Ants

Carpenter ants: identification & carpenter ant control

Carpenter ants do not eat wood — they excavate smooth galleries in it to nest, usually where moisture has softened framing. We trace parent and satellite nests, treat the voids directly and identify the leak or grade issue feeding the problem.

Line of black ants marching on a kitchen counter

How to identify carpenter ants

What it looks like
Large black or black-and-red ants with a single waist node and an evenly rounded thorax.
Size
1/4 to 5/8 inch
Where you'll find it
Damp wood around windows, decks, roof leaks, tree stumps and crawl spaces.
Commonly confused with
Termite swarmers; carpenter ants have bent antennae and a pinched waist.

Signs of carpenter ants in your home

  • Coarse sawdust (frass) piles
  • Rustling in walls at night
  • Large winged ants indoors in spring

Carpenter ants questions homeowners ask

Do carpenter ants damage a house?

Yes, over time. Galleries weaken already damp framing, though damage is slower than termite damage.

What does carpenter ant frass look like?

Fine, shredded wood shavings mixed with insect parts, usually below a small slit-like opening.

Carpenter ant control by city

Local technicians handle carpenter ants in every market below — pick your city for neighborhood coverage, seasonal notes and a free quote.

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