What are Carpenter Ants?

Carpenter ants, if neglected can cause serious damage to the structure of your home. The size of the ants and the color of the ants will vary but the black carpenter ants are the most important species. Carpenter Ants are typically large size ants 5/8-inches. The name Carpenter comes from their habit of excavating nest galleries in wood, these galleries somewhat resemble the work of termites but can be distinguished by their entirely clean and almost sandpaper appearance. The galleries are generally clean and smooth hence the name Carpenter Ant. These galleries provide passageways for movement from section to section of the nest gallery. These ants set up satellite colonies inside homes from colonies located outside trees. They are scavenger ants and travel often at night to hunt for food and water.

Where do Carpenter Ants live?

Carpenter Ants love damp climates and moist areas, places that get a lot of rain are susceptible and homes that are built in wooded areas or shady places are likely to find carpenter ants nesting inside.

Once inside Carpenter Ants will likely live in sites such as, interior wall voids, hollow cord doors, under exterior siding, support in crawl spaces, sill plates and between insulation and sub floors.

How can I tell if I have a nest in my house?

Because of the habit of chewing wood, carpenter ants will leave piles of sawdust-like material that ants push out of their nest. Another sign is a trail of worker ants around your kitchen or bathroom. Also, when they are chewing wood or moving in their nests they make scratching sounds at night.

Call the Experts

Because of the different sizes and colors of Carpenter Ants, they are difficult to identify. M&M Pest Control technicians are trained to identify Carpenter Ants and also to place an IPM program chosen specifically for your home.