What Is The Difference Between Carpenter Ants & Termites?
What’s the Difference (and Why It Matters)?
When you spot wood damage around your home, your first thought might be, “Do I have termites?” But wait — carpenter ants can cause some serious destruction, too. While both pests can damage your home, they behave very differently. Knowing which one you’re dealing with is key to protecting your home and getting the right treatment.
At Scientifically Advanced Pest Control, we’re here to break it down for you — so you can stop guessing and start taking action.
Carpenter Ants: The Hollow House Guests
Carpenter ants don’t eat wood, but they do chew through it to build their nests, which can still cause serious structural damage over time. They prefer moist, rotting, or water-damaged wood — often found in basements, crawl spaces, or around windows.
Signs of Carpenter Ants:
Sawdust-like piles (called frass) near baseboards or walls
Rustling sounds inside walls
Sightings of large black or red ants, especially in spring
Hollow-sounding wood when tapped
Carpenter ants can also forage far from the nest, so seeing them in your home doesn't always mean the nest is indoors — but it’s worth checking.
Termites: The Silent Destroyers
Unlike ants, termites actually eat wood — and lots of it. That makes them one of the most costly pests for homeowners, causing billions in damage each year. Termites can go unnoticed for months (or even years), silently tunneling through your home’s structure.
Signs of Termites:
Mud tubes along walls or foundations
Discarded wings near windowsills or doors
Hollow-sounding wood or blistered flooring
Cracked or bubbling paint (which can mimic water damage)
In Georgia, subterranean termites are the most common. They live underground and require moisture to survive — often entering homes through tiny cracks in the foundation.
Why Proper Identification Matters
Misidentifying termites as carpenter ants (or vice versa) can lead to:
Ineffective treatment
Worsening damage
Higher repair costs down the road
That’s why a professional inspection is critical. At Scientifically Advanced Pest Control, we use science-backed diagnostics to identify the pest, locate the nest or colony, and design a treatment plan that works fast and lasts long.
What You Can Do Now
If you notice wood damage, insect sightings, or any of the signs above, don’t wait for things to get worse. Whether it’s carpenter ants carving up your beams or termites quietly snacking on your subfloor, we’re here to stop them.
Schedule a free inspection today with Scientifically Advanced Pest Control. Let’s figure out what’s bugging you — and handle it the right way.
