Termites vs carpenter ants: how to tell them apart

Eastern subterranean termites can seriously damage wood, paper, books and fabrics in homes.

Source: Wikipedia, Penn State Extension

They can bite and they damage wood in homes, but they do not sting.

Source: Wikipedia, UC IPM

Alates have dark brown to black bodies, yellowish tarsi, and their ocelli sit far enough from the eyes to be a reliable ID feature. Termite antennae are straight, unlike the L-shaped antennae of ants.

Source: Wikipedia, Penn State Extension

All castes are black or blackish, with the abdomen showing whitish or yellowish hairs.

Source: Wikipedia

Winged alates measure 8.5-10 mm from wing tip to tip.

Source: Wikipedia

Queens grow to about 19 to 21 mm and the biggest workers reach 14 to 17 mm. Workers have elbowed antennae with 12 segments; winged reproductives have yellowish wings.

Source: Wikipedia

No sourced line yet.

They cannot sting, but larger workers can deliver a sharp bite that is worsened by formic acid spray, causing a burning sensation.

Source: Wikipedia, UC IPM

Thousands of homes in California and many in Pennsylvania need treatment each year. In buildings they eat structural wood, fixtures, paper, books and cotton.

Source: UC IPM, Penn State Extension

They become pests when they invade house wood, damaging structural integrity, and can build nests of several thousand ants. They do not eat wood but excavate it to create galleries for their activities.

Source: Wikipedia, UC IPM

They live at, near, or below ground level.

Source: Wikipedia

When they enter a house they damage the structural wood by removing it to make galleries.

Source: Wikipedia