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Carpenter ants are among the most destructive pests that can invade your home. Unlike termites, they don’t eat wood—instead, they excavate it to build their nests, which can lead to serious structural damage over time. Recognizing the signs of carpenter ant activity early can save you from costly repairs.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
✔ How to identify carpenter ants
✔ Key signs of an infestation
✔ Damage they can cause
✔ How to prevent and eliminate them
How to Identify Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants (Camponotus spp.) are large ants, typically ¼ to ½ inch long, with black, red, or a combination of both colors. Key features include:
- Smooth, rounded thorax (unlike termites, which have a straight waist)
- Bent antennae
- Wings (on swarmers) during the mating season (spring/summer)
If you see large ants inside your home, especially near wood, they could be carpenter ants.
Top Signs of a Carpenter Ant Infestation
1. Sawdust Piles (Frass)
As carpenter ants tunnel through wood, they push out sawdust-like debris called frass. Look for small piles near:
- Baseboards
- Window sills
- Wooden beams
- Attic or crawl spaces
2. Rustling Noises in Walls
Active carpenter ant colonies produce faint rustling or tapping sounds as they chew through wood. Listen at night when they’re most active.
3. Hollow-Sounding Wood
Tap on suspected wood—if it sounds hollow or papery, carpenter ants may have tunneled inside.
4. Winged Ants (Swarmers) Indoors
Finding winged ants inside your home strongly indicates an established nest nearby.
5. Moist or Damaged Wood
Carpenter ants prefer damp, decaying wood. Check areas with water damage, leaky pipes, or poor ventilation.
Damage Caused by Carpenter Ants
While they don’t consume wood like termites, carpenter ants weaken structures by creating smooth, clean tunnels inside:
- Wall voids
- Floor joists
- Roof eaves
- Door and window frames
If left untreated, severe infestations can compromise the integrity of your home, leading to sagging floors or collapsing beams.
How to Prevent and Eliminate Carpenter Ants
Prevention Tips
✔ Fix moisture problems (leaky roofs, pipes, poor drainage)
✔ Seal cracks around windows, doors, and foundations
✔ Store firewood away from your home
✔ Trim tree branches touching the house (they serve as bridges)
Getting Rid of an Infestation
- Bait traps (like Terro or Advion) can attract and poison worker ants.
- Dust insecticides (such as Delta Dust) can be applied to nest openings.
- Professional pest control may be needed for large or hard-to-reach colonies.
Final Thoughts
Carpenter ants are silent destroyers, but early detection can prevent major damage. Take action immediately if you notice frass, hollow wood, or live ants. For severe infestations, consult a licensed exterminator to ensure complete removal.
Have you dealt with carpenter ants before? Share your experience in the comments!
