Carpenter Ants

Identification, Facts, and Control Solutions

Carpenter ants, known for their large size and destructive habits, can cause structural damage to homes by hollowing out wood for nesting. This comprehensive guide explores their behavior, lifecycle, and prevention tips to protect your home.

What Are Ants & Why Should You Care?

Carpenter ants are one of the most common ant species found in residential areas. Unlike termites, carpenter ants don’t eat wood but excavate it to build their nests, causing severe structural damage over time. These ants are black or reddish-black and grow up to 1/2 inch long, making them one of the largest ant species.

Why Should You Care?

Carpenter ants can compromise the structural integrity of wooden furniture, walls, and beams. Their nests grow over time, leading to extensive damage if left untreated. Identifying and addressing carpenter ant infestations early is crucial to maintaining a pest-free home.

Every Carpenter Ant infestation is different, and it only gets worse over time, which is why it’s important to take fast action. We do offer same-day carpenter ant pest control services, Get Your Estimate or Call us at (888) 706-6384    

How to Identify Carpenter Ant Infestations in Your Home

Carpenter ants are notorious for nesting in wood. Here’s how to identify their presence:
Hollow Wood Sounds
Hollow Wood Sounds

Tap on wooden surfaces. If it sounds hollow, carpenter ants may have tunneled inside.

Sawdust trails
Sawdust trails

Look for small piles of sawdust (frass) near wood structures, which they leave while tunneling.

Winged Ants Indoors
Winged Ants Indoors

The presence of winged carpenter ants (swarmers) is a strong sign of an infestation.

Rustling Noises
Rustling Noises

Listen for faint rustling noises in wooden walls, as these could indicate active nests.

Wood Damage
Wood Damage

Look for smooth tunnels inside wood, a signature sign of carpenter ant activity.

Types of Ants Commonly Found in Homes

Understanding the types of ants that invade homes can help with identification and targeted treatment
Black Carpenter Ant
Black Carpenter Ant

Large, black ants known for damaging structural wood in homes.

Red Carpenter Ant
Red Carpenter Ant

Reddish-black ants often found in outdoor wooden structures like decks and fences.

Camponotus Pennsylvanicus
Camponotus Pennsylvanicus

The most common carpenter ant in North America.

Types of Carpenter Ants

Where do ants live?

Carpenter ants primarily nest in wood. They can be found:

Common Places

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    Indoor: Wall voids, furniture, attic beams, and window frames.
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    Outdoor: Tree stumps, logs, decks, and wooden fences.
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    Moist Areas: Damp wood in bathrooms, kitchens, or basements.

Understanding Ant Behaviour and Lifecycles

Carpenter ants are social insects with a well-defined hierarchy. They live in colonies with a queen, workers, and winged reproductive ants.

Lifecycle Stages:

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    Egg: Tiny white eggs laid by the queen.
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    Larva: Legless larvae that grow under worker care.
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    Pupa: Transition stage before becoming adults.
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    Adult: Workers, soldiers, or reproductive ants.

Tips to Prevent and Control Carpenter Ant Infestations

Preventing Carpenter ant infestations starts with proper home maintenance and cleanliness. Do these simple steps to ensure a ant free environment:

Prevention Tips

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    Fix Leaky Pipes: Fix leaky pipes and remove moisture sources to eliminate the damp environments carpenter ants are attracted to.
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    Seal Cracks and Openings: Seal cracks and openings in walls, doors, and windows to block entry points for ants.
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    Trim Tree Branches: Trim tree branches touching the house to prevent ants from accessing your home.
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    Store Firewood Properly: Store firewood away from the house and off the ground to keep ants from nesting near your home.
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    Keep Food Sealed: Keep food sealed and clean up crumbs promptly to eliminate food sources for ants.

Related Pests

Similar to ants, pests like Cockroaches, Termites, and Rodents can also invade homes for food and shelter. Explore our cockroach control, termite control, and rodent control services to keep all pests out.
Download Your Free Ant Prevention Checklist

Common Ant Treatment Methods Explained

Bait Stations
Bait Stations

Protein- and carb-based ant baits placed near activity areas lure ants, which carry the bait back to the colony.

Insecticide Sprays
Insecticide Sprays

Apply non-repellent sprays to entry points and nesting areas.

Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous Earth

Sprinkle this natural powder near nests to dehydrate and kill the ants.

Professional Pest Control
Professional Pest Control

Hire experts for comprehensive inspection and safe extermination.

Carpenter Ant FAQs

  • How dangerous are carpenter ants?

    Carpenter ants can be quite destructive to homes and buildings. While they do not directly threaten humans, ant infestations can cause significant structural damage over time. Carpenter ants are found in all 50 states, with higher prevalence in humid areas. Homeowners in the USA spend an estimated $5 billion annually on termite and carpenter ant damage control and repairs. If you think your home has carpenter ants, contact the carpenter ant exterminator near you today for a free estimate and protect your home from damage!

  • Do carpenter ants live in walls?

    Yes, carpenter ants often make their nests in wall spaces. They also like to nest in hollow doors, windows, and foam panels. Carpenter ants prefer moist, decaying wood, which makes them common in forests, near water sources, and within buildings that have moisture problems. They are frequently found in homes, especially in areas with water damage such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.

  • What do carpenter ants eat?

    Carpenter ants eat insects for honeydew and enjoy sweets and pet food found in your home. However, they dig into wood to make nests, damaging structures. Contact the Ant control service if you suspect there might be a carpenter ant infestation.

  • Is it normal to have carpenter ants in the yard?

    Yes, it is normal to have carpenter ants in the yard. They often nest in trees, stumps, and other decaying wood found outdoors. While their presence in the yard isn't usually a concern, it's important to monitor them to ensure they don't move into your home and cause damage. Carpenter ant removal is crucial.

  • Should I be concerned if I see carpenter ants?

    Yes, seeing a carpenter ant can be concerning if you spot them at your home. They can cause structural damage by excavating wood. If you notice signs like wood shavings or rustling in walls, contact a carpenter ant exterminator service.

  • How do you tell if it's a carpenter ant?

    You can identify carpenter ants by their large size. Carpenter ants are large, usually 3.4 to 13 mm in size. They can be black, red, or a combination of both. Look for a smooth, rounded thorax and a heart-shaped head with large mandibles.

  • How do you locate a carpenter ant nest?

    To locate a carpenter ant nest, look for wood shavings (frass) near walls or wooden structures and listen for rustling sounds in walls or ceilings. Follow ant trails, especially at night, and check moist areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and basements where they prefer to nest.

  • How do you get rid of carpenter ants?

    If you notice signs like wood shavings or rustling in walls, a carpenter ant’s nest is likely nearby. Locate the nest, try DIY methods, and adopt moisture control. If DIY methods fail, contact an expert pest control service for effective treatment.

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