What's the Difference Between Termites and Carpenter Ants?

At Getem Services, we understand how stressful it can be to discover wood damage in your home. The big question we often hear from Hampton Roads homeowners is, “Do I have termites or carpenter ants?” It’s an important distinction that determines how we treat the problem. Both pests can compromise the structure of your home, but they behave differently and require unique treatment approaches. If you see signs of activity, our expert termite control in Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and throughout Hampton Roads is the best first step toward long-term protection.

Why It Matters to Know the Difference

Identifying the right pest isn't just about curiosity—it directly affects the health of your home. Termites and carpenter ants both target wood, but they do it for different reasons, and with different consequences.

Wood Damage Can Look Similar—But the Pests Are Very Different

Termites consume wood as a food source. They eat it from the inside out, leaving behind hollow galleries that can weaken beams and joists. Carpenter ants, on the other hand, don’t eat wood—they tunnel into it to create nesting sites. While both types of damage can go unnoticed for a while, the solutions we use to eliminate them are completely different.

What Do Termites Look Like Compared to Carpenter Ants?

One of the easiest ways to tell these pests apart is by observing their appearance, especially if you’ve spotted winged swarmers.

Key Physical Differences

Termite swarmers and carpenter ant swarmers are often confused, but they have several key differences:

• Termites have straight antennae, broad waists, and four wings of equal length.
• Carpenter ants have elbowed antennae, pinched waists, and wings with the front pair longer than the back.

Even if you don’t spot winged insects, the regular workers have noticeable distinctions. Termite workers are pale and soft-bodied, while carpenter ants are darker and larger.

If you’ve seen either of these in your home or near your foundation, it’s time to schedule a pest inspection. Learn more about our termite control services in Norfolk and elsewhere in Hampton Roads to get started.

Behavior and Nesting Habits

Behavior is another major clue. Termites are quiet and discreet, staying hidden as they consume wood 24/7. Carpenter ants are more likely to be seen, especially foraging for food, and they often nest in damp or decaying wood before expanding into dry areas.

Signs of Termites in Your Home

Catching a termite infestation early is key to avoiding long-term structural damage. Our technicians are trained to recognize the subtle warning signs that homeowners often miss.

Common Termite Indicators

Here’s what we look for when inspecting homes for termite activity:

• Mud tubes along foundation walls or crawl spaces
• Hollow-sounding wood when tapped
• Discarded wings near windowsills or doorways
• Bubbling or peeling paint that mimics water damage

If you’ve noticed any of these issues, don’t wait. Contact Getem Services to schedule your termite inspections.

Signs of Carpenter Ants in Your Home

Carpenter ants tend to be more visible than termites, but that doesn’t mean they’re easy to manage. Because they don’t rely on wood as a food source, they often go undetected until the damage becomes significant.

What to Watch For

Common signs of carpenter ant activity include:

• Piles of sawdust-like material (called frass) near baseboards or windows
• Rustling sounds inside walls, especially at night
• Large, black ants spotted inside your home, particularly in kitchens or bathrooms
• Wood with smooth tunnels, unlike the rough galleries created by termites

If you see these signs, our pest control services can help determine whether ants or another pest is to blame.

Why Hampton Roads Homes Are Vulnerable to Both Pests

Living in southeastern Virginia means dealing with a humid, coastal climate, and unfortunately, that climate is ideal for both termites and carpenter ants.

Warm, Humid Climate Favors Wood-Destroying Insects

The high moisture levels in homes—especially in basements, crawlspaces, and around leaky windows—create perfect breeding grounds for wood-destroying pests. Termites thrive in soil with constant moisture, while carpenter ants are drawn to softened, damp wood to start their colonies.

Homes with untreated crawlspaces, old decks, or wood-to-soil contact are especially at risk. Most communities in our service area include many with these conditions, and we’re familiar with the pest patterns in each.

How Getem Services Handles Termite and Ant Control

Whether you're dealing with termites, carpenter ants, or aren’t sure which one it is yet, we’re here to help. At Getem Services, we customize our treatment plans to the specific pest and the structure of your home.

Customized Termite Control Plans

Our termite solutions begin with a comprehensive inspection to confirm the species and extent of activity. From there, we create a tailored plan that may include baiting systems, barrier treatments, and ongoing monitoring. Our goal is to eliminate the foraging termites AND completely eradicate the termite colony, ensuring no re-infestations.

Effective Solutions for Carpenter Ants

When it comes to carpenter ants, pinpointing the nesting site is critical. Our team inspects attics, wall voids, and exterior structures for signs of activity. Once located, we use targeted treatments to eliminate the colony and seal off access points to prevent re-infestation.

Schedule a Pest Inspection to Protect Your Home

Don’t wait for the damage to become visible. If you’re seeing winged insects, piles of frass, or unexplained wood damage, let us take a look. We’ll identify the pest, evaluate the extent of the issue, and create a clear plan to protect your home.

Unsure Which Pest Is Causing Damage? Let Us Help.

You don’t have to be a pest expert to know something’s wrong. If you're noticing activity but are unsure whether it's termites or ants, the smartest step is to schedule a professional inspection. We’ll provide honest answers and real solutions—backed by decades of experience serving Hampton Roads families.

Reach out today to get started with Getem Services. Whether it's termite control or protection from carpenter ants, our team is ready to help you defend your home from the ground up.