The answer to 'which is better termite or carpenter ant' is that termites are generally considered more destructive pests than carpenter ants. Termites feed on the cellulose in wood, which can cause significant structural damage to homes over time. Carpenter ants, on the other hand, typically only nest in moist or decaying wood and do not actually eat the wood itself. This means that while carpenter ant infestations can still cause some damage, it is usually not as severe or widespread as the damage caused by termites.
In terms of costs, termite treatment is generally more expensive than treating a carpenter ant infestation. Termite control often requires specialized treatments like fumigation or chemical barriers, while carpenter ants may be managed with baits or targeted insecticide applications. That said, the long-term costs of repairing termite damage can far exceed the initial treatment costs.