What is the Difference Between Carpenter Ants and Termites?

Carpenter ants and termites may look the same to the untrained eye. They are similar in size with four wings, swarm in spring, and are notorious for damaging wooden structures. However, they are totally different from each other. Knowing the difference between a carpenter ant versus a termite is especially important when it comes to identifying a pest infestation. Keep reading to learn how to determine if termites or carpenter ants are the problem.
Table of Contents

  • What is the Difference Between Carpenter Ants and Termites?
  • Physical Characteristics
  • Damage
  • Nesting
  • What Attracts Termites and Carpenter Ants?
  • Controlling Termite and Ant Infestations

Physical Characteristics

Carpenter ants and termites share some similarities. However, a closer look at each insect will show important physical differences that help identify a termite versus a carpenter ant.

  • Body Shape

    One of the main differences between termites and ants is their body shape. Ants have a head, thorax, and abdomen, while termites only have a head and a thorax. Carpenter ants have narrow “waists” between the thorax and abdomen. A termite, on the other hand, has no “waist.”

  • Antennae

    Termite antennae are straight and bead-like. Ant antennae are segmented and have a distinctive elbowed bend.

  • Wings

    Only reproductive termites and ants have wings. These swarmers have four wings and only reproduce and establish new colonies. A termite’s wings are equal in size and are much longer than its body. Ants have two larger forewings and two smaller hind wings. Termite wings are typically longer than ant wings.

  • Color

    Carpenter ants are reddish or dark-colored. Termites are transparent, light creamy white in color. Worker ants are often seen out in the open foraging for food, while termites avoid light and are rarely noticed unless their nest is disturbed.

Termite Damage vs Carpenter Ant Damage

Carpenter ants and termites are common wood-destroying insects that will munch on the wood in your home. Termites actually eat wood. Carpenter ants merely dig into the wood to form their nests. Termites prefer healthy wood because the cellulose found in wood is a source of nutrition. Carpenter ants, however, cannot digest wood cellulose and simply push the shavings out of the way. Small piles of wood shavings or frass are a common sign of a carpenter ant infestation. Carpenter ants also prefer moist and damaged wood to excavate their nests.

Termites are known as “silent destroyers” because most infestations often go unnoticed until it is too late. It is estimated that termites cause over $40 billion in damage every year. Ant infestations can also go unnoticed. However, it would take carpenter ants years to cause considerable damage, but it is still necessary to get rid of carpenter ants.

Termite Damage

[Photo Credit by Mississippi State University]

Carpenter Ant Damage

[Photo Credit by Rutgers University]

Termite Nesting vs Carpenter Ant Nesting

Chimneys, crawl spaces, damaged doors and window frames, bathrooms, and kitchens are common areas where ants and termites build their nests. Another major difference between carpenter ants and termites is how they create their nests. Carpenter ants create tunnels that are very smooth and finished. Termite tunnels are rough, ragged, and filled with mud. You will often see mud tubes created by termites on outer walls or foundations and piles of frass near carpenter ant nests.

What Attracts Termites and Carpenter Ants?

Ants and termites love moist, damp areas. Leaky pipes and poor ventilation create moisture problems that attract ants and termites into your home. Obviously, they’re both attracted to wood. However, carpenter ants will also forage sweet or meaty foods in pantries and kitchens. Foundation cracks or openings around doors and windows will also provide easy entry points.

Controlling Termite and Carpenter Ant Infestations

Regardless of which pest you have, getting rid of a carpenter ant or termite infestation can be a challenge and should be dealt with immediately! DIY pest control methods don’t stand a chance against a major ant or termite infestation. At Advanced Wildlife and Pest Control, our licensed and experienced pest exterminators conduct thorough home inspections to identify the species, the source, and the severity of the infestation.

Our pest management professionals utilize industry-leading pest control methods to successfully eliminate your carpenter ant and termite problems. We don’t just provide high-quality pest control services. We help protect what you love. As a family-owned pest control company, your family is at the heart of our service. Providing quality ant control and termite control services throughout Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin for over 30 years!

Have ants or termites in your home? Give us a call today at (262) 242-4390 or send us a message.

Categories: Ants, Insects, Termites