Carpenter Ants vs Sugar Ants: What Is Invading Your Home?

We’ve spent lots of money on our home, and we take pride in keeping it in perfect condition. Regarding carpenter ants vs sugar ants, problematic either way. Especially when our home becomes the preferred breeding ground for unwanted pests.

These pests not only make our home look less attractive, but they can also cause us a lot of health problems. Carpenter ants, for example, not only mess up our furniture but can also cause injury when we encounter them.

But do you know the differences between carpenter ants vs sugar ants? Losing your home to ants may not be an option, so knowing the difference is critical.

To learn more about identifying the different types of ants and how to safely remove them, keep reading.

What Are Carpenter Ants?

Carpenter ants are a type of ant that often build their nests in wood or other cellulose material. They are most commonly found in North America but have also been sighted in other parts of the world.

These ants are black or reddish in color and t1o 3/8ths of an inch long. Carpenter ants do not actually eat wood but excavate tunnels and chambers within wood for use as nesting sites, pushing wood shavings and sawdust outside creating telltale piles near the entrance.

They also will use wet or dead wood for their structures. The presence of carpenter ants can be identified by seeing the piles of frass outside of the entrance. Carpenter ants can damage structures by weakening them through their tunneling, which is why calling professionals from powerpestcontrol, or other reputable companies in your area, is crucial. Carpenter ants are omnivorous, eating a variety of foods, including living and dead insects, honeydew, plant and fruit juices, and sweets.

What Are Sugar Ants?

Sugar ants are small, black or brown ants that are attracted to sweets. They can be found in homes, businesses, and other structures across the United States and Canada.

Most of the time, sugar ants just scavenge for food, but they can also spread bacteria and other pathogens indirectly through contaminated food and surfaces. Sugar ants are more attracted to sugary products than most other ants, so controlling these pests can be difficult.

Prevention is the best way to control them, including eliminating food sources and sealing any crevices or entry points inside the building. Additionally, insect spray or bait can be used to preventing ants in the kitchen or destroy any nests or colonies of sugar ants that have already established themselves in the area.

What Are Their Differences?

Carpenter ants and sugar ants are two different types of ants that both exist in residential environments, though they do have some unique differences between them.

Carpenter ants, typically black or red in color, usually nest in moist wood and can be found in dead or decaying tree stumps, branches, or logs. They are able to cause damage to buildings where they nest, often chewing away wood to widen existing tunnels.

Sugar ants on the other hand, are small and yellow and tend to feed on sweet foods, often foraging indoors in kitchens and pantries. They nest in soil or dirt and aren’t generally considered a structural pest.

A Comparison Between Carpenter Ants vs Sugar Ants

Carpenter ants vs sugar ants can both become a problem in your home. Knowing the differences between them can help you better respond to the infestation – either on your own or with the help of a pest control specialist.

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