False Termite Alarms: What's NOT Termites

Carpenter Ants (Most Common Confusion)

Why confused with termites: Both cause wood damage and tunnel through wood

Key differences:

• Carpenter ants: Hollow galleries (clean tunnels), sawdust-like frass outside tunnels
• Termites: Mud-filled galleries, frass inside tunnels
• Carpenter ants: Larger (1/4-1/2 inch), visible foraging
• Termites: Smaller (1/8-1/4 inch), hidden in mud tubes
• Carpenter ants: No mud tubes
• Termites: Distinctive mud tubes on foundation

Treatment: Different methods; carpenter ants require different approach than termites

Wood-Boring Beetles

Types: Powderpost beetles, old house borers, deathwatch beetles

Distinguishing features:

• Exit holes: Small, round (1-3mm), clean edges
• Frass: Fine powder, often in piles below holes
• Activity: Seasonal, often spring/summer
• Damage: Surface galleries, not deep tunneling
• No mud tubes: Unlike termites

Significance: Usually less destructive than termites but still warrant treatment

Water Damage (Often Mistaken for Termite Damage)

Causes: Leaks, poor drainage, high humidity, condensation

Characteristics:

• Soft, spongy wood (not hollow tunnels)
• Discoloration and staining
• Fungal growth or mold
• No visible insects or frass
• No mud tubes

Action: Address moisture source; may need structural repair

Sawdust from Other Sources

Common sources:

• Carpenter ants (coarse, outside tunnels)
• Wood-boring beetles (fine powder)
• Carpenter bees (coarse, near entry holes)
• Recent construction or renovation
• Natural wood breakdown

Termite frass: Hexagonal pellets, inside galleries, rarely visible outside

Carpenter Bees

Confusion point: Tunnel into wood, leave sawdust

Differences:

• Large, solitary bees (1/2-1 inch)
• Perfectly round entry holes (1/2 inch diameter)
• Coarse sawdust piles below holes
• Visible bees flying around
• Damage limited to entry tunnels

Significance: Structural damage minimal; mainly aesthetic concern

Bark Lice & Other Small Insects

Often mistaken for: Termite swarmers or frass

Differences:

• Bark lice: Tiny, on exterior surfaces only
• No wood damage
• No mud tubes
• Harmless to structures

Settling & Structural Movement

Causes: Foundation settling, seasonal expansion/contraction, poor construction

Signs:

• Cracks in walls or foundation
• Doors/windows sticking
• Gaps appearing
• No visible insects or damage

Action: Structural engineer evaluation if severe

Mold & Fungal Growth

Often confused with: Termite damage or frass

Characteristics:

• Discoloration (black, green, white)
• Musty odor
• Associated with moisture
• No insects or tunneling

Action: Address moisture source; remediation if extensive

Carpenter Ant Infestation

While not termites, carpenter ants cause significant damage and require professional treatment

Moisture Problems

Water damage creates conditions favorable for termites and other pests. Address moisture issues even if current damage isn't from termites

Wood-Boring Beetles

Some species cause cumulative damage over years. Professional assessment recommended

Professional Inspection

• Licensed professionals can accurately identify pests
• Distinguish between termites and look-alikes
• Identify actual cause of damage
• Recommend appropriate action

Document Observations

• Take clear photos of suspected damage
• Note location and extent
• Look for mud tubes (termite-specific)
• Observe for live insects

Use LTRS Method

Document Location, Timing, Recurrence, and Spread to help professionals make accurate diagnosis