{"id":168394,"date":"2023-08-16T03:12:19","date_gmt":"2023-08-16T08:12:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/reliantpest.com\/?p=168394"},"modified":"2023-09-15T03:56:49","modified_gmt":"2023-09-15T08:56:49","slug":"whats-the-difference-between-ants-and-termites","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/reliantpest.com\/whats-the-difference-between-ants-and-termites\/","title":{"rendered":"What\u2019s the Difference Between Ants and Termites?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Every year, termites cause billions of dollars in structural damage<\/a> for homeowners. While carpenter ants are not quite as destructive, they can be quite invasive and burrow deep inside the woodwork of your home. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019ve noticed some signs of an infestation in your home, it might be time to invest in a pest control<\/a> expert. But first, read on to learn how to determine whether the critters you\u2019ve noticed are ants and termites, and what that means for your home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019ve noticed some six-legged creepy crawlers in your home, you might be wondering if you\u2019re facing termites or winged ants. Termites and ants are completely separate species with distinct diets, behaviors, and characteristics. Read on to learn the key differences between these insects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ants and termites may look similar to the untrained eye, but they have defining features if you know what to look for. Read on to learn about the hallmark differences in these critters\u2019 appearances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ants\u2019 appearance varies based on ant species, but most ants have a three-sectioned body with six legs and antennae. Ants range in color from dark red to black. Flying ants have shorter wings<\/a> than termites, and have two sets of wings\u2013their front wings or \u201cforewings\u201d are longer than their hind wings. Ants have bent antennae and a narrow waist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Termites also have six legs, and technically have a three-sectioned body as well, although their waists are not distinguishable. They also have antennae, but unlike those of ants, termites\u2019 antennae are straight. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They\u2019re lighter in color than ants and appear translucent white or light brown. Termites have front and hind wings that are equal in length, and twice the length of the rest of their bodies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It can be difficult to keep track of the behavior of sneaky pests, but keeping tabs on your bugs\u2019 personalities can be crucial in determining which type of bug has invaded your home. Read on to learn the difference between ants\u2019 and termites\u2019 behavior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Certain species of ants, like carpenter ants, will build their nests inside of wood in or around your home. However, unlike termites, these ants will not eat the wood\u2013only burrow through it. This means that ants are less likely to cause serious structural damage, but may leave behind smooth tunnels. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Ants are attracted to human food debris, whereas termites are only interested in the cellulose found in wood and paper. Ants only live for a few months, whereas termites can survive for a couple of years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Termites feed on wood and paper, which means they can cause serious wood damage in your home and may leave behind rough, ragged tunnel systems. They won\u2019t be attracted to leftover food crumbs in your home\u2013only wood and paper (including cardboard, drywall, and insulation).<\/p>\n\n\n\n In general, termites are more likely to cause damage to your home. Termites feast on wood and can live for years, causing serious damage to wooden structures. Meanwhile, not all ants take up residence in wood. While some species, like carpenter ants, might damage wood in your home, they\u2019re much neater in burrowing their tunnels and won\u2019t consume the wood itself, meaning they pose less of a threat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While certain signs of an infestation are universal, knowing which are telltale of ants versus termites can help make your pest control process<\/a> more efficient. Read on to learn what to look for. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have a carpenter ant infestation<\/a>, you might:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have a termite infestation, you might notice:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have an ant or termite problem, your best course of action is likely to seek help from a professional exterminator service<\/a>. However, there are also steps you can take on your own to begin to curb the problem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For instance, for termite control, you can install a physical barrier like sandpaper or steel mesh, or use natural remedies like nematodes or fungi (EPA). You can also use EPA-approved at-home chemical treatments like termiticides and termite baits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To control a carpenter ant problem, you can set ant bait or use other home remedies like boric acid, diatomaceous earth, or a pyrethrum-based spray. Avoid using essential oils and other natural ant \u201crepellents\u201d once an infestation has advanced, as the ants will likely just relocate to a more difficult to treat location within your home. <\/p>\n\n\n\nKey Takeaways<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Termites vs. Ants: What\u2019s the Difference?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Characteristics<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Ants<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Termites<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Behavior<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Ants<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Termites<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Do Carpenter Ants or Termites Cause More Damage to Your Home?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How to Identify an Infestation<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Carpenter Ants<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Termites<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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What to Do if You Have an Infestation<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n