Termites and carpenter ants both swarm each spring in Orlando. Learn how to identify and prevent both wood-destroying pests this season.
Spring has arrived in Central Florida, and two wood-destroying pests are swarming right now: termites and carpenter ants. If you own property in Orlando, you need to know about both—not just termites. Here's the thing. Everyone talks about termites this time of year. Swarmers are emerging after rain showers. Pest control companies are running termite specials. Homeowners are checking for mud tubes along their foundations. That's all good. But carpenter ants? They're swarming too. And most people don't even think about them. Let me explain the difference. Termites actually eat wood. They consume it as food, tunneling through your structural lumber and feeding continuously. A mature colony can eat several pounds of wood per year. Carpenter ants don't eat wood at all. Instead, they tunnel through it to build their nests. They push the debris outside—sawdust-like piles that pest experts call frass. The wood gets destroyed either way, but the behavior is completely different. Why does this matter? Because treatment approaches differ. And because carpenter ant queens can live twenty-five years. That's two and a half decades of tunneling if a colony goes undetected. So how do you tell them apart? Look at the swarmers. Termite swarmers have straight antennae and wings that are all the same length. Their waists are thick—no pinching between body segments. Carpenter ant swarmers have bent antennae and wings of unequal length. Their waists are pinched. Florida carpenter ants also have a distinctive look—rusty orange heads with black abdomens. Now look at the damage signs. Termites leave mud tubes along foundation walls. When you tap infested wood, it sounds hollow. You might find discarded wings near windows after swarms. Carpenter ants leave sawdust piles near baseboards or in attics. You'll see smooth, oblong slits in wood surfaces where they push debris out. At night, you might hear rustling sounds inside your walls. Both pests love moisture. Leaky pipes, poor ventilation, water-damaged wood—these conditions attract termites and carpenter ants alike. So the first step in prevention? Fix your moisture problems. Repair those dripping pipes. Improve ventilation in your attic. Seal gaps around windows. Second step: clear vegetation away from your house. Firewood against the wall, tree branches touching your roof, overgrown shrubs near the foundation—all pathways for pests to enter. Third step: get a professional inspection. Both termites and carpenter ants can hide inside walls for years before you notice obvious damage. A trained inspector knows where to look and can catch problems early. If you spotted termite swarmers in recent weeks, don't assume you're done worrying. Check for carpenter ant signs too. Both pests exploit the same conditions in your home. ABC Home and Commercial Services has protected Central Florida properties since two thousand six. Their technicians identify both termites and carpenter ants during inspections and implement treatment plans for whichever threat exists—or both if needed. Spring is your window. Address these wood-destroyers now before populations peak and damage accumulates. For more information, visit ABC Home and Commercial Services at a b c home and commercial dot com. ABC Home & Commercial Services Orlando City: Orlando Address: 823 East Colonial Drive Website: https://www.abchomeandcommercial.com/orlando Phone: +1 407 265 0665