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Ants and termites are two pests that homeowners in Bellevue and South Nashville often confuse. Understanding the differences between these two species can help prevent potential damage to your home. Let’s explore how to tell them apart and why it matters.
What Are The Differences Between Termites & Ants?
Ants are pests that don’t mind being out in the open. You may see dozens, or even hundreds, of ants on a daily basis when you go outside. If they get into your house, you’ll see them walking around your kitchen like they own the place. Termites, on the other hand, rarely come out in the open. Most termites have to stay underground in order to survive. Because of this, it is much harder to identify a termite infestation.
The trouble with distinguishing ants from termites comes when reproductive termites come out in the open to mate. These termites look extremely similar to carpenter ants, so the untrained eye may have difficulty telling them apart. The following information will help you understand the main differences between carpenter ants and reproductive termites.
Physical Differences
Termites
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Reproductive termites are typically about an inch in length.
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They have pale yellow or light brown bodies with two pairs of equal-length wings.
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Reproductive termites have straight, thick bodies with no discernible waist.
Ants
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Carpenter ants are about ¼ to ½ inch in length.
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They have dark brown to black bodies with two pairs of wings that are different lengths.
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Carpenter ants have segmented bodies with a pinched waist.
Behavioral Differences
Termites
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Termites feed on wood, causing damage to homes by tunneling through structures.
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Reproductive termites typically mate during spring and summer by coming out in the open in a large swarm and shedding their wings.
Ants
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Carpenter ants are omnivorous and feed on various foods.
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Although carpenter ants can damage wood, they do not eat it and the damage is not as extensive as termite damage.
What Are The Signs Of A Termite Or Ant Infestation In My South Nashville Home?
Just as the appearance and behavior of ants and termites vary from one another, so too do the signs of an infestation. Look for the following signs to help you identify if you have a termite infestation or an ant infestation:
Termites
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Seeing mud tubes along your foundation walls
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Noticing a hollow sound when you knock on wood in your house
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Seeing a termite swarm during warmer months or finding their discarded wings
Ants
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Finding trails of ants near food sources
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Noticing nests or mounds in cracks or soil
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Seeing visible activity around walls or anywhere in your house
How to Prevent Termite & Ant Infestations In Bellevue
Termite and ant infestations should both be avoided for the health and safety of your family and home. Preventing termites requires professional pest control. Schedule annual termite inspections and implement a termite prevention plan from All-American Pest Control. Additionally, reducing moisture around your property and eliminating wood-to-soil contact can help you prevent an infestation.
For ants, there are several things you can do to try to prevent an infestation on your own. Seal cracks around the exterior of your house, no matter how small. Store all food in sealed containers, and make sure that your kitchen remains clean and free of spills and crumbs. Keep moisture levels low in and around your house. It also helps to trim back branches and shrubbery around the perimeter of your house. For the best ant protection, get professional ant control in Bellevue from All-American.
When to Call a Professional To Treat Your West Nashville Home
If your home is not currently protected from termites, it’s the perfect time to change that. Termites are a constant threat to unprotected homes, so the only way to ensure you don’t end up with an infestation is to be proactive. Furthermore, if you suspect that termites are already in your house, it’s important to contact All-American Pest Control right away. The longer termites are allowed to remain, the more damage they will cause.
If you have seen ants in your house, it’s time to contact the professionals at All-American Pest Control. Although DIY ant control treatments abound, most are not effective because they don’t target the specific species you have in your house and they don’t get at the root of the problem. With All-American, you’ll receive the treatments you need to eliminate the entire colony.
Why Choose All American Pest Control?
Whether ants or termites have made their way into your Bellevue home, All-American Pest Control offers the services you need for a pest-free home. Why choose us?
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We are trusted experts throughout Middle Tennessee for effective termite and ant control.
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We have over 60 years of local pest control experience.
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We deliver comprehensive and customized services, from inspections to long-term prevention plans.
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We guarantee our services for your peace of mind.
Don't wait for an infestation to get out of control! Contact All American Pest Control for a thorough inspection or to learn more about protecting your home from ants and termites. No matter which type of pest you have in your house, we’ll get rid of it for you.