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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.

If you’re heading outdoors, wear long sleeves and pants to minimize skin exposure. You may also want to wear clothing and any additional gear, like backpacks or tents, treated with 0.5% permethrin. If you’re dealing with fleas at home, you may want to wear insect repellant and vacuum your bed, carpets, and upholstery frequently to minimize fleas.

Some animals, such as bats or birds, will be able to get out of chimneys on their own since they can fly. Other animals, however, may have a harder time and will require the help of a professional to escape. Squirrels and raccoons in particular may become stuck inside a chimney, especially if you have a buildup of soot or creosote inside. This can prevent them from being able to climb out, in which case you’ll need to call an animal control expert to help remove them.

Wasps tend to be more aggressive and defensive than bees. Both will sting to defend themselves or their colony or nest. But many bees have barbed stingers, which means they can’t pull them out of the skin after stinging, allowing them to sting only once. When provoked, wasps can sting multiple times, making them a more menacing pest.