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RSSTermite & Carpenter Ants, Keeping the Crawlies Out!
Feb 4
Articles, Exterior, Pest Damage No Comments
Ah Spring, a time of rebirth and renewel.
Unfortunately, not all life is accepted with open arms….mosquitos, hornets, termites, and carpenter ants to name a few.
In my profession concerns about termites and carpenter ants are expressed to me on a regular basis. I want to touch on some of the differences between these two types of pests at this time.
Termites are very small insects (look like maggots) that live below ground in colonies and invade our homes to feed on cellulose material. In order to survive Termites must remain inside moist soil and therefore build and travel through mud tubes which are usually seen on the surface of foundation walls and joists/rafters. Exposure to light and open air will kill them.
EXCEPTION – Termite Swarmers (winged dark colored termites) come out of the ground typically in the Spring/Summer time to establish new colonies in new locations.
Carpenter Ants are large reddish or black ants (one-half inch to one full inch long) that live in wood. They chew through wood in our homes creating a series of tunnels and dens. The tunnel walls have a very sanded look (like driftwood) with no dirt inside the wood. Sawdust can sometimes be seen coming out of one or more entry/exit holes. Carpenter Ants eat mostly sugars and proteins like most other ants (not wood).
EXCEPTION – Carpenter Ant Swarmers (winged ants) have the same role in life as Termite Swarmers.
Both Termites and Carpenter Ants are attracted to damp areas of our homes. We should always maintain positive drainage around our homes and repair any and all leaks immediately.
If you would like more information about Termites, Carpenter Ants or Leak Prevention please contact me
