When you find a pest in your home, the first thing you need to do is to identify it so you can take care of the problem. We often get phone calls from people thinking they have carpenter ants only to find out they are dealing with a termite problem. The two are similar, so how do you tell carpenter ants and termites apart?

How to Tell Carpenter Ants and Termites Apart

What does it look like?

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.

What kind of damage is there?

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.

What signs are you seeing?

Carpenter Ants: You’ll find wood shavings around the edges of wood and waste that looks like sawdust. 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.

Need Help to Tell Carpenter Ants and Termites Apart? Call ExtermPRO.

We know all about the pests that can disturb the homes and businesses of our neighbors in northern Virginia. Our services are guaranteed, so if carpenter ants come back after we leave, we will come back out to your home at no extra charge. Call us today at 571-620-1168 for a free quote for ant control services.