Carpenter ants and termites are both wood-destroying insects, but they require completely different treatments. Misidentifying the pest could cost you thousands. Here's how to tell them apart.
Why Identification Matters
Carpenter ants and termites are both found in wood, both swarm in spring, and both cause homeowners significant concern — but they require entirely different treatments. Applying termite treatments to a carpenter ant problem (or vice versa) wastes money and leaves the actual pest untreated.
Visual Identification
Wings (Swarmers)
The easiest way to distinguish the two:
| Feature | Termite Swarmers | Carpenter Ant Swarmers |
|---|---|---|
| Wing size | All four wings equal length | Front wings longer than back wings |
| Wing shape | Symmetrical | Asymmetrical |
| Body | No constriction (straight) | Obvious waist constriction |
| Antennae | Straight | Elbowed |
| Color | Pale/light brown | Black or dark brown/red |
Workers (Non-Swarmers)
Termite workers are pale white and rarely seen outside the wood. Carpenter ant workers are large (¼–½ inch), black, and frequently seen foraging for food in and around the home.
Damage Comparison
Termite Damage
- Galleries run *with* the wood grain, consuming cellulose
- Wood looks like it's been eaten from inside
- Hollow, damaged wood with no visible ants inside
- Drywood termite frass: hexagonal pellets outside galleries
- Subterranean termite damage: often near soil with mud tubes
Carpenter Ant Damage
- Galleries cut *against* the grain — smooth, sandpaper-finished tunnels
- Ants excavate wood but don't eat it; they're nesting, not foraging
- Large, perfectly smooth galleries with distinct chambers
- Frass is coarser — wood shavings mixed with dead insect parts
- Ants are actually *visible* near the damage
What Attracts Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants are attracted to moist, decaying wood — not dry structural wood. Finding carpenter ants usually indicates a moisture or water damage problem (leaking pipes, roof leaks, improperly flashed windows) that needs addressing alongside pest control.
Treatment Approach
For termites: Licensed structural fumigation, orange oil, heat treatment, or liquid barrier depending on species. See our treatment guide.
For carpenter ants: Targeted pesticide application to galleries and foraging trails; *critical* — identify and fix the underlying moisture source, or ants will return.
Still Not Sure?
If you're uncertain whether you're dealing with termites or carpenter ants, don't guess. Schedule a free inspection with our licensed team. We'll correctly identify the pest and recommend the right treatment — not the most expensive one.