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There are some clear signs of a termite infestation, including damaged drywall, bubbling under paint, peeling paint, sagging or loose boards, and more. Termites typically leave behind a trail on the surface and interior of your drywall as they chew through it. Look for small, pin-sized holes in drywall or wallpaper to determine whether termites have made their way inside.

Both insects can damage wood, but there are key differences between termites and carpenter ants that tell them apart. Carpenter ants tunnel through moist wood, leaving behind smooth tunnels and sawdust-like piles, as they don't eat the wood but rather carve it for nesting. In contrast, termites actually consume wood, creating irregular galleries filled with mud and dirt, and leaving behind mud tubes as their signature. In terms of appearance, carpenter ants have segmented bodies with heart-shaped heads and larger front wings, while termites have more oval bodies with straight antennae and equal-sized wings.

Professional services cost between $75 and $150, depending on the size of the home and the severity of the infestation. Multiple treatments often increase costs.

The main things to consider when hiring an exterminator is your infestation size and budget. The price range for roach extermination varies widely depending on the circumstances. If it’s a localized infestation that only requires a few treatments from an exterminator, it will probably only cost hundreds of dollars at most. But if you have a large house and a widespread infestation, be prepared to pay thousands of dollars for fumigation and tenting.