Got Termites or Ants?
It’s Pest Management Awareness Month! Why? Because it’s warming up outside and all the bugs are crawling out of the woodwork!! Rose Pest Solutions has teamed up with our friends at the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) to talk about spring time pests and what kind of bugs we can anticipate throughout the summer. According to this infographic below, termites, mosquitoes and ticks are the worst ones we’ll face this year. And there’s something that they all have in common. They LOVE moisture. Read on for expert advice.
What is it? And what’s the difference?
So you found a bug in the windowsill. Maybe there are several. Is it an ant? But it has wings. Do termites fly? What is this weird dirt in my basement? Did a bug do this? Termites and ants have some similarities when you’re not used to seeing them at all. There’s a HUGE difference between the damage a termite can cause though and the habits of ant colonies. Let’s see if you can distinguish the difference between termites and ants in these next few images:
Carpenter Ant or Termite?
This is a carpenter ant, which is also a wood destroying insect. They don’t eat wood. They chew through it. And they tunnel through it. Picture an ant farm only in wood. Yeah. That’s what they do.
Termite or Maggot?
This is a subterranean termite. Capable of more damage to homes each year than fires, earthquakes and tornadoes COMBINED. Looks like a maggot. Eats wood like no other.
Did a bug do this? Or is this just a dirty basement wall? These are termite mud tubes. If you’re not looking for them, you may not notice them, especially in unfinished portions or crawlspaces in basements. Mud tubes are one of the tell-tale signs of termites.
Are these vines growing through my basement floor? Not a plant, but insects did this. These are also mud tubes. Usually when they present themselves, the damage has already been done. But it’s not too late to RECLAIM YOUR HOUSE! There’s an awesome solution and it’s completely green and absolutely guaranteed too.
What kind of spider makes this kind of web? A termite. This is also a mud tube. Termites have such soft maggoty bodies that they can’t be exposed to sunlight or predators or any number of things that could easily squish them. So they build these mud tubes to keep them protected, discreet, and then they can carry on eating your house with no one knowing!
Ant vs. Termite Visual Differences
Not that we want you to grab a magnifying glass and inspect insects you find, (unless you’re into that of course), but these are the physical differences between an ant and a termite:
- Antennae shapes are bent on ants, curved on termites
- Ants have three body segments. Termites have two.
- Ants have two sets of wings; long ones closer to the head and shorter in the back. Termite wings are equal in shape and size.
- Termites’ waist is the same width as the rest of their bodies while ants have a narrow waist connecting their abdomen to thorax.
Why are these in my house?!
Sometimes a pest problem may be an indicator of structural damage. Areas that retain moisture not only cause damage but will also attract pests. All of these occurrences can act as open invitations to termites, springtails, centipedes, cockroaches, flies, ants and so many more unwanted pests. Good examples of water damaging issues are:
- leaky gutters
- water drainage flowing back towards the foundation
- flooding in basements
- the absence of dehumidifiers
- vegetation growing too close or onto the building
- mulch touching the foundation
How do you get rid of these bugs?
We want our homes to be a place where we can recharge and enjoy ourselves. Don’t let pests steal your comfort! Below is a list of tips you can take to help ensure that your home is not inviting pests to stay.
- Eliminate sources of standing water around the structure and clean clogged gutters to help reduce moisture.
- Seal any cracks on the exterior of the structure with a silicone-based caulk, paying close attention to where utilities and pipes enter.
- Keep mulch at least 15 inches from the foundation and keep tree branches and shrubbery trimmed back and away from the structure.
- Replace weather-stripping and repair loose mortar around the foundation and windows.
- Keep basements, attics and crawl spaces well ventilated and dry to avoid moisture buildup.
- Store garbage in sealed containers and dispose of it regularly.
- Store food in airtight containers and keep surfaces clean of any crumbs or spills.
Protection 24/7 365 Day a Year
With a program like Rose’s Healthy Home Maintenance Program PLUS SENTRICON, you receive protection from ants, termites, and all the other insects listed below. If you have any signs of pests throughout the year we will come and address the problem free of charge. Structure damaging insects can be very costly to your property, if you think you may have termite issues seek professional help right away.
Consider a free quote for mosquito prevention for your yard to keep yourselves and your pets protected against mosquitoes since they’re going to be so bad this year. The Mosquito Prevention Program for the whole season is more affordable than you think! Remember, Rose Pest Solutions is just a call away. 800-GOT-PESTS?