TruCore Blog

Carpenter Ants vs. Termites: How to Tell the Difference and Protect Your Home

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Carpenter ants and termites are both destructive pests that can cause significant damage to your home. However, they differ in their behavior, appearance, and the type of damage they inflict. Knowing how to tell them apart is crucial for effective pest control. Here’s what you need to know about these pests and how TruCore Pest Protection can help safeguard your home.

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Appearance: How to Spot the Difference

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1. Carpenter Ants:

• Carpenter ants are large, usually black or dark brown, with segmented bodies. They have a narrow waist and bent antennae. Winged carpenter ants, which are often mistaken for termites, have hind wings that are shorter than their front wings.

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2. Termites:

• Termites have straight, beaded antennae and thick, straight bodies with no pinched waist. Winged termites, also known as swarmers, have two pairs of wings that are of equal length.

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Behavior: How They Damage Your Home

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1. Carpenter Ants:

• Carpenter ants do not eat wood; instead, they excavate it to create their nests. They are often found in damp, decaying wood, and their activity can lead to structural damage over time. You may notice small piles of wood shavings near their nesting sites, a clear sign of carpenter ant activity.

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2. Termites:

• Termites feed on wood, breaking it down as they digest it. They can cause extensive damage to the structural integrity of your home as they consume the wood from the inside out. Unlike carpenter ants, termites can be much harder to detect because they work silently and out of sight.

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Signs of Infestation: What to Look For

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1. Carpenter Ants:

• Small holes or tunnels in wood

• Rustling sounds within walls

• Winged ants around windows and doors

• Piles of wood shavings near nests

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2. Termites:

• Mud tubes along the foundation of your home

• Hollow-sounding wood

• Swarms of winged termites around light sources

• Small piles of wings shed by swarmers

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Why Professional Identification Is Essential

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Mistaking carpenter ants for termites (or vice versa) can lead to ineffective treatments and further damage to your home. That’s why it’s essential to have a professional pest control service like TruCore Pest Protection accurately identify the pest and recommend the right course of action.

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TruCore Pest Protection: Your Defense Against Wood-Damaging Pests

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At TruCore Pest Protection, we specialize in identifying and treating both carpenter ants and termites. Our certified professionals use advanced techniques to eliminate these pests and prevent future infestations. We provide tailored treatment plans that address the specific needs of your home, ensuring long-lasting protection.

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Contact TruCore Pest Protection Today

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If you suspect carpenter ants or termites in your home, don’t wait for the damage to worsen. Contact TruCore Pest Protection today for a thorough inspection and effective treatment. Protect your home and your investment. Call us at 904-204-2212.

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