Termites vs. Carpenter Ants: Who’s Eating Your House?

If you’re finding wood damage around your home, it’s natural to wonder what’s behind it—termites or carpenter ants? While both pests are known for causing destruction, they behave very differently. Identifying the right culprit is crucial for protecting your home from long-term damage.

What’s the Difference Between Termites & Carpenter Ants?

✔ Termites: The Silent Destroyers

Termites eat wood, consuming it from the inside out. They are small, light-colored insects that thrive in moist environments. Since they work behind the scenes, you often won’t notice them until significant damage is done.

Signs of Termite Activity:

• Mud tubes along your home’s foundation

• Hollow-sounding wood when tapped

• Piles of termite droppings (frass) that resemble sawdust

• Discarded wings near windows or doors

✔ Carpenter Ants: The Master Excavators

Carpenter ants do not eat wood—they chew through it to build tunnels and nests. They’re larger than termites, usually black or reddish, and prefer damp or decayed wood. Unlike termites, they leave behind visible wood shavings as they tunnel.

Signs of Carpenter Ant Activity:

• Large, winged ants inside your home

• Piles of sawdust-like shavings near baseboards or walls

• Rustling noises inside wood structures

Why It’s Important to Act Fast

Both termites and carpenter ants can weaken the structural integrity of your home. While carpenter ants take longer to cause severe damage, termites can compromise wood completely if left untreated.

The best way to prevent costly repairs? Professional pest control.

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If you suspect termite activity, don’t wait! Through May 31, use promo code TERMITESPR50 to get $50 off termite treatments.

Protect your home before the damage spreads! Contact Paragon Pest Control today for expert termite and carpenter ant solutions in Dallas-Fort Worth.