Carpenter ants excavate wood to build nests and can weaken structural components over time. They are often mistaken for termites but differ in behavior and control needs.
Identification & Behavior
Carpenter ants are large black or red ants with elbowed antennae and segmented bodies. They do not eat wood but hollow it to form galleries.
Why Carpenter Ants Infest Homes
Moist or decaying wood attracts carpenter ants. Leaking windows, rooflines, crawlspaces, and wall voids provide ideal nesting areas.
DIY Prevention Methods
- Repair leaks and moisture damage
- Seal exterior gaps and tree branches touching structures
- Store firewood away from buildings
- Remove rotting wood
Natural & Non-Chemical Controls
- Boiling water on outdoor nests
- Diatomaceous earth in voids
- Boric acid dusting
- Physical nest removal
Store-Bought Control Options
- Carpenter ant baits
- Residual perimeter sprays
- Foaming wall void treatments
When to Call a Professional
Carpenter ants nesting inside walls or structural wood often require professional location and colony elimination services.