Carpenter ants and termites are common insects that can cause significant damage to a home’s wooden elements. While a pest control professional will determine the type of infestation you’re dealing with, there are also ways to tell these bugs apart yourself. The overview below explores some of their differences.

How to Identify Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants have a distinct appearance that sets them apart from termites. Their back wings are shorter than the ones on the front, which don’t extend past their bodies. They’re typically a dark reddish color and have a pinched “waist” area.

Carpenter ants don’t actually eat wood. Instead, they push through it to create entrances to their colonies, which doesn’t always cause structural damage. As a result, you might notice large piles of wood shavings near holes in the affected item. Ant tunnels tend to be smooth on the inside, and are most likely to occur in moist or damaged wood, commonly found outdoors.

How to Identify Termites

Termites eat wood, and may even infest undamaged surfaces. Unlike ants, they form jagged mud tubes that combine soil and wood. They cause extensive structural damage and almost always require professional pest control.

Termites are typically a creamy white color, and have rectangular bodies. Their wings are longer than their bodies, but are fragile and more prone to falling off than those of ants. Large quantities of discarded wings typically indicate you’re dealing with termites rather than ants.

If you need pest control solutions, count on Garella Pest Services in Staunton, IL. Their experienced professionals have served the metropolitan areas of Southwestern Illinois since 1945. As a family-oriented business, they prioritize customer service and provide same-day service to help you restore your home promptly. Visit them online to learn more about termites, or call (618) 356-0654 to request a free estimate.