Carpenter ants and termites both make their homes deep inside wooden structures, but there are several distinct differences between the two types of insects. Knowing which insect you’re dealing with is vital for getting rid of an infestation effectively. Here’s what you need to know to understand if you are dealing with an infestation of carpenter ants or termites and how you can get rid of them.

Signs of an Infestation

Both carpenter ants and termites have the ability to cause a lot of damage without you knowing they are living in your home. In many cases, the first sign of an infestation in your home is weakness in your floorboards or walls. You may also hear faint chewing noises when your house is quiet.

The best way to tell whether you are dealing with an infestation of carpenter ants or termites is to examine the insects. Termites are usually red or light brown in colour and have broad bodies with narrow antennae. In contrast, carpenter ants have narrow waists that clearly segment their bodies. They are dark brown in colour.

Damage From Carpenter Ants Versus Termites

Because they live deep inside wooden structures, both carpenter ants and termites can cause significant damage without being noticed. In many cases, you don’t realize you are dealing with a full-blown infestation until the structure of your home is significantly weakened. The biggest difference between the types of damage these two insects inflict is that termites cause significant damage extremely quickly, while it may take carpenter ants years to achieve the same level of damage.

The Eating Habits of Carpenter Ants and Termites

The biggest difference between carpenter ants and termites is what they eat. Although both types of insects make their home deep inside wooden structures, only one actually consumes the material. Termites feast on wood and use the material as sustenance. Carpenter ants, on the other hand, only chew through the wood and discard the shavings in small piles known as frass. Carpenter ants eat a wide variety of food types from other insects to crumbs they find in your kitchen.

How To Deal With an Infestation of Carpenter Ants or Termites

There is no guaranteed way to deter carpenter ants and termites from your home, but there are several steps you can take to make an infestation of either type of insect less likely. You can deter carpenter ants by making your home a less suitable environment and keeping all of your food stored properly. Termites are a little more difficult to deter. Make sure you use treated wood throughout your home, and make repairs quickly when you recognize rotting wood before termites take up residence.

The best way to prevent an insect infestation is to work with a reputable pest control company like Truly Nolen. Our technicians have years of experience working with various types of pests. We’ll apply chemicals around your home that will deter various types of insects, including carpenter ants and termites. If you already have an infestation, we know how to find the colony of insects and remove it quickly and efficiently to minimize the damage to your home. We can even offer tips on how to prevent the problem from recurring in the future. Experts achieve better results for carpenter ant pest control in Guelph than DIY methods.

Schedule Treatment Today

Whether you’re dealing with an infestation of carpenter ants or termites, it’s important to take quick action to get rid of the issue. The expert technicians at Truly Nolen have the experience and tools required to get rid of the entire colony of insects, so call us today to schedule an appointment for residential pest control in Guelph.