Termites cause billions of dollars in homeowner damage each year, while carpenter ants can also damage valuable furnishings within your home.
Known as wood-destroying organisms (WDO), these insects damage wood by chewing and burrowing through it. Generally, the softer and wetter the wood, the more susceptible it is to damage from WDOs.
While both insects can carve through your wood, they often leave behind different signs of their presence, and their damage is not equal. Termites are by far more destructive, though carpenter ants can do their fair share of destruction to sheds and wooden furniture.
Therefore, understanding the difference between these two pests is critical to protecting your home and determining which prevention strategies are necessary to eliminate an infestation.
Carpenter Ant Overview
Carpenter ants are some of the most common ants in Maryland, and most homeowners have probably encountered them at least once in their lives. They are particularly attracted to wet and humid environments, which makes Maryland the perfect climate for these ants to thrive.
Carpenter ants can be identified by their black or reddish bodies, three segmented body parts, and bent antennae. Male carpenter ants are smaller than queens, who can be up to 1 inch long.
Carpenter ants are known to be more active at night and can leave painful bites on humans who come in contact with them. These pests are also incredibly destructive, as they excavate wood in order to build their nests.
Termite Overview
Termites are another popular household pest and can be far more destructive than carpenter ants. Termites are white or light brown in color and have straight antennae, although working termites are often darker in color.
Swarmer termites have wings that they will discard once they find a mate. Swarmers indicate a pending infestation, so if you notice a flock of swarmers near your property, act accordingly.
Termites are often mistaken for ants due to their size, similar appearance, and tendency to chew through wood.
How to Tell the Difference Between Carpenter Ants and Termites
Though carpenter ants and termites share some similarities, these two pests have some key differences.
Carpenter ants are typically darker in color than termites and have a noticeably small waist, whereas termites do not have a distinct waist. Another key difference is that carpenter ants have bent, or “elbowed” antennae, while termites have straight antennae.
In terms of identifying carpenter ants, you will most likely notice a small pile of frass, which is different from the wood shavings you may spot from an active termite infestation.
The most important difference between the two is their behavior toward the wood that they damage. While carpenter ants burrow through wood to nest, termites actively chew through wood, making them far more destructive.
How to Inspect Your Home for Carpenter Ants or Termites
Wood damage is far from the only sign of a carpenter ant or termite infestation. If you suspect you may be dealing with an infestation of some kind but aren’t sure which pest is invading your home, here is how you can perform an inspection:
Look for Visible Insects
Seeing live or dead insects is typically a pretty good sign that you’re dealing with a pest infestation. Unfortunately, one issue with termites is that they tend to dwell in basements or hard-to-reach spaces, making them difficult to spot.
If you see insects in or around your home, contact a pest control professional right away.
Check for Damaged Wood
If you’re noticing visible holes in your wood, bouncy floors, increased deflection, or hollow-sounding wood, it could indicate a WDO infestation.
Listen for Rustling Sounds in Walls
If you notice a rustling sound coming from inside your walls, you may be dealing with a pest infestation. While difficult to catch initially, you may be able to hear these insects crawling across wooden surfaces at night.
Examine Entry Points Around Your Home
Carpenter ants are colony creatures that often leave a trail marking their migratory patterns. Examine common entry points around homes to spot visible insects and colonies if you suspect an infestation.
Identify the Type of Wood Infestation
If you notice damage to any wooden structures on your property, it may be helpful to identify the type of wood that has been damaged. Understanding the signs of termites and the signs of carpenter ants is critical to determining which pest you are dealing with.
| Signs | Termites | Carpenter Ants |
| Wood Damage | Create mud-packed, hollowed-out wood with a smooth interior | Create tunnels and galleries with a rough, chewed appearance |
| Frass (Debris) | Leave no visible frass, as they consume wood completely | Push out wood shavings and debris from nesting sites |
| Mud Tubes | Build mud tubes along walls and foundations for moisture and protection | Do not build mud tubes; instead, travel openly |
| Swarmers (Winged Reproductives) | Have straight antennae, equal-sized wings, and a thick waist | Have bent antennae, uneven-sized wings, and a narrow waist |
| Behavior & Nesting | Live inside wood, rarely seen unless disturbed | Often seen foraging outside the nest, typically found in moist, decayed wood |
What to Do If You Have Carpenter Ants or Termites
Once you have determined that you have carpenter ants or termites in your home, you should always contact a professional immediately. Follow these steps to eliminate and prevent a future WDO infestation.
Address Moisture Issues
Both carpenter ants and termites prefer moist wood, so addressing any moisture problems in your home, such as leaking pipes, can significantly help get rid of an infestation. Another area to monitor is your shed or any place where you store firewood that comes in contact with rain or snow. Treating wood and keeping it dry will deprive these creatures of a necessary food or shelter source.
Remove Food and Wood Sources
Speaking of food, termites eat not just wood but rather cellulose. This means newspapers and certain types of insulation are not off-limits.
Conversely, while carpenter ants may burrow through wood, they are attracted to sugary and greasy substances like any common ant in Maryland.
Use Baits, Traps, or Natural Remedies
Carpenter ant infestations can sometimes be treated with bait stations, though these are rarely foolproof. Some homeowners also experiment with termite and ant sprays, but you are often better off contacting an exterminator.
Seal Entry Points and Cracks
As mentioned earlier, carpenter ants and termites can enter your home through even the smallest spaces. Sealing these entry points using store-bought caulk or sealant can significantly reduce the number of pests that enter your home.
Consult a Professional for Severe Infestations
When in doubt, it is always wise to contact a pest control professional when dealing with an infestation of any kind. Pest control experts like Pest Czar use advanced bait stations and responsible pesticide use to eliminate active WDO infestations and prevent new ones from rising.
Considering the amount of damage that carpenter ants and termites can cause, the small bill you will pay for pest control services will easily be earned back in the amount of money in repairs you’ll avoid.
FAQs
Do carpenter ants cause as much damage as termites?
No, carpenter ants are typically not as destructive as termites, though they can still cause significant damage to a property.
What are the first signs of a termite infestation?
A few early signs of a termite infestation include mud tubes, bubbling paint, termite droppings, hollow-sounding wood, and seeing live termites.
Can carpenter ants damage my home’s structure?
Yes, carpenter ants can cause significant damage to a home’s structure by excavating through wood in a home.
What attracts termites and carpenter ants to my house?
Termites and carpenter ants are most attracted to homes with soft or decaying wood, as it is easier for them to chew through this type of wood.