Dealing with pests of any kind can be a nuisance. By recognizing the type of critter that’s causing chaos in your home, however, you can take a proactive approach to handle the problem and future issues. That’s key when you’re experiencing an infestation of termites or carpenter ants, which share some significant similarities. While they can be stubborn to control, a qualified exterminator can make quick work of them. Here’s what you need to know.

All About Termites

Termites are notorious for their ability to chew through wood and cause extensive damage. These tenacious pests reside in the soil or in the wood, so they’re largely invisible to the average homeowner. In fact, you may not discover that there’s a termite problem until they cause significant destruction to a wooden structure—they’re capable of chewing through the entire length of a football field! This is why it’s imperative to contact a termite control exterminator as soon as you discover an issue. Damage to the property may require extensive repairs.

One of the most obvious differences between termites and carpenter ants is their appearance. Termites range in hue from yellow to red to tan, and have boxy silhouettes without defined waists, along with straight antennae that feature bead-like accents. While these creatures don’t typically have wings, swarming termites do feature two pairs each. After fertilization, they shed these wings and move forward in their life cycle to create a new colony.

All About Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants are hungry critters, too, but they feed on sugars and proteins. That’s why homeowners are likely to spot them inside the kitchen or anywhere there are sources of food and water. While they don’t consume the wood like termites do, they can take up residence inside by chewing their way through the wood. You may notice piles of sawdust that they leave in their wake as evidence of an infestation. Your exterminator can eliminate them and determine whether moisture intrusion concerns, such as plumbing or roof issues, are causing the problem.

Unlike the rectangular structure of the termite, carpenter ants feature a triple-segmented body marked by a narrow waist, plus bent antennae. They don’t usually have wings, either, but swarming groups may display two pairs on their backs. Carpenter ants are usually a dark hue of either black, red, or brown.

No matter what type of pest you find, it’s important to contact an exterminator quickly. The experts at Cox Termite & Pest Control provide homeowners throughout Savannah, GA, reliable pest management services. They offer effective ant and termite control services that treat the problem immediately and prevent it from happening in the future. You can learn more about their services online, or give them a call at (912) 236-2503 to schedule an appointment.