Comparing Carpenter Ants and Termites

When you schedule pest control in Long Island, one of the first steps that you will need to take is to identify the type of pest that has invaded your property. Some of the most common household pests are carpenter ants and termites. While these two insects share some minor similarities, each type of pest causes its own, unique form of damage. One of the main differences between a carpenter and a termite is the amount of damage caused by each type of insect. Since carpenter ants rip wood apart without ingesting it, they typically cause less damage than termites. However, when a carpenter ant infestation takes hold on your property, you could face very significant structural damage. When comparing carpenter ants and termites, it is also helpful to know that carpenter ants retain their wings, whereas termites lose their wings quite easily. If you find a pile of discarded wings in an area of your home, this is a sign of a termite infestation.