Understanding the Difference Between Thatcher Ants and Carpenter Ants in Shoreline

Thatcher Ants Vs Carpenter Ants

If you live in Shoreline and have spotted large ants in your yard or home, you might be dealing with either thatching ants or carpenter ants. While they can look similar, these two types of ants behave very differently and pose different threats. Knowing how to tell them apart can save you from costly damage and help you protect your property. This guide breaks down their key differences and explains why professional pest control is often the safest way to handle infestations.

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What Do Thatching Ants Look Like?

Thatching ants, also called mound ants, are typically red and black or all black. They range in size from 4 to 9 millimeters. These ants are known for building visible mounds made from twigs, pine needles, and other debris. You’ll often find their nests in sunny areas of your yard or near decomposing trees and logs. If you see ants crawling over a large pile of forest debris in your yard, there's a good chance you're looking at a thatching ant colony.

Recognizing Carpenter Ants in Your Shoreline Home

Carpenter ants are some of the largest ants in Shoreline, with workers measuring up to half an inch long and queens growing even larger. They’re usually black, though some have reddish or brown tones. One easy way to tell them apart from other ants is by their heart-shaped heads and bent antennae. While thatching ants are outdoor builders, carpenter ants are often found inside wooden structures. They tunnel through wood to build nests, which can lead to serious damage over time.

Where You’re Likely to Find Each Ant

Thatching Ants

Most commonly outdoors in sunny areas

• Build dome-shaped mounds with plant debris
• Live in soil, logs, or under rocks

Carpenter Ants

Often found indoors once they invade

• Nest in wooden beams, walls, furniture, or window frames
• Prefer damp or damaged wood but may spread to dry areas

The Risks They Pose to Your Property

While thatching ants mostly stick to the outdoors, they can become a nuisance if they build mounds in your lawn or bite pets and people. Their bite is painful and can cause blisters due to the formic acid they spray. In contrast, carpenter ants pose a bigger risk to your home. They chew through wood to create nesting galleries, which weakens structures over time and can lead to costly repairs.

How Their Behavior Affects Control Strategies

Thatching ants are more visible, thanks to their mounds. Their colonies can span large areas, but they are easier to locate and target. Carpenter ants are trickier. They hide in walls and rarely show signs of infestation until the damage is significant. You may notice sawdust-like material (called frass) or hear faint rustling sounds in your walls. Because they often have satellite nests, fully removing them requires careful inspection and treatment.

Preventing Ant Infestations in Shoreline

To help keep both carpenter and thatching ants away:

• Seal cracks around doors, windows, and your foundation
• Keep firewood and yard debris away from the house
• Trim trees and shrubs so they don’t touch your home
• Repair any water-damaged wood promptly
• Store food in sealed containers and keep surfaces clean

When to Call a Professional Pest Control Service

If you’re unsure which type of ant has invaded your property or you’ve already spotted signs of damage, it’s best to call in expert help. Our professional pest control technicians in Shoreline can properly identify the species, locate nests, and use the safest and most effective treatment methods. DIY attempts often fall short, especially with carpenter ants that hide deep within your home’s structure.

Let Bamboo Pest Control help you stop ants before they cause more trouble. Contact us today to schedule an inspection and keep your property safe from unwanted guests.