Carpenter Ant vs Termite

It’s understandable that people frequently confuse carpenter ants with termites. After all, both are winged insects that tunnel into wood and cause damage to our homes. So, how can you tell which pest you’re dealing with? The experts at Terminix Anderson have no trouble identifying carpenter ants vs termites, and with these tips, you’ll be able to tell them apart too. 

What Are Swarmers?

Carpenter ants and termites both have a stage in the life cycle called a “swarmer”. These insects are winged and gather in large groups, usually during the warm spring weather, to find a mate. Afterward, they will fly off to establish a new colony. Knowing about the swarming stage is helpful because it’s the point at which carpenter ants and termites look and act the most alike. 

For most of the life cycle, termites are not winged and they have a milky-white hue, as opposed to the dark coloration of a carpenter ant. Additionally, termites rarely leave the colony—which is hidden deep inside of wood—except to swarm. For that reason, it’s a bit more common to see carpenter ants out and about than termites. 

How to Tell Carpenter Ants Apart From Termites

Unless you’re an experienced pest control expert, it’s very easy to confuse carpenter ants for termites in the swarmer stage of their life. In color, they look very similar. The best way to differentiate the two is to look at their size and specifically, their wings:

• Carpenter ants are black, sometimes with a slightly red tinge. These ants measure ½” to ⅝”, and their bodies have very clear segments with a thin waist. Carpenter ant antennae are bent at a 45-degree angle, and their two sets of wings are not equal in size. 
• Termites are dark brown to black, and they’re much smaller than carpenter ants at just ⅜” long including the wings. These insects have straight antennae and wings of equal size. Their waists are also much thicker than those of carpenter ants. 

Carpenter Ant vs Termite Feeding and Nesting

Carpenter ants are known for their impressive ability to excavate wood. They do not consume wood as food; rather, they carve out intricate networks of tunnels and galleries within it to establish their nests. Instead, their primary diet consists of other insects, honeydew from aphids, and various plant materials.

In contrast, termites have a direct and destructive relationship with wood, as it constitutes their main source of nutrition. Termites consume cellulose, the organic fibrous material found in wood and plant matter, which they break down with the help of specialized enzymes and microorganisms in their digestive systems. This constant feeding on wood can lead to significant structural damage in buildings and other wooden structures.

Carpenter Ant vs Termite Damage

Since carpenter ants and termites spend most of their time tunneling through wood, it can be challenging to tell which pest you’re dealing with. However, looking at the damage could give you a few hints. Here are the key differences in how their damage presents itself:

Termite Damage

• Hollowed Wood: Termites consume wood from the inside out, leaving a thin veneer of wood or paint on the surface. Tapping on a termite-damaged area often produces a hollow sound.
• Mud Tubes: Termites construct mud tubes along walls, foundations, and other structures to travel between their nests and food sources. These tubes provide moisture and protection from predators.
• Wood Fragility: Wood damaged by termites becomes brittle and can be easily broken or crumbled by hand. This damage often occurs in hidden or inaccessible areas.
• No Frass: Unlike carpenter ants, termites do not produce visible wood shavings. Their waste, known as frass, is typically mixed with mud and not easily noticeable.

Carpenter Ant Damage

• Smooth Galleries: Carpenter ants excavate wood to create nests, resulting in smooth, clean galleries and tunnels. These passages have a polished appearance, as if sanded.
• Frass Piles: Carpenter ants expel wood shavings, known as frass, from their nests. This frass looks like sawdust and accumulates in small piles near nest openings.
• Wood Preference: Carpenter ants prefer moist or decayed wood. Their nests are often found in water-damaged wood, which may already be weakened or compromised.

Is It Worse to Have Termites or Carpenter Ants?

Termites are generally associated with more extensive damage, largely because they also feed on the wood they live in. While carpenter ant damage is typically less extensive than that caused by termites, it can still be significant, especially if left untreated. 

Regardless of what type of pest you have, it’s important to consult a professional for help. Both termites and carpenter ants are highly destructive and difficult to control, but at Terminix Anderson, we know exactly how to get rid of your infestation quickly. We’ll be able to tell which type of pest you have and where they’re coming from, and we will create a custom treatment plan to protect your property in no time.