Signs of Carpenter Ants & How to Get Rid of Them
Carpenter ants are one of the most destructive pests in North Carolina homes. Unlike termites, they don’t eat wood; they tunnel through it. That means they can weaken structural elements without leaving obvious signs until the damage is done.
If you're seeing large black ants or hearing faint rustling in your walls, it's time to take a closer look. Here's how to identify a carpenter ant infestation and the best ways to get rid of them before they cause serious damage.
What Are Carpenter Ants?
Carpenter ants are large ants, usually black or dark reddish, that nest in wood. In Raleigh and surrounding areas, they’re especially active in spring and summer, thriving in damp, decaying, or hollow wood.
While they don’t eat the wood like termites, they chew it to create galleries for nesting. Over time, this can compromise the structural integrity of your home. Not sure if you are dealing with termites or carpenter ants? Check out this help guide on how to tell the difference between termites and carpenter ants.
7 Common Signs of Carpenter Ants
Wondering if you have carpenter ants? Look for these key signs:
- Large black ants inside your home
- Especially near windows, doors, or water sources like sinks and dishwashers.
- Sawdust-like material (frass)
- Carpenter ants push out debris as they tunnel. You may find piles of frass below baseboards or in crawlspaces.
- Rustling or faint chewing sounds
- In quiet areas, you might hear activity inside the walls.
- Hollow-sounding wood
- Tap baseboards or wooden beams—if it sounds hollow, ants may be inside.
- Shed wings or swarmers
- Reproductive ants may swarm inside or near your home, often in spring.
- Moisture damage or leaks
- Carpenter ants are drawn to damp wood. Homes with plumbing issues, roof leaks, or poor ventilation are at higher risk.
- Ant trails or nests outdoors
- If you see trails of large ants outside, especially on trees, decks, or fences, they may be nesting nearby.
How to Get Rid of Carpenter Ants
1. Locate the Carpenter Ant Nest
Killing foraging ants won’t solve the problem. You have to find and eliminate the nest, which may be indoors, outdoors, or both. Pros use tools like moisture meters, borescopes, and bait tracking to locate hidden colonies.
2. Use Targeted Carpenter Ant Treatments
Professional-grade insecticides, baits, and dusts can eliminate entire colonies; not just surface activity. Treatments should be applied inside wall voids, behind trim, and in active nesting zones.
3. Seal Easy Ant Entry Points
Once the colony is gone, seal up cracks, gaps, and utility lines where ants may enter. This helps prevent re-infestation.
4. Fix Any Leaks & Address Moisture Issues
Address leaks, ventilation, and rotted wood. Moisture is the top attractant for carpenter ants and many other pests in Raleigh homes.
5. Schedule Professional Pest Control Service
DIY solutions rarely work long-term. Our licensed team can:
- Locate hidden nests
- Apply safe, effective treatments
- Protect your home with a preventative plan
Why Carpenter Ants Keep Coming Back
Even after a treatment, carpenter ants can return if:
- A satellite colony wasn’t found
- Entry points remain open
- Moisture problems weren’t resolved
That’s why follow-up visits and inspection-based plans are key. We offer quarterly pest protection plans tailored to Raleigh homes and businesses, ensuring carpenter ants stay gone for good.
Serving Raleigh & Surrounding Areas
Our team works from across the Triangle all the way to North Myrtle Beach inclulding:
- Fuquay-Varina pest control
- Durham pest control
- Fayetteville home pest control
- Wilmington pest control
- North Myrtle Beach pest control
- And more. Check out our full service areas here.
Whether it’s a residential issue or a recurring commercial problem, we’ve got the tools to help.
FAQ: Carpenter Ants in Raleigh Homes
Q: What’s the difference between carpenter ants and termites?
A: Termites eat wood, while carpenter ants tunnel through it. Ants are usually larger with bent antennae and narrow waists. Termites have straight antennae and equal-sized wings.
Q: Are carpenter ants dangerous?
A: While they don’t sting or bite often, they are destructive to homes. Their tunneling can weaken wood over time and lead to costly repairs.
Q: Can I treat carpenter ants myself?
A: DIY sprays may kill some ants but rarely reach the nest. Without locating and eliminating the colony, infestations will return.
Q: When are carpenter ants most active in Raleigh?
A: Spring and early summer are peak activity times, especially after rainfall or warm, humid weather.
Q: How soon should I call a pest control company?
A: As soon as you notice signs like frass, swarming ants, or wood damage. Early treatment prevents structural issues and higher costs.
Schedule Carpenter Ant Control in North Carolina
Don’t wait until the damage is done. If you’ve noticed any of the signs above, call Pest & Termite Consultants at (919) 246-8831 or request a free inspection.
We’ll help you identify carpenter ants, eliminate the nest, and put a plan in place to keep them out; guaranteed.
