Tiny invaders marching across the kitchen counter or mysterious damage to wooden structures can cause frustration for many homeowners. If not dealt with swiftly, such unwanted visitors can turn from a minor to a substantial inconvenience as they proliferate and infest your place of residence. But it is important to identify whether you are dealing with ants or termites, as they cause different types of damage and need different treatment methods.
Ants can result in a cosmetic nuisance and food contamination, and termites are capable of doing untold damage to the investment you have in your home, damage that can cost several thousand dollars or more to repair. Average termite damage repair bills fall between $3,000 and $8,000, and they can sometimes exceed $20,000 for severe infestations that go untreated.
While the do-it-yourself tactics may put a dent in the problem, pest control professionals from saelapest.com know how to find, treat, and eradicate pests before they do serious harm.
Ants vs. Termites: What Is The Difference?
| Feature | Ants | Termites |
| Body Shape | Narrow waist, three distinct body segments | Straight waist, body appears uniform |
| Antennae | Bent (elbowed) | Straight, bead-like |
| Wings (if present) | Front wings larger than back wings | All four wings same size |
| Color | Most species are black, brown, or reddish | Usually pale, creamy white to light brown |
| Habitat | Various nests (soil, wood, structures) | Primarily in wood or underground |
| Diet | Omnivorous (proteins, sweets, oils) | Cellulose (wood, paper, cardboard) |
| Damage | Typically cosmetic | Structural wood damage |
Ants and termites are more than just different by their looks. Ants are social insects that construct orderly societies with defined pecking orders. They cut paths and can frequently be seen moving in rows. Carpenter ants can nest in wood, but they do not eat it — like termites, they carve tunnels to make a home, leaving sawdust-like material called frass in their wake.
Termites, however, will actually process and consume wood and other cellulose-based materials. Invisible operatives, frequently not found until long after they’ve done their damage. Mud tubes are protective passageways, serving as bridges for termites to travel to and from their nest and foraging areas, and are an important indication of termite infestation.
Are Ants More Dangerous Than Termites?
When discussing ant vs termite danger, it mostly comes down to what you mean by dangerous.
Well, structurally, termites are a lot worse than ants. In the United States alone, termites are responsible for more than $5 billion in property damage every year. They munch away – quietly – on wood 24 hours a day, seven days a week, possibly weakening beams, floor joists, and other vital structural parts of your home.
Ants, which are typically less destructive to buildings, can carry different ramifications. Some, like fire ants, can sting painfully, even triggering allergic responses in some sensitive individuals. Carpenter ants, though they do not eat wood, can still do a lot of damage, hollowing out wooden structures to make way for nests. Some types of ants also pollute food by carrying E. coli and Salmonella related to apples, pears, and other produce into it.
Health-wise, neither of these pests typically transmits diseases directly to humans as mosquitoes or ticks do. All the same, both species can affect your quality of life and well-being by causing damage to your property, contaminating food, or, in the case of certain ants, delivering painful bites.
The primary danger of termites is that they are virtually invisible until they have already done serious harm, whereas ant problems are generally more prevalent and taken care of more quickly.
Ants or Termites In The House? Speak to a Professional!
When you find that you have an army of ants or termites marching through your house, you need fast, effective solutions to keep them at bay before they eat the foundation of your home. Although it is crucial to identify these pests in order to treat the infestation, licensed pest control professionals have the experience and equipment to correctly identify the species you are dealing with, as well as the most effective treatment actions to take.
Unlike store-bought solutions, pest management professionals apply specialized techniques such as targeted baiting systems and perimeter treatments, and they are far more effective. They can also pinpoint entry ways and advise on protective measures that will keep the pests from coming back.
