Carpenter ants are large compared to other ants. They range from ¼ to ½ inch long and come in two primary forms: major and minor workers. When you spot a group, you’ll notice a few are larger than the others. Their color can vary; some are entirely black, while others are a mix of red and black, depending on the species. Carpenter ants have a single node between their thorax and abdomen and characteristic elbowed antennae. Some species have yellowish-gold hairs on their abdomens, but not all do.
Carpenter ants are tricky to spot since they prefer to be most active at night. However, there are a few signs you can look out for to catch an infestation early:
If you think you’ve found carpenter ants, having a licensed pest professional assess the situation and suggest treatment options is a good idea. Contact us if you need help!
In nature, carpenter ants make their homes in tree stumps, logs, and decaying trees, where they carve out galleries inside. They prefer decaying or water-damaged wood when they invade structures because it’s easier to tunnel through. Carpenter ants also set up nests in structural voids, like gaps in window or door frames. These spaces are like pre-made galleries, making them perfect for ants to settle in. However, they won’t stop there—they’ll expand their nests and create more galleries as their colony grows.
While carpenter ants don't pose significant health risks to people, they can cause minor to more extensive damage to property. These sneaky pests often live in structural wood but feed on food sources outside. This means they can silently damage your home for months or even years without being noticed. Catching the infestation early, however, can help prevent damage.
Several factors can draw carpenter ants to your home:
This list isn’t exhaustive, but it gives you an idea of what might attract these ants to your property.
Carpenter ants are tough to control. They’re skilled at detecting food sources and avoiding those that aren’t ideal, making baiting tricky. If you use the wrong bait or don’t get the timing right, the ants may ignore it altogether. This can lead to the mistaken belief that the problem is solved while the ants continue to cause damage. Professional treatment is the best option. Experienced technicians know the right products and techniques to target carpenter ants and monitor the success of treatments.
Contact us today for help eliminating carpenter ants in Danville, South Boston, Moneta, Reidsville, or elsewhere in Four Seasons Pest Control’s service area. We offer comprehensive pest control services that target and eliminate these wood-damaging pests.
Yes! There are several ways to keep carpenter ants from invading your home:
Maintain a clean interior and store food in sealed containers.
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Ringgold, VA
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Greensboro, NC
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Danville, VA
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