Termites vs. Ants: How to Tell Them Apart

Welcome to the tiny, bustling world under our feet, where the battle of the bugs — termites versus ants — unfolds! It’s a common house drama, yet most of us struggle to tell the lead characters apart. In this article, we’ll learn the difference between termites and ants. After all, knowing your enemy is the first step in winning the battle. 

Termites vs. Ants: Overview

People often confuse ants with termites, two pests infamous for their impact on wood structures. While carpenter ants (genus Camponotus) are a notable example, not all ants share the same wood-wrecking habits. Ants, in general, exhibit a wide range of behaviors and diets, contrasting significantly with the wood-consuming nature of termites (order Blattodea).

Ants, including the carpenter species, have well-defined, narrow waists and elbowed antennae. Unlike termites, ants don’t eat wood. Carpenter ants, for instance, excavate wood to build their nests, but they don’t consume the wood itself. Termites, conversely, have thick waists and straight antennae. Their diet is primarily based on wood because they can digest cellulose.

In the following sections, we’ll dive into the main differences between these two insects. We’ll explore their physical attributes, feeding patterns, behaviors, and life cycles, and we’ll finally uncover the differences in controlling these pests. So, let’s gear up and get ready to distinguish between these wood-invading adversaries.

Differences Between Termites and Ants

Knowing which pest you’re dealing with is not just a matter of curiosity — it’s an essential step in protecting your home from these unwanted guests. Let’s take a look at some key differences between termites and ants:

Differences in Appearance

Here’s a breakdown focusing on what termites look like in comparison to ants:

• Body shape: Ants have a segmented body with a narrow waist and pinched neck, whereas termites have a thick waist with a straight body that maintains a similar thickness throughout.
• Antennae: Ant’s antennae are elbow-shaped. In contrast, termites have straight antennae.
• Wings: Carpenter ants possess two pairs of wings with a few veins. The front wings are noticeably larger than the back wings. Termite wings also come in two pairs, but all four wings are equal in size and feature many veins.
• Legs: Ants have six long legs, and termites, on the other hand, have six short, less prominent legs.
• Color: Worker termites, which make up the majority of a termite colony, are typically pale or white in color. This is in contrast to carpenter ants, which are commonly found in various shades of brown.

Though similar in size, these physical characteristics are key in distinguishing between the two. By paying attention to these details, you can more accurately identify whether you’re dealing with ants or termites.

Feeding Preferences

Understanding what different pests eat helps in identifying them and in implementing effective control strategies. Here’s an overview highlighting the dietary differences between termites and ants:

• Ants typically forage for plant and animal-based food sources. Their diet is diverse, ranging from sweets, meats, and fats to other insects.

• Unlike ants, termites feed on wood, which is a primary component of their diet. This wood-eating habit is due to their ability to digest cellulose, the main substance in wood.
• The type of wood termites consume varies among species. Some termites prefer dry wood found in structures like walls and floors, while others opt for moist or rotting wood, often found in soil or near leaky pipes.

Pro tip: Contrary to popular belief, carpenter ants do not eat wood. They usually excavate soft or wet wood to create their nests. 

Behavioral Differences

Take a look at this detailed examination of the behavioral differences between termites and ants:

• Habitat differences: Most ant species create their colonies in soil or within plant materials. Termites typically live underground or within the wood structures they infest. 
• Nesting preferences: While both carpenter ants and termites nest in wood, carpenter ants excavate soft wood without consuming it. 

• Termites vs. carpenter ants damage: Carpenter ants’ tunnels or galleries appear smooth and finished, as they meticulously remove debris, leaving behind a polished look. Termite damage, however, is rough and ragged, giving them a more cluttered appearance.

• Mud tubes: A unique behavior of termites is the construction of mud tubes. These are built on the outside of walls and serve as protected passageways for termites. Finding mud tubes is a strong indication of a termite infestation, as carpenter ants don’t do this.

• Termites vs. carpenter ants droppings: The frass left behind by carpenter ants resembles wood shavings or sawdust. In contrast, termite droppings are more uniform in appearance. The droppings are typically oval-shaped and are a result of their wood-consuming habits.

Understanding these behavioral differences is essential in identifying whether you’re dealing with termites or ants. Recognizing the signs of each can lead to quicker, more effective pest management solutions.

Life Cycle Differences

Understanding the life cycles of termites and ants, including their life stages and lifespans, is key to comprehending their behavior and implementing effective control measures. Here’s how the life cycles of termites and ants compare:

Termites

• Termites go through three main developmental stages: egg, nymph, and adult. 
• This gradual metamorphosis allows them to develop into different colony roles, including workers, soldiers, and reproductive termites (swarmers).
• Worker termites, which constitute the majority of the colony, typically live for one to two years. Termite swarmers, responsible for reproducing, have a longer lifespan, living for about 3-4 years.
• The termite queen plays a vital role in the colony and can live for more than 30 years.

Ants

• Ants have a life cycle with four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. 
• The typical lifespan of ants is considerably shorter than termites. Most ants live for a few months and, in some cases, only a few weeks. This can vary depending on the species and environmental factors.
• Like termite queens, queen ants are the key to the colony’s growth and survival. Queen carpenter ants can live for around 10 years.

Signs of Carpenter Ants vs. Termites

In the table below, we outline the key differences between the signs of a termite infestation versus a carpenter ant infestation:

Flying Termites vs. Flying Ants

Some ants, called “alates,” can fly. They are sexually mature ants created by the queen with the goal of creating their own colonies. They do not pose any threat to wooden structures and have the sole purpose of mating.

Other types of flying ants, like carpenter ants, might be confused with termite swarmers, also known as flying termites, due to their similar appearance and fondness for nesting in wood. However, the key differences between flying ants in general and flying termites are the same as carpenter ants and termites, for instance:

• Flying ants exhibit bent antennae, a pinched waist, and two sets of wings of different sizes. In contrast, termite swarmers have straight antennae, a thick waist, and wings of equal size.
• Flying ants are omnivores and generally less harmful to structures. Termites feed on cellulose in wood, posing a significant threat to wooden structures.
• Carpenter ants, a type of flying ant, nest in wood but do not consume it, unlike termites.

How to Get Rid of Termites vs. Ants

The strategies for eliminating ants differ significantly from those used for termites. Both require specific approaches tailored to their behaviors and habitats. 

Termites

Due to the nature of termite infestations and the potential damage they can cause, it is generally recommended to contact a professional pest control service. Here’s what pros may employ to get rid of termites:

• Liquid termiticides: Pest control experts may apply liquid termiticides to create a barrier in the soil to prevent termites from entering the structure.
• Bait systems: Bait systems are another common method, where bait stations are strategically placed around your property to eliminate termites.
• Heat treatments and fumigation: For severe infestations, more drastic measures like heat treatments or fumigation may be necessary. These methods require specialized equipment and expertise.

Ants

Dealing with an ant infestation requires a multi-faceted approach, combining preventive measures, environmental management, and direct control methods. Here are a few methods to get rid of ants in your home:

• Preventive measures: Sealing garbage cans and entry points into your home can help prevent various types of ants from entering. Restricting access to food sources is also key.
• Environmental management: The first step in controlling carpenter ants is to eliminate conditions they favor. This includes replacing rotted wood and storing firewood outdoors, away from the house.
• DIY solutions: Homeowners can use borax ant baits, diatomaceous earth, or pesticides containing pyrethrins to combat carpenter ant infestations. These methods can be effective when applied correctly and consistently.

FAQ About Termites vs. Ants

What Attracts Termites in the House?

Termites are primarily attracted to wooden structures. Different types of termites have varying preferences: Drywood termites are drawn to dry wood, while dampwood termites favor moist and decaying wood. Subterranean termites are less particular, infesting various types of wood, especially where wood comes into contact with soil.

Besides wood, moisture is a significant attractant. Homes with issues like poor drainage, leaky plumbing, or high humidity are more prone to termite infestations. Ensuring a dry environment through proper ventilation and fixing moisture-related problems is key to reducing the risk of attracting termites.

What Do Termites Eat?

Termites primarily feed on cellulose, a key component found in wood. However, their diet is not limited to just wood; they also eat other cellulose-based materials like paper, humus, manure, and even sheetrock.

Do Termites or Ants Bite Humans?

Termites, generally, do not bite humans. While soldier termites do have the capability to bite, such incidents are rare and usually only occur when they are handled or disturbed. 

Ants, on the other hand, are more likely to bite humans. Most ant bites are relatively harmless, but some species can deliver more painful bites. Notably, carpenter ants and fire ants, as well as harvester ants and oak ants, are known for their painful bites.

When to Call a Professional

While both ants and termites can cause damage to your home, their management and control require distinct approaches. In many cases, carpenter ant infestations can be managed with DIY solutions. 

A termite problem, however, can pose a more serious challenge. DIY methods may not be sufficient for a complete and effective resolution. Therefore, if you suspect a termite infestation, it’s advisable to contact a professional exterminator. Luckily, Pest Gnome connects you to the best termite control experts in your area.

Main Image Credit:
Termite: dextorTh / Canva Pro / License
Ant: Billion Photos / Canva Pro / License

Maria Isabela Reis

Maria Isabela Reis is a writer, Ph.D. candidate, and plant enthusiast from an area where mosquitoes are as relentless in their pursuit of blood as she is in her quest for knowledge. When she’s not swatting away these buzzing annoyances, she’s playing with her dogs and savoring a cup of tea.

Posts by Maria Isabela Reis