Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants are one of the most destructive pests that can invade homes and structures. Unlike termites, they don't eat wood, but they do tunnel through it to build nests, which can cause serious structural damage over time. These ants are typically black or dark red, and they range in size from 1/4 to 1/2 inch.

 

Some carpenter ants also have wings, especially during their reproductive stage, which often leads homeowners to mistake them for termites.

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These ants are most active at night and are commonly found in areas with high moisture, such as kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and around leaky windows or roofs. While they often nest outdoors in trees, stumps, or firewood, they will move indoors if they find a good source of food and water or moist, decaying wood to nest in.

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Signs of a carpenter ant infestation include the presence of large black ants indoors, especially at night, piles of wood shavings (known as frass), faint rustling sounds inside walls, and the appearance of winged ants in the spring. Left untreated, carpenter ants can weaken wood structures and become a long-term, costly problem.

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How to Get Rid of Carpenter Ants with Professional Pest Control

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Carpenter ants are difficult to eliminate using DIY methods because they often nest deep within walls or hidden areas of a structure. Simply killing the ants you see doesn’t address the root of the problem—the nest. That’s where professional pest control treatments come in.

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Here’s how pest control experts effectively eliminate carpenter ants:

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1. Inspection and Identification
   The first step is a detailed inspection to locate the nest and determine the extent of the infestation. A trained technician will look for moisture-damaged wood, ant trails, and entry points to identify where the ants are nesting and how they’re getting inside.

2. Customized Treatment Plan
   Once the nest is located, a tailored treatment plan is developed. This often includes a combination of baiting systems, targeted insecticidal dust, and perimeter sprays. Baits are especially effective because they allow worker ants to carry the poison back to the colony, killing the queen and other ants at the source.

3. Safe and Strategic Application
   Licensed professionals apply treatments in key areas where ants travel and nest—inside walls, around windows and doors, in attics and crawl spaces, and along the foundation. Modern pest control products are designed to be safe for pets and humans when used properly.

4. Moisture Control and Prevention
   Since carpenter ants are attracted to moisture-damaged wood, pest control experts will also recommend ways to reduce excess moisture and repair any water-damaged areas. This can include fixing leaks, improving ventilation, and sealing cracks and gaps.

5. Follow-Up Monitoring
   Because carpenter ants can be persistent, follow-up visits are often scheduled to ensure complete elimination and to prevent re-infestation.

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At Seek Pest Solutions, we specialize in getting rid of carpenter ants and protecting your home from future damage. Our experienced team uses proven techniques and industry-leading products to target the nest and stop the problem at its source.

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If you suspect a carpenter ant infestation, don’t wait. Contact us today for a professional inspection and effective treatment plan.