Did you know there is actually an insect people often confuse with termites? It is important to differentiate between these two flying, wood-destroying pests – the carpenter ant and the termite. Both pests are very similar in color, size, and shape. Knowing what pest you have will make getting rid of them faster, easier, and safer, saving you time and money in the long run. According to a recent study by the National Pest Management Association, termites cause an estimated $5 billion in property damage each year. Homeowners are generally aware of the devastation termites can leave in their wake, but carpenter ants can also prove to be destructive to the wood found both in and outside of the home.
Unlike termites, carpenter ants do not actually eat the wood they come in contact with but instead hollow out galleries inside the wood for nesting and living while they feed on food left behind by people (especially meats and sweets). Carpenter ants are frequently mistaken for winged termites during mating season when the male and female ants leave the colony to find a suitable mate. If an infestation from either pest is left undetected for a prolonged period of time, they each can cause expensive damage.
There are certain characteristics that can be used to differentiate swarms of carpenter ants as compared to termites, the most important being the appearance of elbowed antennae and small or pinched waist with wings that are longer in the back than the front pair. In addition, carpenter ant wings are partially translucent, while termite wings are opaque or appear to be silver in color.
Although carpenter ants are not typically a year-round concern for homeowners, during spring swarm season, they travel en masse to find new nesting locations just in time for summer. Their nests consist of an expansive network of tunnels and passages within the structure of your home. Over time, these nests can seriously weaken your home’s structural integrity.
Meanwhile, termites can be a huge problem anywhere. While they maintain nature’s balance by breaking down dead wood and other plant material outdoors, an average home suffers $7,900 in damages before termites are detected and termite damage may not be covered by many homeowners insurance.
Also problematic are the nesting habits of many termite species which can make them difficult to spot. Termites can cause serious structural damage to any home in a matter of months if left untreated.
The first step in controlling a pest problem is identifying the pest itself. Saving a sample of the insect can help chart the correct course. Therefore, prevention is key and early discovery provides you a head start in solving this problem. If you are unsure which pest you’re dealing with or if you need help eliminating a pest infestation, contact your local pest control professional. If we can be of any help please call us at 817.451.4300.
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