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Signs You Have a Carpenter Ant Problem

As a homeowner, it’s important to be aware of any signs of a carpenter ant infestation. These pesky insects can cause significant damage to the wood in your home, which can be expensive to repair. In this blog post, we’ll go over the signs that you may have a carpenter ant problem, what damage they can cause, and what you can do to prevent them from coming into your home.

Visible Ants:

One of the most obvious signs of a carpenter ant infestation is seeing large ants in or around your home. Carpenter ants can vary in size from 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch in length and have a black, red, or brown color. If you see more than just a few of them, it’s likely that there is a colony nearby. Keep in mind that carpenter ants do not eat wood, but they do excavate it to make their nests.

Sawdust:

Carpenter ants create galleries within wood, which leads to sawdust-like debris known as frass. If you see piles of sawdust near wooden structures in your home, it could be a sign of a carpenter ant infestation. Be sure to check for frass in areas like window sills, baseboards, and areas near plumbing.

Wood Damage:

Carpenter ants do not eat wood, but rather they excavate it for their nests. This can cause significant damage to the wood in your home, especially if the infestation is left untreated. You may notice wood with small holes, the sound of a rustling noise within the walls, or a hollow sound when knocking on wooden structures.

Rustling Noise:

If you hear a rustling or crackling noise from inside your walls or wooden structures, it could be a sign of a carpenter ant infestation. The noise is caused by the ants excavating the wood for their nest. If you hear this sound, it’s important to have a professional inspect your home, as the damage could be significant.

Presence of Wings:

As carpenter ant colonies grow, they may produce winged ants that leave the colony to start new ones. If you see winged ants around your home, it could be a sign that there is a nearby carpenter ant colony. Be sure to keep an eye out for other signs of infestation, such as frass or wood damage.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to act quickly and contact a professional to inspect your home. Carpenter ants can cause significant damage to the wood in your home, which can be expensive to repair. Prevention is key, so be sure to keep your home clean and free of any potential food sources for ants. Seal any holes or cracks in your home’s exterior and keep wood piles away from your home. If you suspect that you have a carpenter ant problem, don’t wait to take action – it’s better to deal with the problem sooner rather than later.