What Is a Carpenter Ant?
When you hear “carpenter ant,” you might imagine a bunch of little ants with hard hats and tool belts. If only! Unfortunately, these ants don’t build—they destroy. They get their name because they nest in wood, not because they’re particularly handy.
Carpenter ants are one of the largest ants you’ll see in our region. They’re typically black, red, or a combination of the two. Unlike many ants that build nests in soil, carpenter ants carve out tunnels and galleries inside wood. They don’t actually eat the wood like termites, but they do hollow it out to create their nests, especially in damp or rotting wood.
If your home has areas with water damage, wood decay, or high humidity—like under sinks, in basements, or around leaking windows—carpenter ants may be eyeing it as the perfect nesting spot.
How to Tell Carpenter Ants From Other Ants
The good news is that carpenter ants are fairly easy to distinguish from other ants, once you know what to look for. They’re noticeably larger—most range from ¼ to ½ an inch long, while other common ants are typically much smaller.
Another giveaway is the presence of winged ants. These are the reproductive members of a carpenter ant colony, and if you see them indoors, that’s a strong sign there’s a mature nest nearby. Seeing even one winged carpenter ant means it’s time to act quickly.
While carpenter ants are mostly active at night, you might spot them during the day as well. Keep an eye out near windows, sinks, or food sources, especially in spring and summer when activity tends to increase.
Why Carpenter Ants Are a Serious Problem
Carpenter ants pose a much bigger threat than many other ant species. That’s because they build their hidden nests inside wood, including the wooden framework of your home. Over time, as they expand their network of tunnels, they weaken beams, joists, and other structural components. What may start as a small, hidden infestation can eventually compromise the integrity of your house.
Unfortunately, carpenter ants are also excellent at staying under the radar. Their nests are often hidden in wall voids or inside wood where they’re not easily detected. By the time you realize there’s a problem, the colony may already be well-established, and the damage could be significant.
Prevention Tips: How to Keep Carpenter Ants Out
The best way to deal with carpenter ants is to stop them before they get inside. Here are some prevention tips to help protect your home:
- Fix moisture problems around the house, especially under sinks, near windows, and in basements.
- Replace any water-damaged wood as soon as possible.
- Use a dehumidifier or improve ventilation in damp areas.
- Store firewood and lumber at least 20 feet from your home.
- Seal cracks and entry points around doors, windows, and utility lines.
- Keep food sealed and clean up crumbs promptly.
- Trim back tree branches and bushes that touch your home’s siding or roofline.
These simple steps go a long way toward making your home less inviting to carpenter ants.
Year-Round Protection with Four Seasons Pest Control
If you’ve seen frass or other signs of carpenter ants—or if you want to make sure you don’t have an infestation of these wood-damaging pests—we’ve got you covered. Four Seasons Pest Control offers reliable carpenter ant prevention and control as part of our Signature Service Plan.
This plan includes year-round protection from over 35 common pests, including carpenter ants and wood-destroying termites. With our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can feel confident that your home is in good hands.
Our local pest control pros understand the challenges homeowners face in Virginia and North Carolina. We know what pests are most common in our region and how to stop them.
Don’t take chances when it comes to protecting your home. Contact Four Seasons Pest Control today and ask about our Signature Service Plan—we’ll help you keep carpenter ants and other pests out for good.
