Carpenter Ants: The Hidden Threat in Your Home
Carpenter ants may look harmless, but don’t be fooled—these large ants burrow into wood to build their nests, leading to serious structural damage if left unchecked. Unlike termites, carpenter ants don’t eat wood, but their tunneling weakens support beams, flooring, and furniture over time.
If your home has damp or rotting wood, carpenter ants may already be inside, silently excavating tunnels and expanding their colony. Homeowners across Dallas-Fort Worth often mistake these pests for harmless ants, but early action is key to preventing costly damage.
How to Identify a Carpenter Ant Infestation
Carpenter ants are often confused with regular black ants, but there are key differences that can help you spot an infestation:
✔ Size & Color: Carpenter ants are larger than common ants, typically ¼ to ½ inch long, and can be black, red, or a combination of both.
✔ Wood Shavings (Frass): Unlike termites, carpenter ants don’t eat wood—they push out small piles of wood shavings mixed with dead ant parts.
✔ Hollow-Sounding Wood: If you tap on wooden surfaces and they sound hollow, carpenter ants may be tunneling inside.
✔ Rustling Noises: At night, you may hear faint rustling sounds from inside walls, as these ants are most active after dark.
If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s time to take action before the infestation grows.
Why Carpenter Ants Choose Your Home
Carpenter ants are drawn to moist, decaying wood, making certain areas of your home more vulnerable to infestation. Common hotspots include:
🏚️ Bathrooms & Kitchens: Leaky pipes and humidity create the perfect environment.
🪵 Basements & Crawl Spaces: Dark, damp wood is an ideal nesting site.
🌲 Wood Piles & Decks: Firewood stacked against your home can attract carpenter ants.
🛠️ Roof & Attic Beams: Water-damaged wood from leaks can invite an infestation.
While carpenter ants prefer rotting wood, they will move into sound wood if the infestation isn’t addressed quickly.
How to Prevent a Carpenter Ant Infestation
Taking proactive steps can help prevent carpenter ants from targeting your home:
✔ Eliminate Moisture: Repair leaks, improve ventilation, and fix water-damaged wood.
✔ Seal Entry Points: Close off small cracks and crevices where ants might enter.
✔ Trim Tree Branches: Keep branches and shrubs from touching your home to prevent easy access.
✔ Store Firewood Away: Keep stacked wood at least 20 feet away from your home’s foundation.
What to Do If You Have a Carpenter Ant Problem
DIY treatments like ant sprays may kill a few ants, but they won’t reach the main colony, which can be deep inside your home’s structure. Professional treatments are the best way to eliminate the infestation completely.
At Paragon Pest Control, we use targeted methods to:
✔ Locate & Destroy the Colony – Using advanced techniques to find hidden nests.
✔ Apply Safe, Effective Treatments – Eliminating ants while protecting your home.
✔ Provide Preventative Solutions – Sealing entry points and recommending moisture control.