Carpenter Ants or Termites? Identify and Eliminate Them

If you’ve discovered damaged wood in your home, you may be wondering whether you’re dealing with carpenter ants or termites. Both pests are known for compromising the integrity of wooden structures, but their behaviors and the methods for eliminating them are quite different. Knowing which pest is causing the problem is crucial for effective treatment.

At Prevent Pest Control, we’ve seen firsthand how these pests can destroy homes if left unchecked. That’s why we’re breaking down the key differences between carpenter ants and termites, how to recognize the signs of an infestation, and the best ways to eliminate them for good.

Understanding the Difference Between Carpenter Ants and Termites

Carpenter ants and termites are often confused because both are associated with wood damage. However, their feeding habits, nesting behaviors, and physical characteristics set them apart.

Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants are large black or reddish ants that tunnel through wood to create nests. Unlike termites, they do not eat the wood; they excavate it, leaving smooth, clean galleries inside wooden structures. They prefer moist, decaying wood but can also invade sound wood if their colony expands. These ants are frequently found in homes with water damage or leaks.

Termites

Termites consume wood as their primary food source. They work silently and can destroy a home’s wooden framework from the inside out. Because they remain hidden within walls, flooring, and wooden beams, their presence is often detected only after significant damage has already occurred. Their ability to go undetected makes them more destructive over time than carpenter ants.

Signs of a Carpenter Ant Infestation

• Visible ants – Often seen near windows, doors, or wooden structures.
• Piles of sawdust (frass) – Carpenter ants push out debris as they tunnel through wood.
• Rustling noises – Sounds of movement inside walls.
• Hollow-sounding wood – When tapped, infested wood may sound empty inside.
• Increased night activity – Carpenter ants are more active at night.

Signs of a Termite Infestation

• Mud tubes – Termites build tunnels along walls and foundations.
• Wood droppings – Tiny pellet-like frass near infested areas.
• Blistered or warped wood – Wood appears damaged from the inside.
• Hollow-sounding structures – Tapping infested wood produces an empty noise.
• Winged swarmers – Small pale termites shed their wings after finding new nesting locations.

How to Eliminate Carpenter Ants

Getting rid of carpenter ants starts with finding and removing their nest. They typically establish their colonies in moist or rotting wood, so areas near plumbing leaks, basements, and wooden window frames are prime locations. If the main nest is inside your home, satellite nests may also exist in nearby walls or attics.

Steps to Remove Carpenter Ants

• Reduce moisture – Fix leaks, improve ventilation, and replace damaged wood.
• Use ant bait – The most effective method for complete colony elimination.
• Apply insecticides – Residual insecticides along their travel paths can help control their numbers.

While DIY solutions may help, infestations often return if not fully eradicated. Professional pest control is recommended when multiple nests are suspected or if ants continue appearing despite treatment.

How to Eliminate Termites

Since termites are more destructive and harder to detect, professional treatment is usually required. The first step is conducting a thorough inspection to determine the extent of the infestation. Because termites hide inside wood, specialized tools may be needed to locate their nests.

Professional Termite Treatments

• Liquid termiticides – Create a chemical barrier around the home’s foundation to kill termites on contact.
• Baiting systems – Poison termites slowly, allowing them to carry toxins back to the colony.
• Fumigation – Necessary in severe infestations to eliminate all termites within a structure.

Preventing Future Infestations

• Reduce wood-to-soil contact around the home.
• Keep moisture levels low by fixing leaks and improving drainage.
• Avoid stacking firewood near foundations.
• Schedule regular termite inspections.

Why Professional Pest Control is Essential

Both carpenter ants and termites can cause major damage, but termites pose the greatest risk because they consume wood as their primary food source. Without professional intervention, an undetected termite infestation can lead to costly structural repairs.

Carpenter ants, while less destructive, are still a serious concern. Their ability to create multiple satellite nests makes them difficult to eliminate completely without expert help. Homeowners often struggle to locate all the nests, which leads to continued infestations even after initial treatments.

At Prevent Pest Control, we provide targeted solutions for both carpenter ant and termite infestations. Our team has over 25 years of experience protecting homes in Ohio from wood-destroying insects. Unlike many pest control companies, we offer contract-free services, so you get the treatment you need without long-term commitments.

Protect Your Home Today

If you’re noticing signs of wood damage, sawdust piles, or hollow-sounding walls, don’t wait until the problem gets worse. Whether you’re dealing with carpenter ants or termites, our team at Prevent Pest Control can help. We’ll conduct a detailed inspection, identify the problem, and provide a custom treatment plan to eliminate the infestation for good.

Visit PreventPestControl.com to schedule your professional pest control service today. Don’t let pests compromise the safety of your home—take action now.