Carpenter ants are one of the most misunderstood pests in North Carolina. Many homeowners assume they’re just “big black ants” that wander indoors – but the truth is that carpenter ants can cause serious structural damage if left untreated. Unlike termites, they don’t eat wood, but they do excavate it to make their nests, creating tunnels and weakened structural components that can cost thousands of dollars to repair.
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the behavior, warning signs, and treatment needs of carpenter ants, and why early professional intervention is essential.
What makes carpenter ants different?
While many ant species invade for food and water, carpenter ants have the unique ability to build extensive colonies inside wall voids, floor joists, decks, porches, and other wooden areas.
Key traits of carpenter ants:
- Large size—typically ¼ to ½ inch long
- Varied colors—black, red, or a combination
- Preference for moist or decaying wood
- Powerful mandibles used for excavating galleries
They don’t consume the wood like termites. Instead, they chew through it to create smooth tunnels, pushing out piles of sawdust-like material called frass.
Early warning signs of carpenter ant activity
Spotting carpenter ants early can help prevent extensive damage. Homeowners should watch for:
1. Large black ants indoors
Seeing huge ants indoors – especially at night, often indicates a satellite colony inside the home.
2. Frass
This fine, sawdust-like debris may appear under windows, baseboards, or other wood structures.
3. Rustling sounds inside walls
Large colonies may produce faint crackling or clicking noises.
4. Winged ants emerging indoors
Flying ants inside usually signal a mature nest.
Where carpenter ants nest in North Carolina homes
Carpenter ants favor areas with moisture problems:
- Leaking window frames
- Damp basements
- Wooden decks and porches
- Attic spaces with poor ventilation
- Water-damaged siding
- Fallen trees or rotting stumps near the home
Addressing moisture issues is often a key part of long-term pest prevention.
Why DIY treatments don’t often work
Carpenter ant colonies can be complex, often featuring:
- One main colony outdoors
- Multiple satellite colonies indoors
- Workers that travel long distances for food
Store-bought sprays may kill the ants you can see, but they don’t reach the hidden colonies—in some cases, they can even worsen the problem by causing the colony to relocate deeper into the home.
Professional carpenter ant control
A professional approach involves:
- Locating the parent and satellite colonies
- Using targeted treatments that reach deep into galleries
- Identifying moisture issues or wood damage
- Setting up preventive barriers to keep ants from returning
Carpenter ant infestations get worse over time, so quick intervention is always the best solution.
Final thoughts
Carpenter ants are a major structural threat to North Carolina homes, especially those with moisture problems. A professional pest control team like ours can detect hidden colonies and eliminate them before they cause you serious damage.
If you suspect carpenter ants in your home, don’t wait – it’s easier (and more affordable) to address the problem early.