Signs of a Termite vs Ant Infestation

Winged ants are flying around your home. But then, you notice they’re in the wood and have wings. Are they termites? At IPM Pest and Termite near Lexington, KY, we can tell you what’s happening and eliminate the infestation. We can tell you about the differences between ants and termites and how to tell which type of infestation you have. Here’s how to differentiate a termite vs ant infestation and what to do about it.

Differences Between Ants and Termites

If you’ve noticed that you have ant-like creatures around your house, you might wonder whether they’re ants or termites and what your next steps are.

There are several differences between ants and termites. This is true even if you have flying or carpenter ants, which are commonly confused with termites.

Carpenter ants:

• Have narrow, constricted, well-defined waists.
• Are more likely to be out during the day.
• Have black-, brown- or red-toned workers.
• Feature L-shaped antennae that are bent or elbowed.
• Fly on 4 wings, with two smaller wings in the back.
• Have 3 defined body segments.

Termite workers:

• Have straight antennae with little ball-like segments.
• Are transparent.
• Avoid sunlight.
• Do not have a waistline.
  

Signs of an Infestation: Termites vs. Ants

If you can’t get a close enough look at the insects to determine their differentiating features, it’s a good idea to look around for signs of a termite vs. ant infestation.

Termites require professional elimination. Common signs of a termite infestation are:

• Mud tubes on walls or floors near wood structure.
• Termite droppings.
• Swarms of termites.
• Bubbling paint.
• Hollow wood.
• Ragged galleries filled with mud and soil.
• Discarded termite wings.
  

Carpenter ants, which also damage wood, will move on when whatever attracted them is gone. Common signs of an ant infestation are:

• Wood shavings (they don’t eat wood—they excavate it).
• Smooth tunnels and galleries.
• You see them out during the day.

How Do You Handle an Infestation?

Whether you suspect ants or termites, contact IPM Pest and Termite to verify your suspicion. Not only can we confirm the source of your infestation, but we can also eliminate the infestation and prevent it from returning.

One of our exterminators will come to your home to inspect the property and see what we find. We can identify whether you have termites vs. ants and how much damage there’s been. We’ll tell you what we can do to eliminate the ants or termites and present options for keeping them away.

One of our services is a seasonal maintenance program that we offer so that protect your home from pests, in all their varieties, throughout the year.

Contact Us for Ant or Termite Extermination Near Lexington, KY

If you suspect you may have an ant or termite problem, don’t wait. Reach out to IPM Pest and Termite to conduct an inspection and determine next steps. Not only will we exterminate your ants or termites, but we’ll prevent them from returning.

Request a quote when you call or fill out our online contact form with a description of your problem. We serve the greater Louisville and Lexington, KY areas, including Nicholasville, Versailles, Georgetown, Richmond, and Winchester, KY. Contact us today!