The answer to 'which is better termite or carpenter ant' is that termites are generally considered more destructive and problematic for homeowners than carpenter ants. Termites feed on the cellulose in wood, which can lead to significant structural damage over time if left untreated. Carpenter ants, on the other hand, typically only tunnel through wood to create nests, but do not actually consume the wood itself.
In terms of costs, termite infestations often require more extensive and expensive treatments, such as fumigation or soil treatments, compared to carpenter ant control which may only involve localized treatments or baiting. Termites can also be more difficult to detect early on, leading to more extensive damage before the problem is identified. However, carpenter ants can still cause issues by weakening the structural integrity of a home over time.