Unsure if It’s Ants or Termites? Here’s How to Tell Them Apart

Serving Broward County and Palm Beach County

Knowing whether you’re dealing with ants or termites makes a big difference. Ants are usually a mild inconvenience, while termites are known to silently cause structural damage that can lead to costly repairs. In fact, termites are behind an estimated $5 billion in damages to homes across the U.S. every year. The silver lining? Their destruction is gradual, so spotting the signs early can save you a lot of stress. Let’s break down how to spot the difference between these two, very different, insects.

Can You Be Sure If It’s a Termite Or an Ant Just by Looking at it?

You can, if you know what details to look for. Although ants and termites can appear similar at first glance, several features set them apart. These are the three major clues:

• Waist Shape: Ants have a cinched, narrow waist that gives them a segmented appearance. Termites, on the other hand, have a straight, tube-like body with no visible pinch. A narrow, wasp-like waist likely means it’s an ant, while a thick, consistent body is probably a termite.
• Color Differences: Ants usually have dark colors, such as deep brown or black. Termites tend to be much lighter, with bodies that range from off-white to pale tan. If you see something nearly translucent scurrying across your windowsill, there’s a good chance it’s a termite.
• Antennae Style: Ants have antennae that bend in the middle, like a crooked elbow. Termite antennae are straight and bead-like in appearance. This is one of the clearest visual distinctions between the two pests.

Flying Ants vs Winged Termites

Seeing winged insects in or around your home might leave you wondering: is this an ant or termite? Both species grow wings when they reproduce, making it tricky to distinguish between the two. Here’s how to tell which one you’re seeing:

• Wing Shape and Length: Both ants and termites have four wings. In termites, all four wings are about the same length and extend well beyond their bodies. Ants have two large front wings and two smaller hind wings. Also, their wings tend to be more proportionate to the size of their bodies.
• Wing Debris: Termite wings are delicate and tend to fall off after swarming. If you find scattered wings near light sources or entry points, termites are the likely culprit.

What’s the Difference Between Ant Damage and Termite Damage?

When comparing the damage caused by ants versus termites, termites clearly pose a greater threat. Ants are usually just a nuisance, but termites can compromise your home’s structure over time. However, there’s one major ant exception worth noting: carpenter ants.

Carpenter ants do enjoy their fair share of destruction, but the way they damage wood is very different from termites. Take a look at the main differences below:

Termite Damage

• Termites feed directly on wood, carving out hollow tunnels and leaving behind blistered surfaces or wood that looks honeycombed.
• Their destruction often happens in places that are out of sight, making it tough to catch without a professional inspection.
• By the time the damage becomes visible, it’s likely already extensive.
• If you’ve spotted signs of termites, don’t wait for another reason to call. The team at Petri Pest Control can step in quickly, with solutions designed to stop the infestation before it spreads further.

If you notice signs of termites on your property, you need to act fast. Petri Pest Control is here for you, and our termite services can eradicate the problem before it causes any more major damage.

Carpenter Ant Damage

• Carpenter ants on the other hand don’t consume the wood. Instead, they excavate it to build nests, leaving behind tunnels with smooth, clean walls.
• Their damage tends to show up in damp, decayed wood. When moisture has already weakened an area, it makes it easier for them to dig through.

If You Think You’ve Seen Termites, Act Quickly

Now that you know what signs to look for, you can respond quickly and confidently. Termites might be slow, but that doesn’t mean you should delay treatment. Home remedies and retail products often miss the mark and give termites time to spread.

Our experienced team at Petri Pest Control is ready to inspect your home, identify what kind of pest you’re dealing with, and develop a customized plan to get rid of them, fast.

Whether it’s ants, termites, or both, we’re here to help. Contact us today for a free estimate, so we can protect your home the right way.