Simple question, right? Here's the scenario we hear about constantly. You see something flying (or walking) around your home that you can't identify and your mind begins to wonder. The title of this blog is a simple question, but unless you have a trained eye, most homeowners start frantically googling: do I have carpenter ants or termites in my Massachusetts home?
Don't panic! Although a termite swarmer and a flying carpenter ant may look similar, they're entirely different pests.Here's a picture which illustrates some of the key differences, which we use at Burgess Pest Management to help educate our clients.
Here are some other differences between termites and carpenter ants in Massachusetts that you might find helpful.
- Carpenter ants do not eat wood. They excavate, which leaves behind shavings.
- Termites are after cellulose, which is why they actually consume decaying plant matter - notably your home!
- Termite swarmers are the reproductive stage of termites. They shed their wings, so you may see a pile in your basement or near sources of light.
- Massachusetts carpenter ants will retrace their steps. If you see one walking across your floor, follow it. There's a good chance that will help you to locate their nest.
