Termites vs Ants: How Are They Different?

Did you know termites cause more than $5 billion in property damage every year?

The fact is, termites can wreak havoc on your home. As can ants. In fact, they are the two most common household pests in America.

But when it comes down to identifying them based on their appearance and behavior, there are some key differences. These can help you determine which one you have in your house.

If you are wondering what are the differences between termites vs ants, this short and simple guide is for you.

Appearance

Both ants and termites are insects with six legs and a hard exoskeleton. They have antennae, compound eyes, and mandibles.

However, ants have narrow waists, while termites have broad, straight bodies. Ants also have elbowed antennae while the antennae of termites are straight or only slightly curved.

You can find ants in many colors and sizes, from black to red to yellowish brown. A flying termite is usually gray or brown with a cream-colored abdomen.

Habitat

Termites live in groups in underground nests. Their colonies can be as small as a few hundred individuals or as large as several million. Only an expert like “OnDemandPestControl” is able to exactly identify how termites look and find termite tubes, where these small creatures breed and multiply, thus causing damage to all your wooden furniture at home.

Ants are social insects that build nests in trees, soil, or other structures. Some species of ants live alone, but most will nest together with other ant colonies.

Diet

Ants and termites eat a variety of foods.

The diet of an ant colony depends on the species and the time of year. Ants will eat almost anything, including dead animals, other insects and their larvae, seeds, nectar from flowers, and sap from plants.

Termites eat wood and other cellulose-based materials including leaves, bark, and grasses. They have specialized mouthparts that allow them to chew through these materials.

Ants also have specialized mouthparts, but they are not as efficient at chewing wood as termites.

Damage

The most common signs of an ant infestation include seeing ants in your home. This includes seeing ants around food items and finding dead ants in sinks or bathtubs. Ants also leave behind droppings that can be found on countertops or floors.

You may also see ants marching in lines through your home. This is a telltale sign that there is an infestation.

Termites can cause severe structural damage. They can eat away at the wooden structures of your home, leaving little bits of sawdust behind. When you see this sawdust, it’s time to contact this pest control company.

For both termites and ants, the sooner you have them removed, the less damage they can do to your property.

Here Are the Key Differences Between Termites vs Ants

When it comes to termites vs ants, the two can cause severe damage to your home. Ants and termites are both very common pests, so it’s important to take preventative measures to keep them away from your property.

Don’t forget to browse our site for advice on home, health, travel, and more.