Carpenter Ants vs Termites: How to Tell the Differencein Overland Park, KS

Discovering insects inside your home that look like ants or termites can be alarming—especially for homeowners in Overland Park, Kansas, where wood-destroying pests are common. Carpenter ants and termites are frequently mistaken for one another, but they behave very differently and require completely different treatment approaches.

Misidentifying the problem can lead to ineffective treatments, delayed control, and costly repairs—particularly in Johnson County, where seasonal moisture and humidity increase pest activity.

Understanding how to tell the difference between carpenter ants and termites is the first step in protecting your Overland Park home.

Physical Differences Between Carpenter Ants and Termites

Body Shape

Carpenter ants have a narrow, pinched waist that gives them a clearly segmented appearance. Termites, by contrast, have a straight, uniform body with no visible waist.

Antennae

Ant antennae are bent or elbowed, while termite antennae are straight. This small detail is one of the easiest ways to tell the difference when insects are seen up close.

How Carpenter Ants and Termites Damage Overland Park Homes

The type of damage caused by each pest is one of the most important distinctions for local homeowners.

Carpenter Ant Damage

Carpenter ants do not eat wood. Instead, they excavate tunnels and galleries inside damp or decaying wood to build their nests. In Overland Park homes, carpenter ant activity often points to underlying moisture issues such as:

• Roof or window leaks

• Plumbing leaks

• Poor crawl space or attic ventilation

While carpenter ants don’t consume wood like termites, their nesting activity can still weaken structural components over time.

If carpenter ants are suspected,  professional ant control services can help locate nesting sites and correct the conditions attracting them.

Termite Damage

Termites feed on cellulose found in wood and can cause serious structural damage if left untreated. Unlike carpenter ants, termites actively consume wood from the inside out, often remaining hidden until damage becomes extensive.

Common warning signs in Overland Park homes include:

• Mud tubes along foundations or crawl spaces

• Hollow-sounding wood

• Buckling floors or damaged baseboards

Homes showing these signs should be evaluated promptly through professional termite control services to prevent further damage.

Why Overland Park Homes Are at Higher Risk

Homes in Overland Park and throughout Johnson County face elevated risk due to:

• Humid summers

• Seasonal rainfall

• Fluctuating temperatures

According to Kansas State University Extension, eastern subterranean termites are the most common termite species in Kansas, making regular inspections especially important for local homeowners.

Properties with crawl spaces, wood-to-soil contact, older construction, or drainage issues are particularly vulnerable during spring and summer, when pest activity peaks.

What to Do If You’re Unsure

Store-bought sprays and DIY treatments rarely solve wood-destroying pest problems long-term. Proper identification is critical—treating carpenter ants like termites (or vice versa) can delay effective control and allow damage to worsen.

A professional inspection can confirm which pest is present and determine the most effective treatment plan. In many cases, ongoing general pest control services also help prevent future infestations by addressing entry points and moisture issues common in Overland Park homes.

When to Act Immediately

Contact a pest control professional right away if you notice:

• Winged insects indoors

• Hollow-sounding wood

• Visible mud tubes near your foundation

• Persistent ant activity around windows, doors, or baseboards

Early action can significantly reduce repair costs and long-term damage.

In Overland Park, carpenter ants often signal moisture problems, while termites indicate potential structural risk. Knowing the difference allows homeowners to take the right action quickly—protecting both their home and their investment.

If you suspect carpenter ants or termites in your Overland Park home, Bug Shockers Pest Control is here to help with professional inspections and targeted treatment solutions.