What is the Difference Between Carpenter Ants and Termites?

The main difference between carpenter ants and termites is that termites consume wood for sustenance, while carpenter ants prefer to nest in it, excavating spaces in moist wood for their nesting galleries. Here are some key differences between the two:

Body Structure: Carpenter ants have a narrow waist with three segments, while termites have a broad waist comprised of two segments.
Antennae: Carpenter ant antennae are bent (like an elbow), while termite antennae are very straight.
Wings: Both insects have four wings, but a termite's wings are all the same size, while the front wings of a carpenter ant are much larger than the back pair. Termite wings are shaped like a paddle, while carpenter ant wings are pointy.
Color: Carpenter ants are usually black or dark brown, while termites can be brown, depending on the species.
Frass: Carpenter ant frass typically contains wood shavings and parts of dead insects, while termite frass is more like sawdust.
Behavior: Carpenter ants are attracted to other sources of food and may be seen wandering on window sills and baseboards, while termites are primarily attracted to wood and moisture.

Carpenter ants are generally less destructive than termites, as their damage is limited to excavating tunnels, whereas termite damage involves continuous eating. Termite workers are transparent, light, or creamy white in color and avoid light, while carpenter ant workers are reddish or dark-colored and frequently seen in the open foraging for food.