Analysis of Cooperative Extension Service records from northeastern states indicates that carpenter ants are steadily displacing subterranean termites as major concerns of the general public. Seasonal cycles are more pronounced in the more northern states. States more similar in long-term trends also show a higher degree of correlation (coherency squared) in seasonal ratios of carpenter ants to termites suggesting that such a pattern is driven by pronounced cyclical cues. It is suggested that the increase in public concern of carpenter ants with respect to subterranean termites is attributable to current effective subterranean termite control practices and to the suburbanization of the populace, placing homes in areas of highly probable contact with carpenter ants.