People often confuse ants and termites. Both insects live in social colonies, and may take up residence in or near your home. Knowing how to identify ants and termites will help you decide when to call the exterminator. While they appear similar at first, a closer look reveals some distinct differences.
Differences Between Ants and Termites
Carpenter ants excavate wood to make their nests, but don't actually feed on wood.
A carpenter ant colony can do significant damage to your home if left unchecked.
Termites do feed on wood, and are always a cause for concern when found in wood structures. Make sure you know what termites and termite damage looks like, so you can avoid costly repairs to your home.
| Characteristic | Ant | Termite |
| Antennae | elbowed (a distinct bend in each antenna) | look like a string of beads |
| Waist | present | absent |
| Eyes | compound | none |
| Abdomen | slightly pointed | rounded end |