Differences Between Ants and Termites
Carpenter ants are very common across the U.S. but are often confused with termites. Some carpenter ants are much larger than termites. In fact, carpenter ants are one of the largest of all ant species. But other carpenter ants are very small, so size is not a way to determine species. So how do you know if it is a termite or an ant? Look for:
Dark-colored bodiesNarrow waistsElbowed (bent) antennaeHind wings which are shorter than front wings
If it has these characteristics, it is a carpenter ant. Carpenter arts are also more likely to be seen out in the open than are termites. While both carpenter ants and termites can be very destructive to homes, the two species are different because termites eat the wood in which they tunnel, but carpenter ants only nest in it and do not eat it. Another difference between carpenter ants and termites is the frass (wood dust, soil, and insect parts) that is often found beneath openings to the carpenter ants’ nest.
Flying Ants Swarm to Mate
Whether the winged ant you see is a carpenter ant or a termite, the wings mean that the insect is a reproductive male or queen—the only members of an ant colony that can reproduce. Ants and termites swarm to mate, then the males die, having done their duty, and the queens drop their wings to find a nesting site. Because of this, a winged ant seen indoors during the summer may just mean that it flew in from outside. It will likely die before it can find a good nesting site, and no pest control is needed for the ant. But because the ants are not active outdoors in the winter, a flying ant seen indoors at this time most likely means that the ants are nesting within the structure. It is rare for termites to swarm at all in the winter, but they have been known to do so in warm areas of infested buildings. So the sudden appearance of swarming ants or termites in flight is one of the first signs of indoor infestation.
Carpenter Ant Treatment
While carpenter ants may be found nesting in dry wood, they are more likely to be found in wood that is wet, damp, and/or rotting. The first step is to repair or replace the rotted wood to remove the harborage and help prevent future infestation. The next step is the use of an insecticide to control and kill ants that have built their nest indoors.
Dust: One option is insecticidal dust that is formulated for carpenters ants and is meant for indoor household use. This can be injected into the area(s) where the ants are nesting. If it is difficult to get to the area, small holes may need to be drilled so the dust can be injected.Bait: Another option is to use bait. Although baits are much slower acting, they can be easier and safer to use. The foraging ants will pick up the bait and carry it back to the colony and queen to eliminate the entire colony. Because ant baits sold in stores are often labeled for many different ants, always read the label to be sure it is formulated for carpenter ants and follow all label directions.Spray: Insecticide sprays will have little impact on foraging ants because the spray will kill only ants that are foraging for food. But if the ants have simply flown indoors from outside, sprays can provide relief from these occasional invaders.
When using any insecticide, it is important and required by law to read and follow all label directions.
