If you’re hearing scratching in the walls or spotting winged insects near your windows, your home may be under attack. But what’s the culprit—carpenter ants or termites? While both pests cause damage to wood, they do it in different ways—and knowing the difference is key to protecting your St. Louis home.
Carpenter Ants and Termites: Not the Same, But Equally Dangerous
1. How They Damage Your Home
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Carpenter Ants don’t eat wood—they excavate it. They chew through wood to build smooth, clean galleries for their nests, especially in damp or decaying areas.
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Termites, on the other hand, actually eat the wood. They consume cellulose from the inside out, often causing hidden structural damage before you notice a thing.
2. What You Might See
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Carpenter Ants: Large (¼–½ inch), black or reddish ants. Often spotted crawling around windows, doors, or inside the home—especially at night. You may see piles of sawdust-like debris (called frass) near walls or woodwork.
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Termites: Small, pale insects. You might notice mud tubes on your foundation, damaged wood that sounds hollow when tapped, or swarms of winged termites in the spring.
3. How Fast They Work
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Carpenter Ants are slower to damage your home, but over time they can weaken beams and walls—especially if left untreated.
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Termites are relentless eaters. A mature colony can do serious damage in a matter of months.
Which One Is Worse?
It depends on the infestation and how long it’s been going on. But here’s the bottom line:
If you suspect either pest, it’s time to act.
At STL Pest Control, we’ve been protecting St. Louis homes since 1989. Our trained technicians can identify the exact pest you’re dealing with and offer targeted solutions to stop the damage in its tracks—whether it’s carpenter ants, termites, or both.
Protect Your Home with STL Pest Control
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Thorough inspections
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Proven termite and ant treatments
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Local experts who know how St. Louis homes are built—and how pests get in
Don’t wait until the damage is done.
Call STL Pest Control today at (314) 833-6222 or schedule an inspection online and let’s find out what’s eating your house—before it costs you thousands.