Fall in Dunwoody means crisp mornings, cozy evenings, and leaves turning that beautiful Georgia gold. But while you're enjoying sweater weather and pumpkin-spiced everything, a few unwanted guests might be settling into your home too.
Both carpenter ants and termites love Georgia's mild, humid climate—and as temperatures drop, your home's wooden structures start to look like prime real estate. They're two of the most destructive wood-destroying insects Dunwoody, GA, homeowners can face. The problem? They're often mistaken for each other.
So how do you know whether your home is being carved out or eaten alive—and who should you call first? Let's break down the differences between these two pests, how to identify them, and why fall is the perfect time to schedule a home pest inspection in Dunwoody, Georgia with BREDA Pest Management.
Carpenter Ants vs. Termites: Spot the Difference
It's easy to panic when you see winged insects crawling near your windowsill or hear faint rustling inside your walls. But identifying which pest you're dealing with can mean the difference between a quick fix and thousands in structural repairs.
Here's how the two compare:
Carpenter Ants
They don't eat wood. Carpenter ants excavate wood to create smooth tunnels for nesting.
They prefer moist, decaying wood. You'll often find them near leaks, window frames, or roof eaves.
They're hunters, not eaters. They feed on sweets and other insects—not your home's framing.
If you see piles of fine sawdust (called frass), that's a telltale carpenter ant clue. The frass is debris they push out while building their tunnels.
Termites
They do eat wood. Termites consume cellulose, literally eating the structure of your home from the inside out.
They like dark, humid environments. They thrive inside walls, floors, and foundations.
Their colonies are massive. A single termite colony can reach hundreds of thousands of members.
If you notice mud tubes along your foundation or hollow-sounding wood, it's time for a termite inspection in Dunwoody, Georgia—immediately.
For additional guidance, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers helpful resources on identifying and preventing termite activity before it spreads.
"Do I Have Termites or Ants?" — A Dunwoody Homeowner's Question
If you've ever wondered, "do I have termites or ants?", you're not alone. Dunwoody's mature trees and shaded lots create ideal conditions for both pests.
The easiest way to tell them apart? Look closely at their bodies and wings.
Termites have straight antennae, equal-length wings, and a thick, uniform waist.
Carpenter ants have bent antennae, longer front wings, and a narrow, pinched waist.
That might sound simple, but in practice? It's tricky. Especially when you're spotting them inside wall voids or around light fixtures.
That's where BREDA's professional pest control in Dunwoody, GA, makes all the difference. Our team uses infrared imaging and decades of field expertise to pinpoint hidden infestations—something DIY methods and store-bought sprays can't do.
You don't need to be an entomologist to protect your home. You just need the right partner.
Why Fall is the Best Time for Inspections
Most homeowners think about termites in the spring. But fall is actually one of the smartest times to schedule a termite inspection in Dunwoody, Georgia or carpenter ant control in Dunwoody, GA.
Here's why:
Pests are looking for shelter. As temperatures drop, both ants and termites move inward to survive.
Moisture increases pest activity. Fall rains saturate soil and wood, creating ideal nesting and feeding conditions.
You can get ahead of spring swarmers. Termites swarm in spring, but their colonies grow silently all winter.
A proactive fall pest control plan in Dunwoody, Georgia, helps you identify and treat problems now—before damage accelerates through the colder months.
Damage Comparison: What's at Stake
While carpenter ants and termites both weaken wooden structures, the type of damage they cause differs—and knowing which pest is responsible helps determine the right fix.
Carpenter Ant Damage
Creates smooth, polished tunnels inside decaying wood.
Damage tends to be localized around moisture-rich areas (e.g., window sills, bathrooms, attics).
Usually slower-spreading but still costly if ignored.
Termite Damage
Eats wood from the inside out, leaving a thin shell behind.
Causes structural instability—often undetected until floors sag or walls buckle.
Damage can accumulate quickly and may require termite damage repair in Dunwoody, GA.
The rule of thumb: If the wood looks hollow or bubbled rather than smooth, you're likely dealing with termites.
Fall Prevention Tips for Dunwoody Homes
The good news? A few simple steps this fall can dramatically reduce your risk of infestation.
1. Eliminate Moisture Around Your Home
Fix leaks, improve drainage, and ensure crawl spaces are ventilated. Both carpenter ants and termites are drawn to damp environments.
2. Seal Cracks and Gaps
Inspect siding, windows, and foundations for small openings. Even a crack the width of a credit card can invite pests in.
3. Manage Woodpiles and Mulch
Keep firewood at least 20 feet from your foundation and avoid piling mulch directly against the house.
4. Look for Early Warning Signs
Frass (carpenter ant debris) and mud tubes (termite tunnels) are red flags. Spot either? Call BREDA immediately for a home pest inspection in Dunwoody, Georgia.
5. Trim Overgrown Vegetation
Branches touching your roofline can act as pest highways straight into your attic.
When prevention meets professional oversight, you don't just control pests—you eliminate the worry.
Why DIY Isn't Enough
Online guides might tell you to set bait traps or spray insecticides, but those quick fixes rarely solve the real issue.
DIY treatments can:
Target the wrong pest (carpenter ants and termites require completely different products).
Miss hidden colonies or structural damage.
Push pests deeper into walls, making them harder to eliminate.
BREDA Pest Management offers diagnostic precision with non-invasive infrared imaging to locate pest activity where you can't see it. Our team can confirm whether you're dealing with carpenter ants or termites—and design a customized plan to remove and prevent future infestations.
Learn more about BREDA's Pest Control Services and our proven exclusion methods that keep Dunwoody homes pest-free all year long.
What BREDA Does Differently
At BREDA, we believe homeowners deserve peace of mind—not guesswork. Our approach combines technology, expertise, and local insight to protect what matters most.
Here's how we handle termite prevention in Dunwoody, GA, and beyond:
Infrared inspections: Detects hidden moisture and pest activity without damaging walls.
Sentricon® Termite Baiting Systems: Environmentally responsible, long-term termite colony elimination.
Seamless pest coverage: Combine termite, rodent, and general pest protection in one plan.
Local experience: With over 50 years serving Metro Atlanta, we understand Dunwoody's soil conditions, construction styles, and seasonal pest patterns.
For more on our advanced termite technology, visit BREDA's Termite Control Services.
Protecting Your Home: BREDA's Fall Advantage
Whether you suspect damage or just want to stay ahead, a professional pest control team in Dunwoody, GA, like BREDA can save you time, stress, and costly repairs.
Our technicians don't just treat—they educate, inspect, and prevent. Fall inspections identify early signs of wood-destroying insects in Dunwoody, GA, before they cause major damage, while ensuring your home stays dry, sealed, and secure through winter.
Homeowners who schedule fall inspections often avoid the springtime rush and get faster appointment availability—plus, it's the perfect time to combine pest control with other seasonal maintenance like gutter cleaning or weatherproofing.
When It's Time to Call BREDA
You should call in the pros if you:
See piles of frass, mud tubes, or winged swarmers.
Hear faint clicking or chewing noises inside walls.
Notice sagging floors, warped trim, or bubbling paint.
Find moisture-damaged wood or musty odors near baseboards or windows.
These are signs that either carpenter ants or termites have already made themselves at home—and that it's time for a termite inspection in Dunwoody, Georgia, right away.
Your Home, Protected All Year Long
This fall, don't wait until you see damage to take action. Whether it's carpenter ant control in Dunwoody, GA, or a full termite prevention plan, BREDA Pest Management has you covered with advanced diagnostics and local expertise you can trust.
Because the best pest control isn't reactive—it's proactive.
If you find yourself needing pest control and want it handled thoroughly, don't hesitate to give us a call. The BREDA Guarantee promises to fix your pest problem and keep it fixed—no matter the circumstances. Schedule a consultation online or give us a call at 770-466-6700.
