What Are Carpenter Ants?

Carpenter ants are aptly named because they tunnel and nest inside wood. As one of the largest house-invading species of ants living in the United States, the carpenter ant grows between 1/4 and 1/2 inches long. These ants have a segmented, oval body, and workers have large, powerful mandibles they use to chew through wood. Carpenter ants are black, red, or a combination of these colors.

Carpenter Ant Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Are carpenter ants dangerous?

Carpenter ants are dangerous, posing a significant danger to properties. They are often confused with termites; however, these are two completely different species of wood-destroying insects. The most notable difference being the two are that termites feed on the wood they have invaded, while carpenter ants do not. Carpenter ants only tunnel through wood to create a nesting site for their colony. When living and nesting inside a home their nesting habits will, over time, create significant and costly damage.

Why do I have a carpenter ant problem?

Carpenter ants are moisture-seeking pests and are attracted to water-damaged wood. Carpenter ants feed on a variety of things, including proteins and sugars. They also infiltrate properties that offer them easy access to their favorite food sources—open trash containers, compost piles, gardens, pet food bowls, and outdoor eating areas. Carpenter ants will also take advantage of openings that lead inside your home to search for food or to create a satellite nest.

Where will I find carpenter ants?

Carpenter ants most often nest outside and can be seen around lawns, gardens, walkways, and decks. They build their nests in things like dead trees and stumps, old piles of firewood, and in rotting fence posts. When carpenter ants find their way indoors, they look for areas of moisture or water damage. Inside, they usually nest behind wall voids, in structural wood near water pipes, in damp crawlspaces, and behind wooden windows and door frames.

How do I get rid of carpenter ants?

Locally owned and family-operated, All-Safe Pest & Termite is the best choice to get rid of carpenter ants from your home or business. We offer fast response times and peace of mind knowing that your pest problems will be solved, and they won’t return. Our experienced pest professionals provide top-quality pest control services using the latest and most effective products to eliminate carpenter ants from Dallas properties. Discover why your neighbors choose All-Safe Pest & Termite for their pest control needs. Give us a call today!

How can I prevent carpenter ants in the future?

Prevent problems with carpenter ants by partnering with All-Safe Pest & Termite, and by implementing the following prevention tips:

• Remove fallen trees, tree stumps, old wood piles, and other wooden debris from your yard.
• Place a stone or crushed rock barrier between your foundation and any mulch or grass.
• To prevent water from seeping inside your home, install weatherstripping around windows and doors, and keep gutters clear.
• Inspect the exterior of your house and seal up any openings in the foundation, walls, or roofline.
• Use a dehumidifier to dry out your crawl space and your basement if your home has one.
• Store garbage cans and compost bins up off of the ground and away from the outside of your home. They should also have locking lids or otherwise be tightly sealed.
• Pick up fallen fruits and vegetables in garden areas.
• Pick up uneaten pet food between feedings.
• Keep food in the refrigerator or inside containers with airtight lids.