Behavior of Termites vs. Ants
It’s important to try to quickly identify the pest you’re dealing with, regardless of if it’s termites or ants, so a pest management company can put together a treatment plan. Termites and ants behave very differently, and their behaviors can sometimes clue you in if you’re facing a termite or ant infestation.
Termites Eat Cellulose and Cause Damage
Termites eat cellulose found in wood and can cause significant damage to your home. In the event of a termite infestation, they will typically gravitate toward areas with plenty of wood. Termites can’t actually survive without extremely specific moisture levels, so they build mud tubes to provide shelter. Termites will chew wooden structures, including property foundations which can lead to structural damage.
Carpenter Ants May Destroy Wood, but Not Because They’re Hungry
Most ants have multiple food sources, and carpenter ants are no exception. Carpenter ants don’t eat wood, but they will chew it up and spit it out, leaving damage in their wake. Carpenter ants will bore holes and build tunnels in search of food as opposed to the mud tubes termites craft.
Termites and Ants Both have Flying Varieties
During swarming season, termites send their swarmers in an attempt to start new colonies. In a similar manner, several varieties of ants will send out their swarmers, too. While the behavior of both specimens may be similar, you may observe some core physical differences.