Carpenter ants are among the most destructive household pests in the U.S., especially in wooded or damp areas like those common in the Buffalo NY area. Unlike termites, they don’t eat wood—they tunnel through it to build nests, which can seriously damage the structural integrity of your home over time. If you’ve spotted these large black ants inside or outside your home, it’s time to act fast before they cause expensive damage.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- How to identify carpenter ants and their presence
- The damage they cause
- Proven strategies to eliminate them
- Long-term prevention tips
- Why professional help is often the best route to stop them for good
What Are Carpenter Ants?
Carpenter ants are large ants, usually black, red, or a combination of both, that build their nests inside wood. They are often mistaken for termites due to their wood-related destruction. The key difference is:
- Termites eat wood for food.
- Carpenter ants excavate wood to create hollow tunnels for their colonies.
They’re especially drawn to moist or decaying wood, making areas around windows, leaky roofs, crawl spaces, and basements prime nesting sites.
Signs of a Carpenter Ant Infestation
Recognizing a carpenter ant problem early can save you thousands in potential repairs. Here are the top indicators:
- Sightings of Large Ants Indoors
Active mostly at night, these ants forage for food in kitchens and pantries. Seeing ants up to ½ inch long, particularly in the evening, can indicate a nearby nest. - Wood Shavings or Frass
Small piles of sawdust-like material near baseboards, under cabinets, or windowsills are a classic sign of tunneling activity. - Hollow-Sounding or Damaged Wood
Tapping on wood surfaces may produce a hollow sound, or you may notice weakened wood in structural areas. - Rustling Noises in Walls
In severe cases, faint rustling sounds may be heard from walls or ceilings, especially at night. - Winged Swarmers
The presence of winged carpenter ants indoors usually indicates a mature colony nearby.
How Carpenter Ants Damage Your Home
Carpenter ants don’t consume wood, but their excavation habits can compromise:
- Load-bearing beams
- Floor joists
- Window frames
- Siding and decks
Over time, these nests expand, and satellite colonies may form, spreading damage throughout your home. DIY sprays or traps often only kill visible foragers, leaving the queen and colony untouched.
Best Practices to Eliminate Carpenter Ants
1. Find the Parent Nest
- Look in damp, rotting wood, wall voids, attic beams, crawl spaces, or under insulation.
- Professional tools like moisture meters or infrared scanners may be needed to pinpoint hidden nests.
2. Trim Trees and Shrubs
- Ants frequently enter homes via overhanging branches or vegetation touching your home’s siding or roof.
3. Eliminate Moisture
- Repair leaks, improve drainage, ventilate crawl spaces, and use dehumidifiers to make your home less attractive to ants.
4. Use Effective Treatments
- Over-the-counter products rarely kill the queen or reach deep nests.
- Professionals use non-repellent insecticides or baits that worker ants carry back to the colony.
5. Hire a Professional Pest Control Expert
- A qualified exterminator will locate and treat every nest, preventing reinfestation.
- At Buffalo Exterminatos, we provide tailored solutions using science-based, family- and pet-safe treatments.
Preventing Future Carpenter Ant Infestations
Getting rid of carpenter ants is only half the battle—keeping them out for good is key:
- Seal Entry Points: Caulk cracks, gaps around windows, and foundation openings.
- Store Firewood Away from Home: Keep at least 20 feet from your house and off the ground.
- Maintain Gutters and Roofs: Prevent water buildup that creates ideal conditions for ants.
- Keep Landscaping Neat: Trim vegetation regularly and avoid mulch piles against siding.
- Inspect Annually: Have a pest professional check your home at least once a year, especially if you live in a high-risk area.
Common Myths About Carpenter Ant Control
- Myth 1: Spraying visible ants solves the problem.
Fact: It only kills foragers, leaving the colony intact. - Myth 2: Carpenter ants only nest outdoors.
Fact: Many colonies establish deep inside walls, beams, or attics. - Myth 3: Any ant bait works on carpenter ants.
Fact: They prefer specific protein- or sugar-based baits, which professionals know how to deploy effectively.
FAQs
Q: Are carpenter ants dangerous to people?
No, they don’t bite or sting humans unless provoked, but the property damage they cause can be extensive.
Q: Can carpenter ants destroy a house like termites?
While slower than termites, over time, they can severely weaken structural wood.
Q: How quickly should I act if I see carpenter ants?
Immediately. Early detection and treatment prevent thousands of dollars in damage.
Final Thoughts
Carpenter ants can quietly cause significant harm to your home’s structure if left unchecked. While DIY solutions may seem convenient, they rarely solve the root problem. The fastest, most effective, and safest way to get rid of carpenter ants for good is to call a licensed professional who can:
- Identify all nests
- Apply targeted treatments
- Offer long-term prevention solutions
Don’t wait until you’re facing expensive repairs—schedule a professional inspection today.
