Some termites are tiny, while others are larger; the same goes with ants. Both termites and ants have queens that lay eggs and kings that fertilize them. In addition, both have a worker caste that does most of the work and a soldier caste that defends the nest. Even though these bugs have a lot in common, if you know what to look for, you can tell the difference between them pretty easily. Termites have two pairs of wings that are of equal length. While ants also have two pairs, the wings in the front are larger than wings in back.
Termites have straight antennae; ants' are elbowed. The waist area of a termite is thick, while an ant's is thin. In addition to examining their bodies, you can also take a look at behaviors and the structures that they build to decide if you're dealing with ants or termites. Ants usually are easier to find than termites because they don't try to hide as much.
That's because they live in holes or nests built from the earth that they dig out of the ground. These dwellings usually are visible and easily detectable. Termites don't build these structures, so if you notice piles of dirt, you probaly have ants. Ants will keep their shelter meticulously clean and dump debris in a pile away from the nest site. You can also see ants as they move in and out of cracks in concrete. And as is obvious to anyone who's left some crumbs on their kitchen floor, they'll eat just about anything — but not wood.
Carpenter ants merely dig into the wood to excavate their nests; they do not eat the wood but simply push it out through openings of the galleries of their colonies. So, if you see small piles of wood shavings or frass insect waste below the holes, it helps to identify an infestation of carpenter ants.
Carpenter ants seek out moist and damaged wood in which to excavate their nests; termites will chew right into the healthy wood. Another obvious difference is the way the wood tunnels look. The tunnels and galleries of the carpenter ants will be very smooth and finished; termite galleries, by comparison, are rough and ragged because they are filled with layers of soil and mud.
Lastly, do you notice any mud tubes? A mud tube indicates the definite presence or previous presence of termites. These are tubes built on the outside of walls or between the soil and wood and serve as the passageways through which the termites travel. Because carpenter ants and termites are so different, effective control measures are also different for each. Carpenter ants can often be controlled through the elimination of the conditions which attracted them, but a termite infestation will generally require professional control.
If you do have winged ant-like insects in your home or building, it is best to try to collect a sample for identification. The sample can be used to compare with online photos and graphics, or you can show it to an entomologist or a pest control professional for identification and recommended treatment. For both insects, control will include a multi-pronged approach using different chemicals to kill existing insects and to repel further infestation.
Also of critical importance will be removing and replacing structural wood that has been damaged by the insects. A home's structure can be badly compromised by these insects over time. Biology and Management of Carpenter Ants.
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Learn more about the types of cookies we use by reviewing our updated Privacy Policy. Need help? Home Business. Mice Mosquitoes Moths Rats Scorpions. Silverfish Spiders Termites Ticks Wildlife. Whats Buzzing. These activities will teach kids everything they need to know about termites.
Termites — pictures or up-close live insects — can be both unpleasant-looking and a threat to your home. However, they are also fascinating to study. Since the kids are out of school, why not teach them about these insects so they can keep an eye out for swarming termites? The following activities will teach kids everything they need to know about termites vs. Start Off Easy When it comes to kid-friendly termite basics, Easyscienceforkids.
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