You will most likely agree that both carpenter ants and termites are dangerous and unwanted pests in the home. If you have either of these bugs living around you are going to want to treat the problem as soon as possible. If you are like most homeowners, you may be wondering if carpenter ants are as bad as termites, or which pest is worse. So read on to find out the answer!
Carpenter ants are just as bad as termites. However, there are some differences in the severity of the damage caused by the two species of pests.
Carpenter ants typically cause a lot of damage to wood elements. They are very aggressive and they can destroy wood quickly. While termites will eat the wood, the ants will not. Carpenter ants only burrow into the wood where they build their nests. The damage from these ants is due to them making tunnels in the wood.
As such, a small number of ants will not cause as severe damage as termites but still, they will do damage to a structure. However, a carpenter ant infestation is just as bad as a termite infestation.
Signs Of Carpenter Ant Versus Termite Infestation
There are different signs when it comes to determining which pest is infesting your home. There are some ways to determine if you have carpenter ants in your home.
The carpenter ants are large insects and have wings. If they are invading your home, you are going to be able to notice them in most cases.
If you have decaying wood around, you may even be able to see the signs of their tunneling. You will see ants and maybe even pieces of their wings scattered on surfaces in your home, including the floor. Once they have begun tunneling, you will see the holes and an increase in the number of ants in your house.
These ants like to travel on wires and tree branches. They will crawl around your home as well if they have found decaying wood they like.
Moreover, there are some clear signs that termites may be attacking your property. If you have an infestation, you will see a pile of sawdust around wood siding, flooring, and even the wall studs. In addition to the wood, you will see damage to the insulation and even siding.
The wood may start to buckle which is a sign that you have a termite problem instead of an ant issue. Termites tend to move in swarms and you will see them flying around your home.
Carpenter ants will leave more holes in the wood and they are more visible while termites do more structural damage. If the infestation is left untreated, your home will no longer be safe for you or your family.
If a homeowner is noticing damage around their property, there are some ways to tell if they have a carpenter ant or a termite problem.
When carpenter ants are infesting the home, they will make tunnels but they will not leave much waste behind. If there is a problem with termites, there will be plenty of sawdust left behind and they will also leave a trace that resembles mud.
When the carpenter ants invade the home, there will be small holes in the wood and there may be dead ants lying on the floor. Carpenter ants usually like wood that is rotting and that has been damaged by water. They may also make noise. Termites will go for any type of wood and they are quiet so no one will know that they are there.
Is Treatment For Carpenter Ants And Termites The Same?
When it comes to ant control and treatment, there are different measures to take.
Store-bought sprays do not work with carpenter ants and will not destroy their colonies. It is important to find the nest and the entrance. Thus, proper insecticides and a professional exterminator may be needed to remove the nest and seal up any entry holes that these ants create.
Termites are also hard to treat but the treatment method will be different from that of ants. The professional will look for mud tubes with which they will find out where the termites are getting into the home. They will locate the access point and the pathways that the termites are using to access the home.
They will then take measures and place a special bait in that area. This will attract the termites and they can be removed from the house. Also, house tenting for termites might be required in the case of a severe infestation.
Once you notice any signs of damage to the wood in your home, you need to contact a professional San Diego pest control company immediately as both pests can do a lot of damage to the home if left untreated. If ants are appearing in your kitchen, that might be a sign of another type of ant problem.
Our team of highly trained specialists will take care of all your general pest control problems. Whether you need carpenter ants to be removed or are dealing with a termite problem, we are here for you! We also help with escrow inspections. If you suspect a home you are purchasing has carpenter ant or termite damage, call Pest Patrol of San Diego today and let us get your pests under control.