Is It a Termite or an Ant?

A common misconception is that termites are related to ants. In fact, termites are part of the cockroach family. Taking it one step further, can you tell the difference between an ant and a termite? If you have an infestation of either of these pests, you’re going to want to be able to tell them apart.

Then there are the many varieties of the two distinctly different bugs. Let’s start with ants.

Fire Ants

Have you ever, unknowingly, stepped into a mound of fire ants? These buggers pack a powerful sting. They also have a hard-core sense when their nests are disturbed. Hundreds will gang-up on any invader, stinging the bejesus out of the victim. Back in 2006 Janet Shiansky found out just how dangerous these monsters can be. The 68-year-old woman died after being attacked by ants as she was gardening. In about five percent of cases, fire ants can actually cause death.

Acrobat Ants

They get their names because they can relocate their abdomens to the top of their heads when threatened. You’ll find them in firewood cords, stumps, logs and dead tree limbs.

Pavement Ants

Known to show-up in the kitchen, these trouble-makers love people food.

Sugar Ants

While this variety enjoys sugar, they’ll eat anything.

Odorous House Ants

Smacking one of these critters with give-off a smell that resembles coconuts. Their meal of choice is melon. They usually stumble inside through cracks in the wall.

Carpenter Ant and Termites

This pair of insects chow-down on wood. Both are capable of some serious damage to your home. Carpenter ants are clean-freaks. When they burrow into their food source they create a somewhat well-engineered trail in the wood. Look for the telltale sawdust accumulation to detect this destructive insect.

On the other hand, termites are slobs. They leave mud all-over the place and the wood they feed upon becomes quite thin. Keep an eye out for their characteristic mud pipes.

To rid yourself of either ants or termites is a job best suited for a professional. There really isn’t a DIY solution for the elimination of termites. You can try to spot-eliminate an ant infestation, but nothing’s going to be effective unless you find the colonies and nests where the critters live.

Vulcan Termite & Pest Control‘s Division has over 120-years of combined experience in controlling termites. We work diligently to provide you with the most effective protection needed to shield your most valuable asset, your home.

Call us prior to construction or during early construction so we may perform preventive services to your home. We also offer repair and/or retreatment contracts for qualifying homes. And our staff works diligently to provide inspections and necessary reports in a timely manner so the stress of buying and/or selling your home is minimized.