Both carpenter ants and termites can absolutely wreak havoc on the wooden parts of your home’s structure, but being able to tell the difference between the two makes a big difference in how you treat them (and how much the treatment may cost). McCall Service, your Florida-based pest control company, can help walk you through the steps of identifying both termites and carpenter ants. We’ll even help you solve the problem so you can move on without worrying too much about things falling apart around your home.
What are carpenter ants?
Carpenter ants are a species of ant who hollow out the insides of damp wooden structures to make their nests. Carpenter ants bore holes in the structures of your home’s fascia, deck railings, and other wooden structures.
What are termites?
Termites are social insects who don’t just destroy wood—they consume it. Termite colonies are composed of different castes, including soldiers, workers, and reproductive termites. Each type of termite looks different from one another. Termites in Florida usually come in two varieties: drywood termites, which can eat both moist and dry wood, and subterranean termites, who can’t live above ground for very long but use mud tubes to infiltrate your home.
How do I tell the difference between ants and termites?
The biggest difference between ants and termites is that ants may stop when their nest is complete. Termites, however, won’t stop. They’ll never stop. They will continue to eat your home from the inside out, causing massive structural damage to your home. Drywood termites will feast on your furniture, too.
The other major method of identification is looking for signs of termite activity around your home. Swarms of reproductive termites flying in the air, mud tubes at the base of your home’s foundation, and the dust-like feces (known as frass) around holes in wooden structures are all good signs that you have a serious termite issue.
How do I get rid of carpenter ants?
Professional pest control measures are often the best way to eliminate the presence of carpenter ants outside of your home. The ants themselves aren’t dangerous, but unless you completely remove them, you’ll probably have repeat issues.
How do I get rid of termites?
If it’s a bad idea to try DIY pest control with carpenter ants, it’s even less advised with termites. Termites often require specialized treatment techniques that can only be found with pest control companies who can focus on getting rid of them. Whether your termite issues are caused by subterranean or drywood species, a true professional will help treat not just your home but the surrounding areas. Proper termite prevention takes longer than one treatment. Only a professional can offer this specialized continuing service.
Let McCall Service Solve Your Ant or Termite Issues
Termites and carpenter ants aren’t just nuisance pests. Their penchant for destroying wood around your home can create other issues down the road, up to and including structural problems. If you think you might be dealing with them or any other wood-destroying organisms (WDOs), let McCall Service help. Contact us today to receive your free flea control quote.
