Have you ever been at home when suddenly you spot some tiny insects gnawing away on some wood? It would be easy to jump to conclusions and assume the worst—termites! But have you considered that these intruders could be carpenter ants instead?
At Gippsland Pest Management, we know how easy it is to confuse these two wood-loving pests. While they both have a knack for making themselves at home in timber, their behaviours and the damage they cause are quite different. In this blog post, we’ll explore the key differences between carpenter ants and termites, so you can confidently identify the threat and know exactly how to handle it.
Physical Characteristics
Below is a comparsion table of some key features of carpenter ants vs termites:
Nesting Habitats and Habits
Carpenter ants don’t eat wood; instead, they excavate it to create their nests. They tunnel through wood to form extensive galleries within their nests, leaving behind sawdust-like frass around the entry and exit points of these galleries.
Carpenter ants often build their nests in a variety of locations, including hollow doors, wall voids, old tree stumps, and wooden decks, with a preference for wood that is already damp or decaying. They are most active at night and can travel significant distances from their nests in search of food.
In contrast, termites are subterranean (exist under the earth's surface) and feed on wood, digesting it to build their homes. This feeding behaviour causes extensive damage from the inside out, leaving timber planks hollowed and weakened, which can result in severe structural issues to your home’s wooden framing. Termites create mud tubes, which can be an indication of their presence, but these tubes are often hidden and may only become visible once the infestation is severe. You're more likely to notice signs of termites, such as damaged wood or discarded wings, rather than seeing the actual insects themselves.
Our Pest Control Solutions
Carpenter ants are among the most common and widespread ants in Australia. While they usually prefer to stay outside in decaying wood, between rocks, and nestled in twigs on shrubs or trees, they can occasionally make their way into your home. If you notice these unwanted visitors in or around your home, don’t worry, our comprehensive ant treatment is designed to tackle a wide range of ants found in Gippsland, including the elusive carpenter ants.
Our ant treatment involves the technicians using a strategic combination of targeted insecticides to effectively eliminate colonies. Our service includes a 6-month aftercare program, which offers free re-visits if issues persist during the six months following the initial treatment, as it’s common for ant infestations to require multiple treatments for full control ensuring long-lasting protection. For safety, we ask for a 30-day period between visits to allow the treatment to take effect. If you encounter any issues, please let us know—we're always happy to provide additional advice.
Ant treatments are typically done on an as-needed basis. Whether you're dealing with bull ants, black house ants, or carpenter ants, our team is ready to help you reclaim your space. But don’t wait until you see a trail marching through your home! Since ants are most active during the warmer months, we highly recommend scheduling an annual treatment in spring to keep your home protected throughout every season.
Our comprehensive termite treatments are designed to fit your home’s unique needs. We begin with a free, personalized assessment of your property. Based on our findings, we’ll provide a customized quote for the most effective treatment options. To safeguard your home from termites, the tailored solutions might include inground monitoring and baiting system as well as chemical barriers to keep those pesky invaders away.
Since the lifespan of these solutions can vary, we recommend scheduling regular Timber Pest inspections to ensure your treatment remains effective. With our expert care, you can stay ahead of potential problems and keep your home safe and secure all year round.
Understanding the distinct behaviours and damage patterns of carpenter ants and termites is essential for effective pest management. If you suspect an infestation of either carpenter ants or termites, don’t hesitate to contact the staff at Gippsland Pest Management for a professional advice and tailored treatments to protect your home.
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