When you notice suspicious holes in your wooden structures or see piles of sawdust around the house, you may immediately conclude it’s a termite infestation and you need termite treatment in Baton Rouge. While termites are a common and costly menace, they aren’t the only culprits that can wreak havoc on wooden elements in your home. Carpenter ants, powderpost beetles, and carpenter bees also damage wood—each in their own way. Knowing how to distinguish between these pests can help you seek the right treatment quickly and avoid further damage.

Termite Damage

One of the most telling signs of subterranean termites is the presence of pencil-width mud tubes along foundation walls or crawl spaces. Termites use these tubes as protected highways between their nests and food sources. Hollowed out wood is another strong indicator of termite activity, as these pests chew through wood from the inside out, leaving a thin, often blistered surface.
Drywood termites are less common than subterranean termites, but they are still a problem here in Baton Rouge. Unlike subterranean termites, drywood termites don’t rely on mud tubes. Instead, they often leave behind small, pellet-shaped droppings called “frass.” This frass can pile up near tiny “kick-out” holes in the wood. Finally, “swarmers”, or winged termites, may emerge indoors or around the foundation during spring or summer.

Carpenter Ant Damage

Carpenter ants don’t actually eat wood; they excavate it to create nests. Their tunnels are typically smooth and sanded in appearance, free of soil or mud debris. As they remove wood, carpenter ants push out the shavings, which can look like fine sawdust mixed with insect parts. This waste often accumulates in small piles beneath the nesting area.
Another telltale sign of carpenter ants is activity around moist or decaying wood. Check for damage around leaky pipes, windows, and doors. Also, note that carpenter ants are among the largest ant species making them easier to spot! If you see a group of big black ants trailing in and out of wooden structures, this is likely a sign of nesting.

Powderpost Beetle Damage

Powderpost beetles create small, round exit holes in wood—often about the size of a pinhead. This “shot-holed” look is a key indicator of the presence of powerpost beetles. Also look for fine, flour-like dust. The larvae tunnel through wood and reduce it to a very fine powder. You may see piles of this powder directly below the exit holes. Powderpost beetle infestations can last for years because the larvae remain hidden in wood.

Carpenter Bee Damage

Carpenter bees drill nearly perfect circular holes (about ½ inch in diameter) into wood surfaces such as eaves, rafters, decks, or fence posts. You may see small piles of sawdust beneath the entry holes. Compared to carpenter ants and termites, carpenter bees produce relatively little waste, as they’re simply boring out chambers for nesting. You can frequently find these bees hovering near their entry holes in wooden structures.

How to Confirm the Culprit

• Perform a Close Inspection: Look at the damage pattern: is it smooth and debris-free (carpenter ants), riddled with mud (termites), or pocked with tiny holes (powderpost beetles)? Pay attention to what kind of “frass” (if any) is left behind.
• Watch for Live Insects: Spotting ants, bees, or active beetles can be a giveaway. Winged insects swarming near wood might indicate termites or carpenter ants; large bees hovering by perfectly round holes points to carpenter bees.
• Contact a Professional: If you’re unsure, or if the damage is extensive, a pest control professional can accurately identify the pest through a thorough inspection. This way, you can select the right treatment method.

Termite Treatment in Baton Rouge

Different pests leave different signatures in the wood they invade, making it critical to identify the specific culprit before beginning treatment. While termite damage is often top of mind for many homeowners, carpenter ants, powderpost beetles, and carpenter bees also pose a threat to your property. By recognizing the telltale signs of each pest and taking preventive measures, you can safeguard your home’s structural integrity. If you suspect wood-destroying pests, don’t wait. Consult Arceneaux Pest Management Service at 225-791-9911 to receive a thorough inspection and targeted treatment plan.