Do you have an infestation in your home that you can’t remove on your own? You might think you have carpenter ants or termites but can’t tell the difference on your own.
If you own a home, you should have regular pest control services to prevent infestations that can cost thousands to eliminate. If you already have blight, however, you need to know the differences between carpenter ants and termites.
Read below to learn the differences between the two pests.
Carpenter Ants vs. Termite: What Are The Differences?
Carpenter ants and termites are two of the most common household pests that infest your house. They chew through its infrastructure, causing more harm to your home and causing a more considerable repair expense than you might have imagined. Carpenter ants and termites are both wood-destroying pests, but there are some critical differences between the two.
What is a carpenter ant? Carpenter ants are black or red and range in size from 3/8 to 1/2 inch. They tunnel through wood, often creating smooth, sawdust-lined galleries. Carpenter ant does not eat wood but tunnel through it to build their nests.
On the other hand, termites are attracted to dead and decaying wood. They are white or cream-colored and range in size from 1/8 to 3/8 inch.
Termites have thick, flattened bodies, and they eat wood. Termites tunnel through wood to create their nests. Check this out for facts about termites.
Carpenter ants are a nuisance because they damage the wood. In comparison, termites are a severe problem because they can cause extensive damage to homes and other structures.
If you think you have either of these pests, contact a pest control professional for an inspection and treatment.
Prevention and Treatment
Prevention and treatment of carpenter ants and termites begin with identifying and repairing any sources of moisture in your home. This may include fixing leaks, sealing cracks, and improving ventilation.
To get rid of carpenter ants, you’ll need to find and destroy their nests. This can be difficult, as they often nest in hard-to-reach places like behind walls or crawl spaces.
Baits and traps can be effective in getting rid of small infestations. You may need to hire a professional pest control company for larger infestations.
To get rid of termites, you’ll need to treat the wood that they’re infesting. This can be done with chemicals, heat, or cold. You may also need to tent the entire structure and fumigate it to eliminate the termites.
Protect Your Home by Following This Guide
Understanding the differences between carpenter ants and termites can help save you money and headaches. Knowledge is power, and arming yourself with the information is the first step in taking the fight against those pests in your home.
If you think you have termites, you should call an exterminator immediately.
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