Blog Layout

Termites or Carpenter Ants?

YESpestpros • Apr 30, 2019

Spring has sprung, and you know what they say! “April showers bring May pest infestations.” Ok, maybe that’s not what they say, but sometimes it seems like that might be the case. Spring is a time of increased activity for most species of animals and insects, and pests are no exception. As the weather warms, many types of pests emerge from dormancy looking for their next meal and place to nest. If you’re not careful, they might make that meal or nesting area your home.

 

Two common spring pests in Indiana are carpenter ants and termites. They can be tricky to tell apart if you aren’t sure what you’re looking for. We’ll be looking at a few ways to tell if the pests around your home are termites or carpenter ants and the difference between ant damage vs. termite damage.

 

Termites

Termites are known as hidden threats and can cause extensive damage, often with few external signs. In fact, termites are responsible for an estimated $1 to $2 billion in property damage annually in the US. The average home or business owner that finds themselves in the midst of a termite infestation spends $3,000 to repair damage.

Clearly, any signs of termites should not be ignored. It is often difficult for a homeowner to detect and treat a termite infestation on their own, especially if the colony is already established. However, simply knowing how to identify termites and signs of termites will be helpful in the event of a pest problem. Going a step further - knowing the signs of carpenter ants vs. termites can help you know the best way to go about finding the correct solution to your problem.

What do Termites Look Like?

Termites are secretive and are rarely seen by an untrained eye. You’re far more likely to spot signs of termite damage before you’ll see the termites themselves. There is an exception, though – swarmers. Termite swarmers (flying termites) are often confused with carpenter ants. The main difference is that termite swarmers will have straight antennae, a broad waist, and both pair of wings similar in length.

Signs of Termites

As we mentioned above, the thing to really be on the lookout for are signs of termites, rather than the termites themselves. Often, a suspected termite problem turns out to be a problem with carpenter ants or fire ants, because they look so similar.

  • Swarmers (termites with wings) may be visible in early spring as they attempt to mate and spread to another colony.
  • Shed wings of termite swarmers may be found on sidewalks, window sills, baseboards, and vents. (Can also be a sign of carpenter ants.)
  • Wood damage in firewood, mulch, or porch beams may indicate termites on the property, and the possibility that there is damage to the interior of the home.
  • Mud tubes, which serve as roads between the colony and food sources are often found in secluded areas, such as basements.  

Carpenter Ants

While carpenter ants are not necessarily dangerous to humans, they can certainly pose a threat to the structures they’re infesting. They don’t eat wood, but they build tunnels inside of it to make their nests. If treated early, carpenter ant infestations are seldom responsible for serious damage to houses and buildings. And certainly, compared with the extent of damage caused by termites, carpenter ants are nothing more than a nuisance. However, if left undiscovered or untreated for an extended period, they could cause serious damage, so they are definitely not something to ignore.

What do Carpenter Ants Look Like?

Carpenter ants are often difficult to distinguish from other species of ants based only on physical characteristics. Carpenter ants are “polymorphic,” which means that there are workers of varying sizes in the colony, but typically size ranges from 3.4 to 13mm. They can also present with black, dark brown, red and black, yellow, or red coloration.

Carpenter ants are often mistaken for termite swarmers. The most important characteristics to look for when distinguishing carpenter ant swarmers from termite swarmers are elbowed antennae, a pinched or constricted waist, and a front pair of wings that is longer than the back. If your insect has these characteristics, it is a carpenter ant.

Signs of Carpenter Ants

Like many other insects, carpenter ants are great at working quietly behind the scenes and are easily undetected, especially if you don’t know what to look for. Here are some of the most common signs of carpenter ants.

  • Wood that sounds hollow when tapped upon.
  • The faint rustling sound within the walls can be heard in infested wood.
  • Trails of sawdust left behind where carpenter ants have bored holes into wood.
  • The surface of wood that has been infested with carpenter ants is easily penetrated or broken.
  • The presence of carpenter ant workers and swarmers (ants with wings).
  • Shed wings of carpenter ant swarmers on window sills, baseboards, and vents. (The presence of wings may also be an indication of termites.)

Get Rid of Termites or Carpenter Ants in Bloomington, IN

Whether you have a problem with termites or carpenter ants, or you just want to be sure you’re covered, give us a call! The humid Indiana spring and summer months are perfect conditions for termites and carpenter ants to thrive and grow. Don’t let these unwelcome guests invite themselves to your home! Send us a message , or give us a call today.

The post Termites or Carpenter Ants? appeared first on Yes Pest Control.

What Bugs Feed on Human Blood? Blood Eating Bugs

15 Jun, 2022
Insects that feed on human blood can cause incredible discomfort. In many cases, we don't even know we've been bitten until after they have had their meal. Some inject an anticoagulant into the bloodstream to suck up their meal faster, while others clamp on and indulge in our life-preserving liquid. It helps to know which of these creatures to be watchful of before they attack. That way, we can take active steps to avoid the misery before they get a chance to start.

Can Fleas Travel on Clothing?

15 Jun, 2022
We often think of fleas as a nuisance for your cat or dog. They have an annoying way of getting into their fur, and it can be a real problem to get them out. But it is their uncanny ability to get into your home and cause a significant infestation that is a source of concern for many, especially if their presence is not properly eliminated. This has become a significant problem for many people. No doubt, the best way to ensure you don’t get a flea infestation in your home is to make sure they never get inside in the first place.

Are Bed Bugs Visible With the Naked Eye?

15 Jun, 2022
Waking up with tiny little bite marks all over your body is never a good thing. As you look at your irritated skin with the tell-tale red spots that itch persistently, you're sure that they result from bed bugs. No one wants their bed infested with these creatures, so you want to get rid of them as soon as possible. But before you decide to launch an all-out attack on these irritants, you need to be sure of what you're dealing with. Unfortunately, plenty of other pests may invade your mattress, and using the wrong treatment to eliminate the problem could delay getting you relief or even worsen the situation. Before you decide on a method of extermination, you need to make sure of what you're actually dealing with. Still, because these bugs are so tiny, you might wonder if they can be seen with the naked eye. The answer is - sometimes. Bed bugs are usually visible in the later stages of development, but there's a good chance that if you can identify bed bugs in their adult stage, many younger ones are lying around, just waiting to take a bite out of you.

Are Carpet Beetles Dangerous?

15 Jun, 2022
As their name implies, carpet beetles infest carpets and other fibers and are especially active during springtime. The first sign of an infestation is often a dead carpet beetle trapped in a window sill. But you can be sure if there’s one; there are many more. Carpet beetles typically live outdoors but are wintering insects . They will seek the warm cozy interior of your home after temperatures drop, and once inside, they become a threat to your property and food and can cause rashes with their tiny hairs. Carpet beetles feature: “Mottled” coloring of black, brown, white, or yellow. Oval-shaped bodies. Adult length between 1/16 - 1/8 inches. The first concern with any infestation is safety.

What Spring Bugs Should You be on The Lookout For?

15 Jun, 2022
As spring approaches and temperatures begin to rise, all sorts of creepy crawlies emerge in search of food, warmth, and a place to reproduce. Unfortunately, your home could be the perfect place to find all three. If you're not quick to eliminate these pests, you could have a serious infestation on your hands. Here are a few spring bugs that you should keep an eye out for as winter comes to an end. 

Are Spiders Active in Winter?

By YESpestpros • 15 Jun, 2022
Aracniphobs everywhere look to winter as a moment’s respite from spiders. The myth goes that spiders are cold-blooded and can’t survive the winter, but the truth is complex. There are 400 different species of spider in Indiana and 3,500 nationwide. Each one has different behaviors and approaches to surviving the cold. Some die off before winter, like the North American black and yellow garden spider, but others adapt. The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

How to Get Rid of Moths

By YESpestpros • 28 Feb, 2022
Moths can be pretty pesky little things; the larvae they leave behind can quickly chew through a wide variety of substances, including your clothes, bedding, and food. In addition, many people can have adverse allergic reactions when they are in their vicinity.  While moths play an essential role in our environment, they tend to be […] The post How to Get Rid of Moths appeared first on Yes Pest Control.

What Types of Ticks are Dangerous?

By YESpestpros • 15 Feb, 2022
At first glance, ticks do not appear to be dangerous. But don’t let their tiny size and small mouths fool you. These guys are voracious eaters, and the females are known to suck at least 200 times their body weight in blood. They need this feeding cycle to develop through the different stages in their […] The post What Types of Ticks are Dangerous? appeared first on Yes Pest Control.

How to Get Rid of Moles in Your Yard

By YESpestpros • 30 Jan, 2022
Nothing can make a homeowner more proud than the exterior beauty of a perfectly landscaped yard. However, all your dedication to beautifying your outdoor space can be tainted when you have underground guests come to visit.  When you start to notice a series of small holes in your yard that seem to emerge out of […] The post How to Get Rid of Moles in Your Yard appeared first on Yes Pest Control.

Can Mouse Droppings be Harmful?

By YESpestpros • 15 Jan, 2022
So you’ve been noticing strange things happening in your house, and you assume that you have a rodent problem. You’ve noticed the corners of your cereal boxes appear to be chewed on. You found a hole in your couch cushions. You may have even seen a mouse or two in the house! But now you’ve […] The post Can Mouse Droppings be Harmful? appeared first on Yes Pest Control.
More Posts
Share by: