Can Ants and Termites Coexist?

Termites and ants are two different creatures that do not usually come into direct contact. However, they can coexist in the same area. They live together in rotting wood, decaying stumps, and softened logs.

These insects are very destructive. They build tunnels into wooden structures, and then fill them with mud. This mud is used as a humidifying agent. It also helps to conceal their activities. Some termites have large mandibles and will fight to the death.

Some species of ants will specifically prey on termites. These ants are usually black. They can kill termites in their homes, but cannot chase them deep inside lumber.

Some ants do not like to live in wood. Carpenter ants, for instance, will drill into wood to create their nests. They do not eat wood.

While ants and termites can live together, they will never build the same nest. If one termite colony is located next to an ant colony, the two species may compete for resources. If the ants decide to invade the termite colony, the termites will block the tunnels that the ants have built.

Termites will defend themselves with thick mudding. The ants are not able to see through the mudding. They will also create a gallery to block off the tunnels. They will also throw up their heads when an ant attacks.

The ants may be able to get through a few layers of termite defenses, but they will not eliminate all termites from the colony. They will only kill enough termites to feed the colony. They will also leave some termites to rebuild the territory.