Prevent Ants From Returning

Orkin Pros will recommend sealing entry points, cracks and crevices if they discover ant activity both outside and inside your home.

Signs of Carpenter Ant Damage and Infestations

Carpenter ants are capable of damaging any wood within which they nest. Carpenter ant infestation can become severe when left untreated, and, in some cases, a colony of carpenter ants can develop satellite nests. To control an infestation properly and reduce the chances that the colony can return, it is important to contact a pest control professional.

Carpenter ants rarely nest in dry wood. Indoor infestations can be tracked by points of entry such as attic vents, foundations, cracks, electric wires, pipes and telephone lines. Carpenter ants prefer to nest in structural lumber such as in wall voids, hollow doors, windows and foam panels. Carpenter ants typically seek wood that has been softened by moisture, decay or other insects.

Infestation Signs

The most obvious sign of carpenter ant infestation is the presence of workers inside a building or home. However, the presence of ants is not conclusive evidence that a carpenter ant colony has established its nest within a structure. Carpenter ants forage for food within great distances of their nests.

When a carpenter ant infestation is severe, piles of wood shavings can usually be found beneath wooden items. Carpenter ants burrow into wood to create their nests, and an infestation can also be detected by faint rustling noises inside woodwork or walls. Furthermore, when large winged ants emerge from ceilings, walls and other hidden crevices, an infestation is almost certain.

Carpenter Ant or Termite Infestation?

The Difference Between a Carpenter Ant Infestation and a Termite Infestation: Termites and the larvae of some beetles actually eat wood. However, carpenter ants gain no nutritional value from wood; rather, they damage it to make nests. An infestation of carpenter ants can be distinguished from a termite infestation by examining the damaged wood.