Termites and carpenter ants share a common love: wood. Here, learn about the differences between the destructive insects, both of which require professional pest control services to eradicate. The more you know about the distinctions between the insects, the more information you can provide your local pest control team.

Physical Characteristics

Termites have rectangular-shaped, light-to-yellowish-colored bodies with large wings that are uniform in size and shape. They also feature straight, beaded antennae. And while workers have light-colored bodies, swarmers have dark brown to black bodies.

Carpenter ant workers feature narrow “waists” in the center of their bodies, which are reddish-brown or black in color. Swarmers have the same body colors as well. The ants also feature short hind wings and longer front wings; however, their wings are proportionally-sized compared to oversized termite wings. Additionally, their antennae include obvious bends.

Wood Usage & Other Behavioral Differences

While termites consume wood for its cellulose content, carpenter ants use wood for shelter. They burrow rather than eat wooden structures for nesting purposes. Termite-infested wood has a ragged appearance due to transported mud, while carpenter ant “work” looks smooth. Both insects compromise the structural stability of wood.

Carpenter ants prefer water or mold-damaged wood because the moisture content provides ideal conditions for establishing nests. Their wood-eating counterparts, in comparison, consume wood of all kinds. If you have carpenter ants, you’ll notice wood shavings and frass (waste) in affected areas.

Termites leave frass behind as well as discharged wings and mud tubes used for transportation and shelter. Tubes usually appear on the outside of homes to provide the pests with indoor access. 

Whether you suspect termites or carpenter ants, contact Taylor’s Weed & Pest Control to deal with the issue efficiently. The Hobbs, NM-based company offers over 40 years of experience, with friendly, licensed team members providing FHA-approved inspections combined with winning pest control methods. Call (575) 492-9247 today to schedule an appointment or learn more about pest control services online. Get additional home tips on Twitter.