Termites and flying ants are very similar and can be difficult to tell apart. Flying ants are actually carpenter ants – one of the most destructive types. While they look and behave similarly to termites, the treatment process is different; these two pests have distinct habits and lifestyles that need to be accounted for. Regardless of whether you’re dealing with flying ants or termites, the pest control experts at Econex Pest Management can help you deal with the problem and protect your home or business.
Differences Between Termites and Carpenter Ants
Not sure which type of wood-boring pest you’re dealing with? Here are a few of the visual ways you can tell the difference.
- Body shape. Carpenter ants are slightly larger and have a narrower midsection than termites. They also have longer antennae and two sets of differently-sized wings. Termites have a more consistent body shape, smaller limbs, and evenly-sized wings.
- Visibility. Termites can be sneakier than carpenter ants – they’re unlikely to leave your structure once established, since all the food they need is right there. Carpenter ants, on the other hand, are more likely to crawl around outside. Carpenter ants may also lose their wings, leaving them piled up outside.
- Diet. Termites eat wood; carpenter ants don’t. If you see wood-colored pellets piled up outside, they may be termite droppings – also called frass. Carpenter ants usually eat other insects, plant juices, and other sources of protein and sugar.
Damage Caused by Termites and Carpenter Ants
Termites and carpenter ants also differ in the type of damage they cause. Carpenter ants tend to bore into wood that is already decaying, whereas termites will bore into fresh wood as well. They bore into wood in a distinctive layered pattern that weakens it and ruins structural integrity. Termites also build mud tubes to access structures, so they can easily reach any wood source.
Termites and carpenter ants can easily cause thousands of dollars of damage to structures if left unchecked – and the worst part is that they can do a lot of that damage before you even notice they’re there. Check for mud tubes and frass piles around your foundation, basement windows, doorways, siding, decks, and other structures. If you think you’ve spotted signs of wood-boring pests, call an extermination company right away to start treatments.
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Signs of a Termite or Carpenter Ant Infestation
If these pests are so hard to spot, how can you figure out whether you’re dealing with an infestation? Below are a few signs that you might be dealing with wood-boring pests:
- Spongy floorboards
- Hollow-sounding wood
- Peeling paint
- Rotting wood
- Piles of frass (termite droppings) around your structure
Due to their destructive nature, wood-boring pest infestations can get expensive (and dangerous) very quickly. Even if you don’t see any signs of termites or carpenter ants, it’s a good idea to have a professional inspection done annually.
Count on Econex Pest Management for Carpenter Ant and Termite Extermination in Anaheim
Whether you’re dealing with termites or carpenter ants, you need a reliable team of exterminators to handle the problem. The Econex Pest Management team will always go the extra mile to make sure your infestation is treated from the source; we don’t just address the outward signs of infestation, we look for ways to eliminate them entirely.
The Econex Pest Management team has been helping the Anaheim area with termite and carpenter ant control since 1998. With 24 years of experience to back us up, you know you’ll get the best service every time. On top of all that, our services are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee.
Give us a call to get started with a free quote!
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