

Carpenter Ants: This type of ant has angeled antennae, three body parts, and a thin waist. They are dark brown/black. If a carpenter ant has wings, they are unequal in size.

Termites: These pests have straight antennae and a rice-shaped body made of two separate parts. They are a light brown color. Swarmer termites have wings that are equal in size.

Damage

Carpenter Ants: This pest clears out the inside of wood for nesting, so they purposefully keep the structure in-tact to protect their young. While this isn’t welcomed behavior, it’s very little to worry about compared to termite damage.

Termites: Termites take a toll on all areas of your house and can cause thousands of dollars in damage. You’ll find damaged wood that sounds hollow or is crumbled, floors that are warping and squeaking, and discolored and drooping walls with peeling paint.

Signs of Infestation

Carpenter Ants: You’ll find wood shavings around the edges of wood and waste that also looks sawdust-like. You might even hear soft crunching or rustling inside the walls or wooden structures in your home.

Termites: Termites leave behind plenty of signs if you know what you’re looking for. You’ll find discarded wings that look like fish scales and waste that resembles piles of pepper. You might find mud tubes around your home that appear to “climb up” a wall.

Do You Have Carpenter Ants or Termites?

The pest pros at ExtermPRO have decades of experience serving the Virginia area, so we know the solutions to all your pest problems. We have a Pest Protection Plan that creates a shield around your house to prevent all sorts of invasive pests, like carpenter ants and termites. Call us today at 571-620-1168.