It’s no secret that ants are some of the most annoying creatures, especially when they’re invading your home. But not all ants are created equal. In this blog, we’re going to explore the differences between carpenter ants and regular ants, so you can better understand which one is worse and how to get rid of them should you encounter them.
Introduction to Ants
Ants are extremely social and organized insects. They live in colonies and are divided into three sections: the queen, the workers, and the males. The queen lays the eggs, the workers gather food and take care of the larvae, and the males mate with the queen and protect the colony.
Ants are found all over the world and are an important part of the ecosystem. They help decompose dead organisms and spread seeds. However, when they invade your home, they can be very annoying.
What are Carpenter Ants?
Carpenter ants are one of the most common types of ants. They are large and black, and they can be found in many parts of the world. They are especially prevalent in North America.
Carpenter ants get their name because they build their nests in wood and cause damage to wooden structures. They love damp, moist wood, so they can often be found in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.
Carpenter ants are also known for their large colonies and for their aggressive nature. They can build very large nests, with up to 15,000 workers in a single colony.
What are Common Species of Regular Ants?
Regular ants, on the other hand, come in a variety of species. Some of the most common species of ants include odorous house ants, pavement ants, pharaoh ants, thief ants, and fire ants.
Odorous house ants are small, black ants with a musty smell. They are one of the most common ants in the United States and they prefer to live in moist areas.
Pavement ants are also small and black. They can be found all over the world and they prefer to live in cracks in the pavement.
Pharaoh ants are small, yellow ants. They are native to Africa but have spread all over the world. They prefer warm, humid areas and can be found in homes, hospitals, and other buildings.
Thief ants are small and yellowish-brown. They are known for their thieving habits, as they will steal food from other ant colonies. They are found all over the world.
Fire ants are small and red. They are native to South America but have spread all over the world. They are known for their aggressive behavior and painful sting.
The Differences: Carpenter Ants vs Regular Ants
Now that you know the basics of carpenter ants and regular ants, let’s take a look at the differences between them.
The first difference is size. Carpenter ants are much larger than regular ants, with workers measuring up to an inch long. Regular ants, on the other hand, are much smaller, with workers measuring only a few millimeters long.
The second difference is nesting habits. Carpenter ants prefer to nest in wood, while regular ants prefer to nest in the ground.
The third difference is their diet. Carpenter ants prefer to eat wood, while regular ants prefer to eat sweet and sugary foods.
Finally, carpenter ants are much more aggressive than regular ants. They will attack other ant colonies and even humans if they feel threatened.
The Dangers of Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants can be very dangerous if not dealt with properly. They can cause a lot of damage to wooden structures, as they will chew through wood to create their nests. This can lead to costly repairs and even structural damage.
In addition, carpenter ants can spread disease. They will often carry bacteria and parasites on their bodies, which can spread to humans if not dealt with quickly.
Finally, carpenter ants are known for their aggressive behavior. They will attack other ant colonies and even humans if they feel threatened. This can be dangerous, as their bites can be painful and cause irritation.
The Dangers of Regular Ants
Regular ants may not be as dangerous as carpenter ants, but they can still be annoying and even dangerous.
Regular ants can be a nuisance, as they will often invade your home and search for food. They can contaminate food and spread disease, as many of them carry bacteria and parasites on their bodies.
In addition, some species of regular ants, such as fire ants, can be dangerous. Their stings can be painful and can even cause an allergic reaction in some people.
How to Identify Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants can be identified by their large size and black color. They also have a single segmented body and a slender waist.
In addition, carpenter ants will often be found in wooden structures, as they prefer to build their nests in moist, damp wood.
How to Identify Regular Ants
Regular ants can be identified by their small size and various colors. Some species, such as odorous house ants, are black, while others, such as pavement ants, are brown.
Regular ants will also be found in the ground, as they prefer to build their nests in soil.
How to Get Rid of Carpenter Ants
If you have a carpenter ant infestation, the first step is to locate and eliminate the nest. This can be done by using baits or traps.
Once the nest is destroyed, you can use insecticide to get rid of any remaining ants. Make sure to follow the instructions on the label and wear protective gear when applying the insecticide.
You can also use natural methods to get rid of carpenter ants. These methods include using essential oils, boric acid, and diatomaceous earth.
How to Get Rid of Regular Ants
Regular ants can be difficult to get rid of, as they can have very large colonies. The first step is to locate and eliminate the nest. This can be done by using baits or traps.
Once the nest is destroyed, you can use insecticide to get rid of any remaining ants. Make sure to follow the instructions on the label and wear protective gear when applying the insecticide.
You can also use natural methods to get rid of regular ants. These methods include using essential oils, boric acid, and diatomaceous earth.
Conclusion
When it comes to ants, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Understanding the differences between carpenter ants and regular ants is the first step towards getting rid of them.
Carpenter ants can cause a lot of damage to wooden structures and spread disease, while regular ants can be a nuisance and contaminate food.
If you find yourself dealing with either of these pests, it’s important to identify them correctly and take the necessary steps to get rid of them.
If you’re dealing with carpenter ants or regular ants, call Recon Pest Services today and we’ll take care of the problem quickly and safely!
