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Carpenter Ants and Termites. Many people confuse Carpenter A nts and Termites. Although both are destructive, they are very different insects. Both are found with and without wings. Both are involved with the destruction of wood. It is important to know the differences between the two.
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Carpenter Ants and Termites • Many people confuse Carpenter Ants and Termites. Although both are destructive, they are very different insects. • Both are found with and without wings. • Both are involved with the destruction of wood. • It is important to know the differences between the two.
Carpenter Ants Photo from: www.altasierrapestcontrol.com
Carpenter Ants with and without wings Photo from: www.altasierrapestcontrol.com
Carpenter Ant Tunnels Photo from: www.altasierrapestcontrol.com
Is It An Ant Or A Termite? Photo from: www.oldhouseweb.com
Termite Stages Photo from: www.regionalpestmanagement.com
Carpenter Ants & Termites • Carpenter Ants live in rotted wood and eat dead insects, other small invertebrates as well as honeydew that is secreted by aphids. • Termites (in our area) live in the ground and eat wood. • Carpenter Ants will come in our houses looking for food and a place to live. They like sweets and fats. A few Carpenter Ants in your house doesn’t mean you have an infestation.
Getting Rid of Carpenter Ants • If you have a colony living in your house you need to find it and replace the water-damaged wood they are living in. • Seal any openings or cracks to keep water out. • Keep all firewood and waste wood at least 100 feet from the house. • If needed you can spray an insecticide around the foundation (April – September) to discourage them from entering.
Getting Rid of Termites • Getting rid of termites is more complicated than getting rid of ants. If you see them you could spray them but most of them are hiding away from your view. You can try to attract them to eat a poisonous bait. • Often, professional help is needed to get rid of termites.