Numerous varieties of ants exist, however, carpenter ants and fire ants stand out as two of the most prevalent ones. Each of these ant species can become nuisances, though they exhibit distinct behaviors and requirements. This blog entry aims to delineate the differences and similarities between carpenter ants and fire ants, enabling you to effectively recognize them and learn effective strategies for their eradication.

PS: Do you need to get rid of ants in your home? If so, contact us now! We at Empire Pest Control can help you eliminate these pests and prevent them from returning.

Carpenter Ants Identification

Carpenter Ants Identification

When observed from the side, they have a thorax (region behind the head) that is equally shaped and a waist with one node (petiole). Black or red and black workers are employed. The average length of a worker is 3/8 to 1/2 inches; one species is barely 3/16 inches long. The length of a queen might be as short as an inch.

Identification of Fire Ants

Fire ants, like most all insects, have six legs and a strong exoskeleton that protects them from predators. The pedicle and gaster make up the pedicle and gaster, which are round heads with mandibles, an armored thorax midsection, and an abdomen made up of the pedicle and gaster.

The hue of the head is usually copper brown. Fire ant workers have an abdominal stinger in addition to their mandibles.

The Problems Carpenter Ants Cause

Carpenter ants can weaken supports and deform framing if they are not treated. As a result, doors, windows, sloped floors, sinking ceilings, and bulging walls result. If you find out you have carpenter ants in your home, don’t let this be the case.

When carpenter ants gnaw into a home’s wood, they can cause the following problems:

  • Water-damaged floors that swell out as if they’ve been flooded.
  • A dipping floor.
  • Doors and windows with holes in the framing.
  • Freely swinging or sticking doors
  • Whether or not a window stays up or not.
  • Irritated siding.
  • The warping of your home’s framework and the weakening of support structures.
  • Sinking ceilings

The Damage That Fire Ants Do

Fire ants

Living insects and dead animals are the main sources of food for these aggressive insects. They are, however, drawn to fats and sugary foods after they have infiltrated a home.

In natural places, fire ants could have a significant impact on the vegetation ecosystems. The ratios of the various seeds available to develop could be altered as a result of their propensity of eating or injuring seeds, which could dramatically impact an ecosystem over time.

Insects and animals that pollinate native plants are also preyed upon or disturbed by fire ants, which may result in long-term changes in the vegetation of our wilderness areas.

By tunneling through roots and stems, fire ants can kill some plants and feed on seeds. They help to safeguard some of the ‘honeydew’-producing nuisance insects. This lowers the quality of the produce and aids in the spread of some diseases.

Controlling Carpenter Ants

Ants can quickly infest your home, and if this problem is not immediately addressed, it can be a huge problem for you. In controlling ants, here are some of the best ways to get rid of them:

Replace Rotting, Wet Wood

If you have a woodpile outside, make sure it is at least 20 feet away from your home. Inspect any tree stumps around your property and remove them if they are rotting.

Bait for Ants

There are a variety of bait products on the market that can be used to control carpenter ants. Baits work best when they are placed near the ant’s trail.

Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth is a fine, white powder that is made up of the fossilized remains of diatoms. When dry, it can be used to control insects by damaging their exoskeleton.

Toss Boric Acid Into Their Nests

Boric acid can be used to kill carpenter ants and should be applied directly into their nests. This kills ants because it interferes with their metabolism.

Spray With a Pyrethrin-Based Agent

Pyrethrin is a natural insecticide that is derived from the flowers of chrysanthemums. It will kill ants in contact because it attacks their nervous system.

Call Professionals

If you are not comfortable with any of the methods listed above, or if the infestation is too large, contact a professional pest control company.

They will be able to effectively treat your home for carpenter ants and fire ants as they have the right equipment and experience in dealing with these pests.

Dealing With Fire Ants

There are several ways to deal with an infestation of fire ants:

Remove Their Food Sources

In order to get rid of fire ants, you need to remove their food sources. This means keeping your yard clean and free of debris like leaves, grass clippings, woodpiles, etc.

Use a Chemical Barrier Treatment

You can also use a chemical barrier treatment around your home’s foundation and entrances. These treatments will kill any fire ants that come into contact with them.

Place Baits in Infested Areas

Fire ant bait is available at most hardware stores, and it will kill the ants when they take it back to the nest.

Call a Professional Pest Control Company

If you have a large infestation or if you are uncomfortable with any of the methods listed above, contact a professional pest control company. They will be able to treat your home for fire ants effectively.

Takeaway

As you can see, there are some major differences between carpenter ants and fire ants. If you’re ever faced with an ant infestation, it’s important to know which type of ant you’re dealing with so that you can take the appropriate steps to get rid of them. If you have any more questions to ask, feel free to contact us today!