Termites vs carpenter ants…what’s the difference? A lot of people know that both can cause great damage to the wood in buildings, but don’t know they attack for different reasons. There’s also a lot of confusion about their appearance. 

Given that both will be swarming soon, now is a good time to get a good understanding of what they do, how to identify them and what steps you can take to prevent damage to your house or business. 

Let’s start by considering why these insects are attracted to wood…

Simply put, termites are looking for a meal. They feed on cellulose found in timber and wood products. To them, your building is a giant smorgasbord just waiting to be devoured. In contrast, carpenter ants are looking for a home. They don’t actually eat wood…they chew through damp or damaged wood to create nests. Carpenter ants think of your place as a high-rise apartment complex.

Then there’s the matter of appearance. Both carpenter ants and termites swarm in the spring. They produce wings and fly on the wind to find new locations to expand their colonies (or establish new ones.) When swarming occurs, homeowners commonly confuse the two pests, but they are really quite different. Carpenter ants have two body segments and sharply bent antennae. Termites have just one body segment and straight antennae.

Termites cause more damage to American homes than fire, floods, and storms combined. While not as common, carpenter ants can also be very destructive. Both pests live throughout most of the United States, are common Oklahoma. They frequently attack buildings in urban and suburban areas. You don’t want to ignore them!

At first glance both types of infestation can appear similar. Termites and carpenter ants chew tunnels in wood and wood products. In large infestations these tunnels connect to form galleries. Close examination will reveal clues that tell you which pest you’re dealing with. Because termites actually digest wood as they tunnel, they produce small pellets called “frass.” (Think of it as termite poop). Frass often collects in piles around affected areas. Since carpenter ants are only “cutting” through wood, they don’t leave excrement. Instead, their activity creates a fine sawdust that collects around infested areas.

Fortunately, you can take effective preventative measures. The key is finding and destroying their nests.

• Look for piles of frass, sawdust or termite tubes.
• Repair leaks in your roof, attic, inside the home, and the foundation.
• Seal entry points for plumbing, cable, and electrical hardware.
• If condensation is collecting near wood, increase ventilation and insulate pipes.
• Replace water damaged wood (for instance, siding, eaves, foundation posts, etc.)
• Store firewood at least five feet away from structures.
• Trim tree limbs away from wood buildings to prevent ants from using them as bridge to the structure.

If you see a swarm or detect an infestation, don’t wait to act. Time is of the essence! Contact trained professionals to arrange treatment. KC Pest Control has a strong track record of effective termite and carpenter ant control. We’ve been eliminating both kinds of infestations over 40 years, and can help you, too. Call or text 405-679-8729 for a no-cost consultation.

Carpenter Ants and Termites occur throughout most states in the USA, with a high incidence of attack in virtually all urban areas. Preventive measures will guard against infestations.