Carpenter Ants: How to Spot them

If you have ever seen large, black ants walking around your house, there is a good chance that it was a carpenter ant. Carpenter ants are the largest ant species in North America and can be very destructive if they invade your home. This article will discuss everything you need to know about them: how to identify them, what damage they can do, and how to get rid of them. So stay safe and keep your home free of these pesky critters!

How to Identify Carpenter Ants

They are easily identifiable by their large size and black colour and they can be up to ½ inch long, much larger than the average house ant. They also have a very distinct waist, which is thinner than the rest of their body. If you see an ant walking around your house that meets these criteria, there is a good chance that it is a carpenter ant.

What Damage Can Carpenter Ants Do?

Carpenter ants can cause significant damage to your home. They chew through wood to build their nests, leading to structural damage over time. In addition, carpenter ants can contaminate food and spread disease. For these reasons, it is vital to get rid of them as soon as you notice them.

Things to Look Out For

Here are some things to look for if you think you might have an infestation:

• Ants making trails along windowsills or walls
• Large, blackish-red ants with relatively small heads
• Nests that look like smooth piles of sawdust or shavings
• Frass (a mix of chewed-up wood and insect body parts) near an ant nest

How to Spot Them

Several signs can indicate their presence: 

• If you see large numbers of ants crawling around your home, you likely have a problem with carpenter ants.
• Another sign is wood damage. They tunnel through wood to create their nests, so if you see any evidence of damaged wood, there is a good chance that they are responsible. 
• Finally, listen to the sound of ant wings buzzing. This noise is often a sign of a nest is nearby.

If you think you may have a problem with carpenter ants, it is vital to take action immediately. These pests can cause severe damage to your home if left untreated. If you see any of the signs mentioned above, contact a Pest Detective. Ou team will assess the situation and determine the best course of treatment. Trying to get rid of pests on your own can be difficult and potentially dangerous, so it is always best to leave it to the professionals. So, to take care of your carpenter ants problem lighting fast, give us a call today!