Quick identification
| Feature | Carpenter ant | Termite |
|---|---|---|
| Waist | Narrow, pinched | Thick, straight |
| Antennae | Bent (elbowed) | Straight |
| Wings (swarmers) | Front wings longer than back | Four wings, equal length |
| Colour | Usually black, sometimes red and black | Pale workers; dark swarmers |
| Evidence | Fine sawdust (frass) piles | Mud tubes, wood that sounds hollow |
The sawdust test
Carpenter ants do not eat wood; they excavate it to build nests and push the shavings out, leaving small piles of fine sawdust near trim, window frames or decks. Termites eat wood and leave no sawdust; instead, subterranean termites build mud tubes along foundations to travel between soil and wood.
Are termites a problem in the GTA?
Carpenter ants are by far the more common call across the GTA. Eastern subterranean termites are found in pockets of southern Ontario, including parts of Toronto, so a proper identification matters before treatment.
What each means for your home
- Carpenter ants usually point to a moisture problem: a leaking window, a damp deck or a roof leak. Treating the nest and fixing the moisture is what stops them.
- Termites can cause structural damage over time and need specialised treatment. Some municipalities have specific programs and rules for termite areas.
What to do next
Collect a sample if you can (a sealed bag in the freezer works) and book an inspection. A technician can confirm the species, find the nest and recommend treatment.