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Do Termites Make Tunnels Like Ants?

Both termites and ants make tunnels, but there are differences between their tunnels. Termite tunnels are dirtier, something that is quite obvious when examining their tunnels through wood, according to the Department of Environmental Conservation at the University of Massachusetts.

Tunnels in Wood
- Carpenter ants tunnel through wood for shelter but do not eat it as termites do. Termite infestations are typically more destructive to wood. Termites leave chewed wood, excrement and soil in their tunnels, whereas ants keep their tunnels very clean.
Termites Above Ground
- Termites and some ants also construct tunnels above ground, according to PestCemetery.com. Termites use a mixture of their saliva and feces to glue together soil particles to construct tunnels that vary widely in size and can be quite elaborate.
Ants Above Ground
- Some ants like fire ants build tunnels above ground. They are usually no more than 8 inches high and less sturdy than termite tunnels. Ants do not "cement" these tunnels like termites, so they usually build them on brick or cement for support.

Insects & Science