Here in Washington, carpenter ants and termites are two insects that can cause significant damage to your home if they infest it. So, you'll want to know how to tell the difference between them so you can take appropriate steps to eliminate them. From their looks to the way they damage wood, there are some telltale signs that can help you determine which insect has infested your home. The best thing to do if you suspect that either of these insects has infested your home is to call professionals. They will be able to determine which insect you're dealing with and can administer the necessary treatments to get rid of it!

What are carpenter ants and what are signs they are infesting your home?

Carpenter ants on a rock in Bremerton, WA.

Carpenter ants are large ants that are typically black or red in color. They are known for their ability to tunnel through wood, which can cause significant damage to your home. Unlike termites, carpenter ants do not eat wood, but rather create tunnels in it to build their nests. Carpenter ants are often found in moist or decaying wood and can be a sign of a larger moisture problem in your home. If you suspect that you have a carpenter ant infestation, there are a few signs to look out for, including:

  • Small piles of sawdust or wood shavings near wooden structures in your home, which is a sign that carpenter ants are tunneling through the wood.
  • The presence of rustling or tapping noises coming from inside your walls due to the ants moving around inside the wood.

If you suspect that you have a carpenter ant infestation, it is important to act quickly to prevent further damage to your home. One of the most effective and immediate ways to get rid of carpenter ants is to eliminate their food source. You should also seal any cracks or gaps in your home's foundation or walls to prevent more ants from entering. However, a surefire way to eliminate them is to call a professional pest control company to treat the problem.

While carpenter ants rarely bite humans, their mandibles are strong enough to tear through human skin!

What are termites and what are signs they are infesting your home?

Termites on damaged wood in Bremerton, WA.

Termites are small, pale insects that are known for their ability to eat and destroy wood. They live in large colonies and can cause significant damage to your home if left untreated. Termites are often found in warm, humid environments, and are most active during the spring and summer months. If you suspect that you have a termite infestation, these are common signs that you can watch out for on your property:

  • The presence of mud tubes on the exterior of your home. These tubes are used by termites to travel between their nest and their food source.
  • Small piles of wings near windows or doors, which is a sign that termites have swarmed and are looking to start a new colony.
  • The presence of hollow or damaged wood in your home, which is caused by the termites eating away at the wood from the inside out.

If you suspect that you have a termite infestation, it is important to act quickly to prevent further damage to your home. One of the most effective ways to get rid of them is to eliminate their food source, which includes any wood debris or mulch from around your home's foundation, and keep firewood or other wooden materials stored away. While doing these can deter termites, professional pest control treatments are the best way to address the infestation effectively.

Call professionals if you suspect carpenter ants or termites have infested your home.

If you are unsure whether you have a carpenter ant or termite infestation, it is important to call a professional pest control company. They can identify the type of pest that is infesting your home and provide a treatment plan to eliminate the problem. Professional pest control companies have the knowledge and experience to effectively treat carpenter ant and termite infestations and can help prevent further damage to your home.

Call us today to sign up for our termite control or carpenter ant control service!

If your property is showing signs of a pest infestation but you're not sure whether it is caused by carpenter ants or termites, we will help you. Our pest control experts at Sunrise Pest & Turf Management will identify which pest has infested your property and provide the necessary treatment to eliminate them. We offer both carpenter ant control and termite control services, so you can rest assured we're equipped for both wood-destroying critters! These services are offered to homeowners and business owners, as well as HOAs, in Bremerton, Bellevue, Bainbridge Island, Seattle, WA, and surrounding areas. Call us today at (888) 376-9109 to sign up for these services.