What Long Island Homeowners Should Know About Ants & Termites

As Long Island homeowners, we often deal with pesky critters. Termites and ants, in particular, can really catch our eye. While they might look similar at first glance, it's important to know the differences because of the impact they can have on our homes. In this article, we'll dive into the differences between ants and termites and give you some helpful tips on what to do if you come across these little critters.

Did You Know? Termites and ants engage in competition for territory and resources. Carpenter ants, in particular, are known to prey on and consume termites. When present in large numbers, carpenter ants have the capability to eliminate entire termite colonies. Typically, homeowners will encounter either termites or ants, but it is uncommon to have both simultaneously.

What's the Difference?

Eastern Subterranean Termites that are most often seen by homeowners are termite swarmers, which are often call "flying termites." These termites have black to dark brown bodies about 3/8 inch in length. They are equipped with four pairs of wings, identical in size and shape. The antennae are straight and resembles a string of little beads.

Ant colonies release winged ants. These winged ants are often called alates, swarmers, or winged reproductives. Their bodies can be black, brown, or reddish. They swarm at the same time as termites, usually from March to July. So, flying ants are often mistaken for termite swarmers or flying termites.

Both species have wings that extend beyond their bodies. With both being similar in size and color and the fact that they swarm at the same time of year, it's easy to see why some mistake one for the other. Telling the difference between the two is very important to effective pest control treatment.

Is Termite or Ant Control A DIY?

While over-the-counter products often promise to eliminate termites and ants, their effectiveness can be hit or miss. Some products can provide some protection, but they rarely wipe out an entire infestation. Instead, they often address only part of the problem, allowing pests to return in full force. To truly safeguard your home, consider the practical DIY tips below to effectively protect your property from these persistent invaders.

Are Ants and Termites Dangerous?

Ants and termites might appear to be minor annoyances, but they can actually pose serious threats to your home. Termites, often called "silent destroyers," are notorious for their ability to inflict severe structural damage by devouring wood, which can undermine the stability of your house. Their insatiable hunger can result in expensive repairs if not addressed promptly, with termite damage costing homeowners around $6.8 billion annually. Unfortunately, these damages are typically not covered by insurance.

Carpenter ants, although not as aggressive as termites, can still cause significant harm by excavating wood to create their nests, gradually weakening wooden structures. Additionally, both pests can invite other unwelcome insects, escalating the infestation issue. Recognizing the potential dangers these insects present is essential for ensuring a secure and stable home environment.

How Do I Prevent Ant or Termite Infestation?

We recommend these following tips to prevent ant and termites from entering and damaging your property.

• Use a caulking gun to fill in holes, gaps, and cracks around your home’s exterior.
• Make sure there is a non-wood barrier between exterior soil and your home’s structural wood.
• Address moisture issues in and around your home by fixing piping, repairing broken gutters, and using a dehumidifier.
• Repair or replace structural wood that is negatively affected by rot, decay, or water-damage.
• Store firewood and untreated lumber a good distance from your home’s exterior.
• Avoid using wood-based mulch on your property.
• Clean up sticks, leaves, and other wood-based debris from your yard.
• Remove dead stumps and fallen trees from your property.