Many pests can become a problem in the Las Vegas Valley, but it’s truly terrifying to deal with a pest that eats your house around you! Unfortunately, Nevada is home to two distinct insect species that do just that: carpenter ants and termites.
These wood-destroying pests cause billions of dollars worth of damage across the country each year. If you’re concerned about an infestation in your home, it’s important to figure out what you’re dealing with. Here’s what you need to know about termite and carpenter ant problems in Las Vegas.
Differences Between Termites & Carpenter Ants
Both termites and carpenter ants will wreak havoc on your home in Las Vegas but their motivations are different. Termites actually eat wood, specifically the cellulose inside of wood. Carpenter ants don’t eat wood; like most ants, they’ll eat just about anything but prefer sugary foods. The reason that carpenter ants dig galleries into wood is because they like to nest inside of it. Unfortunately, the end result is the same: immense damage to the wooden structures of your home.
Beyond this similarly destructive behavior, there are many other differences and distinguishing factors between carpenter ants and termites. Here are a few:
- Appearance: Carpenter ants are large black ants that can grow to 1″ long. Termites are usually smaller, growing to about ½”, and are much lighter in color with a different body shape from ants. Ants have a distinct three-segmented body (head, thorax and abdomen) while a termite’s thorax and abdomen are indiscernible.
- Behavior: Carpenter ants are not shy about appearing above-ground, especially when searching for food. Also, the galleries they build are so smooth that they can be mistaken for manmade; truly, these ants live up to the “carpenter” name! Termites rarely emerge above ground, since they get all the food they need inside of wood. If you do find their tunnels, they’re a lot rougher and likely to be caked with dirt.
- Destructiveness: The reason termites are so feared is that they destroy a house far quicker than carpenter ants do. It only takes two years for a termite colony to deal substantial damage to a house. Carpenter ants take much longer to cause severe damage and, because they’re more visible than termites, infestations are usually discovered more quickly.
- Pest Control: Termites and carpenter ants are both a serious threat to homes that will likely require the help of a professional pest control company in Las Vegas to get rid of. That being said, it may be possible to remove a carpenter ant infestation with baits and deterrents. Termites tend to be much harder to remove, and will almost always require professional-grade treatments to exterminate.
Professional Carpenter Ant & Termite Control
If you’ve discovered a termite or carpenter ant infestation on your property, you should call a licensed pest control company immediately. Contact D-Termination Pest Control today if you’re in need of carpenter ant or termite control services in the Las Vegas Valley!
