The only thing worse than ants: flying ants. While all types of ants have alates (winged ants), you are most likely to spot carpenter ants flying around anywhere with exposed wood and moisture.
As the weather warms up in Maryland, you can expect to see increased ant activity, especially among destructive carpenter ants.
Named after their unique habit of burrowing through wood, carpenter ants are one of the most common types of ants found in Maryland, and can be just as destructive as termites if left unchecked.
To protect your Maryland home from destructive carpenter ants this season, here is everything you need to know to identify and eliminate these pests properly.
What Do Carpenter Ants Look Like?
Carpenter ants are large ants with a distinct shape that makes them easier to identify than other ant species.
Their bodies are segmented into three parts: the head, the thorax, and the abdomen. They are typically black in color but can occasionally be red.
Carpenter ants range in size anywhere from ⅜ inch to 1 inch long, with queens being the largest. Some carpenter ants also have wings (alates), with the front wings being longer than the hind wings.
Spotting alates means that a colony is moving to your house, and there is still time to stop it.
Signs of a Carpenter Ant Infestation
Often, you’ll be able to spot live carpenter ants in and around your home, but there may be additional telltale signs that could point to a possible infestation.
- Seeing live or dead carpenter ants: If you regularly see large black or reddish-black ants, especially near windowsills, baseboards, or damp areas like kitchens and bathrooms, it could mean there’s a nest nearby. Dead ants may also appear near entry points or along walls.
- Observing ant trails: Carpenter ants often travel in well-defined trails between their nest and food sources. You may notice them moving along walls, baseboards, or outdoor structures, especially during the evening or nighttime hours when they’re most active.
- Rustling sounds coming from inside the walls: When a colony is well established, you might hear faint rustling or scratching sounds coming from inside the walls or hollow doors. This is caused by the ants moving around or excavating wood to expand their nest.
- Piles of sawdust (frass): Unlike termites, carpenter ants don’t consume wood—they tunnel through it. As they carve out galleries, they push out small piles of sawdust-like debris called frass. You may find these piles beneath baseboards, window frames, or other wooden structures.
- Damaged or hollow-sounding wood: Tap on suspect wood surfaces—if it sounds hollow or crumbles easily, carpenter ants may have hollowed it out from the inside. Over time, their tunneling can weaken structural wood, potentially leading to more serious damage.
How Carpenter Ants Differ from Termites
If you happen to spot frass or wood shavings, you may mistakenly blame termites, which are just as dangerous. However, treating these two critters may require different approaches.
One of the most notable differences is that carpenter ants excavate wood to create tunnels, while termites eat the wood itself. This means termites are slightly more destructive and don’t leave behind wood shavings, though they may leave behind droppings.
There are also a few physical differences between the two; carpenter ants have segmented bodies with a pinched waist, while termites have a broad waist. Both pests have wings during their reproductive stages, but carpenter ant wings are of different sizes, while termite wings are the same size.
Common Places Carpenter Ants Nest
Carpenter ants prefer to nest in areas with damp, decaying, or water-damaged wood, making moisture a major factor in their choice of nesting sites. While they are often found outdoors in tree stumps, logs, or firewood piles, these ants can also make their way indoors in search of a stable nesting environment, especially in homes with moisture issues.
Here are some of the most common places homeowners may find carpenter ant nests around the property:
- Attics: Poor ventilation, roof leaks, or condensation can cause wood to become damp, conditions that carpenter ants find ideal. They may nest in wood rafters, wall studs, or insulation that has absorbed moisture.
- Crawl spaces and basements: These areas are naturally more humid and prone to moisture buildup. Carpenter ants often target wooden joists, sill plates, or support beams that are close to the ground and potentially decaying.
- Bathrooms: Leaky pipes, shower pans, or toilets can create the perfect damp environment for a nest. Carpenter ants may burrow into the wood behind walls, under sinks, or around tubs and showers where moisture is present.
- Kitchens: Plumbing leaks beneath sinks or around dishwashers can lead to softened wood. Ants may build satellite nests in cabinetry, wall voids, or near appliances if moisture is readily available.
- Windows and door frames: These are common points of entry and also common nesting sites, especially if the seals are failing or water has been seeping in. Wood trim around windows and doors can become damp from rain or condensation, providing the ideal environment for a nest.
- Inside wall voids: Once inside the home, carpenter ants often expand their colony into the walls, hollowing out studs and beams. This can make them difficult to detect without professional help.
- Exterior wood structures: Decks, porches, fences, and wooden siding—particularly if they are untreated or in contact with soil—are also common nesting sites. Carpenter ants may begin their colony outdoors and then move inside as it grows.
DIY Methods for Getting Rid of Carpenter Ants
Some homeowners, especially those on a tight budget, may be tempted to try DIY methods to eliminate carpenter ants.
One of the most popular DIY methods involves creating a homemade bait using sugar and boric acid. Diatomaceous earth can also be used as an all-natural solution when applied directly to carpenter ant nests, and certain essential oils like peppermint and eucalyptus may also be effective.
However, it is important to note that the best way to get rid of carpenter ants and keep them from coming back is to invest in professional pest control services.
When to Call a Professional Exterminator
When dealing with an infestation of any kind, it is wise to contact an exterminator at the first sign of trouble. Carpenter ants can be particularly destructive, and the longer you wait to call for help, the more property they can damage. An experienced ant control expert will be able to inspect your property to confirm it is carpenter ants you’re dealing with and recommend a plan of action to get rid of these pests once and for all.
Preventing Future Infestations
Preventing carpenter ant infestations starts with making your home and property less attractive to these pests. Because carpenter ants are drawn to moisture and wood, especially if it’s decaying or damp, keeping things dry, sealed, and clean is essential. Here are several key steps you can take to help reduce the risk of future infestations:
- Seal and store food properly: Keep food in airtight containers and clean up crumbs or spills quickly to avoid attracting ants.
- Fix water leaks and control moisture: Repair plumbing issues and use dehumidifiers in damp areas to eliminate the moisture carpenter ants seek.
- Seal entry points: Close gaps around windows, doors, pipes, and the foundation to block ant access.
- Maintain your yard: Trim trees, shrubs, and grass to reduce ant pathways and eliminate outdoor nesting spots.
- Remove damaged wood: Get rid of rotting stumps, firewood near the home, and other decaying wood sources.
- Schedule regular pest control: Professional inspections and treatments can catch problems early and keep infestations at bay.
By combining moisture control, structural maintenance, and professional oversight, you can dramatically reduce the chances of a carpenter ant infestation. Prevention is always easier (and more affordable) than dealing with a full-blown colony once it’s taken root in your home.
FAQs
What do carpenter ants look like?
Carpenter ants are large ants with bodies segmented into three parts: the head, the thorax, and the abdomen. They are either black or red in color and can range in size from ⅜ inch to 1 inch long.
How can I tell the difference between carpenter ants and termites?
Carpenter ants and termites have several physical differences that can make it easy to tell them apart. While carpenter ants have segmented bodies with pinched waists, termites have broad waists and a more uniform body shape.
Do carpenter ants eat wood like termites?
Unlike termites, carpenter ants do not actually eat wood. They do, however, chew through wood in order to excavate it and create tunnels and nests.