Termites vs Ants

Termites vs ants is an important question when it comes to figuring out how to treat your pest problem. After all, both types of insect swarm and they can look very similar from a distance. To figure out whether you have ants or termites, you'll need to get close to your pests. Then, use some of the tips here to figure out what sort of critter is causing your problem. Finally, hire an exterminator to eliminate your pests, no matter what they are.

Termites vs Ants: Which is it?

When you're wondering whether you have termites vs ants, it's best to first know how the two species are similar. They are both insects, so they have 6 legs and a three-part body, with a head, thorax, and an abdomen. They both come in all shapes and sizes, from tiny to huge, and they both have a queen who lays their eggs. Finally, they both have a caste system, with a working caste of animals who do most of the running around and nearly all of the work.

The easiest way to tell whether you're working with termites vs ants is to look at the animal's waist during pest identification. To do this, you have to get it to hold still long enough so you can get a clear glimpse of that connection. Ants will have a very narrow waist, more like an hourglass than anything else. Termites, on the other hand, tend to look like they go in a straight line from head to tail.

You can also determine whether you're looking at termites vs ants by looking at the wings. Both types of insect have two pairs of wings. On ants, though, the pair closest to the animal's head is larger than the pair closest to the tail. On termites, both sets of wings are the same size, so it should look like the termites have 4 identical wings.

Another place to look, if you have a very still specimen, a dead specimen, or access to a microscope, is at the antennae. Both types of animal have antennae. However, on ants these are bent, or elbowed, in the middle, so each antenna will go out of the animal's head at nearly a 90 degree angle, then will bend so the tip of the antenna faces forward. On termites, the antennae are simply straight, facing forward right from the start.

If you're still not sure which type of pest you have, look at what they're eating. Ants are scavengers, and so will consume nearly anything they can find that will sustain them. Termites, on the other hand, only eat wood. Similarly, ants can be very visible, while the termite is a solitary creature who usually tries to hide away from human traffic.

Termites vs Ants: Finding an Exterminator

Once you know whether you're dealing with termites vs ants, or maybe even before you know, you'll probably want to hire an extermination service to take care of your problem. After all, no one likes to deal with insects, especially those that come in swarms. Even though the ant can be relatively harmless, it's probably a better idea to get rid of them, just in case. After all, they're unsightly even if they're a type of animal that is not dangerous.

Since extermination can be expensive, it's best to get some quotes or estimates before you pay anyone. Then, you can see exactly what it will cost you to eliminate the critters with each of several different companies. You can also get quotes on other things, like non toxic treatment. Finally, you can see what different methods of treatment will cost you, so you can make a choice that's good for both your home and your pocketbook.

It's easy to compare quotes. The quote should note whether you're dealing with termites vs ants, and how the particular exterminator thinks you should deal with the problem. It should also note how much the treatment will cost, as well as how long it will take and what the expected result is. Any specific instructions for you should be included, so you'll know what you have to do to help facilitate each treatment. Go over this data carefully and, considering all of it, make your final decision.

When you're wondering whether your pest problem is caused by termites vs ants, follow the tips above to determine which insect has taken up residence in your home. Then, find a professional to help you get rid of them. This whole process can feel like a pain, but taking care of it now is better than sitting back and letting the problem get worse and worse. Since neither insect is a welcome companion in your home, do whatever you need to do to get rid of them.