Distinguishing between termites with wings and ants with wings can be a challenging task. Specifically, ants with wings or flying ants refer to the carpenter ant species, which pose a significant threat. The presence of carpenter ants in your residence might lead you to mistakenly seek services for termite eradication. However, carpenter ants exhibit unique behaviors and require specialized treatment methods. For both termite and carpenter ant issues, the skilled professionals at Capelouto Termite & Pest Control are equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge to address and prevent any potential harm to your property.

Identifying Differences: Ants vs Termites

Recognizing the type of wood-destroying pests in your home is crucial for effective control. Here’s how to distinguish between ants with wings and termites:

Physical characteristics: Carpenter ants tend to be larger than termites, showcasing more distinctive traits such as a narrower waist, elongated antennae, and wings of varying sizes. Termites, in contrast, exhibit a more uniform body shape, with less prominent features and a pair of wings of equal size.

Visibility: While termites might remain hidden within your home for extended periods, carpenter ants are more observable. These ants leave behind sawdust-like material as they burrow through wood, and it’s common to find their shed wings in the vicinity.

Feeding Habits: Unlike termites that feed on the cellulose found in wood, carpenter ants do not consume the wood they tunnel through. Instead, their diet consists of other insects, including termites. This dietary preference means carpenter ants might venture outside the wood structures for food.

Carpenter Ants vs. Termites: Analyzing the Damage

The extent of damage caused by these pests can further help in identifying them. Carpenter ants initially target decaying wood before moving to undamaged areas. Often, the presence of numerous ants near wood structures is a strong indicator of carpenter ant activity.

Conversely, termites consume the cellulose in wood, which results in a characteristic layered appearance in the damaged areas. They infiltrate homes through mud tubes they construct, connecting the soil to potential entry points like basement windows and doorways. It’s estimated that termite damage globally amounts to an astonishing $500 billion annually.

Solving the Dilemma of Termites or Flying Ants

Should you find yourself dealing with termites or carpenter ants, professional intervention is key. Opting for yearly inspections by a reputable pest control firm, such as Capelouto Termite & Pest Control, is your best strategy against infestations. Our team of termite exterminators will conduct comprehensive evaluations of your property, offering protection against termites and carpenter ants throughout the year. Contact us at Capelouto Termite & Pest Control for a free estimate!