Seeing an occasional ant is normal, but spotting a large, black ant (the size of a paper clip or larger) could be an early warning sign of a serious pest problem. Carpenter ants are wood-destroying insects that pose a significant threat to the integrity of a structure. Knowing the key indicators is essential for early action and preventing costly damage.
Here are the most common and critical signs of a carpenter ant infestation inside your house:
1. Sawdust-like Piles (Frass)
This is the clearest indication of an active nest. Carpenter ants bore tunnels through wood but do not consume it; they simply push the debris out. This coarse, sawdust-like material, known as frass, is a mixture of wood shavings, soil, dead ant parts, and insect fragments. Look for these small, often crescent-shaped piles near:
- Baseboards, window sills, or door frames.
- Areas near the foundation or wooden supports.
- In the basement, attic, or crawl spaces.
2. Rustling Sounds in the Walls
In a quiet house, you might be able to hear the sound of the ants chewing and rustling as they actively excavate their tunnels. This sound is faint, often described as a dry crackling or crunching noise coming from inside walls, ceilings, or wooden supports. Since carpenter ants are nocturnal, the sound is often most noticeable late at night.
3. Presence of “Swarmers”
Winged ants, known as “swarmers,” are the reproductive members of the colony that fly out to establish new nests. If you find a cluster of large, black, winged ants indoors—especially near a window or light source—it signifies that a mature, well-established colony is nesting inside your walls or foundation. Unlike termites, carpenter ant swarmers have bent antennae and a constricted middle section (a distinct waist).
4. Visible Wood Damage
While difficult to spot early, extensive infestations can present as small, rectangular “kick-out” holes in wood surfaces, which are the ants’ exit points for the frass. The wood around the nest areas may also sound hollow or feel soft and spongy when tapped, indicating moisture damage—the preferred nesting site for these ants.
If you recognize any of these signs, it is crucial to call a professional pest control service immediately. Carpenter ant colonies are complex and require professional identification and targeted treatment to ensure the entire nest is eliminated.
Suspect a carpenter ant problem? The sooner you act, the less damage they can do. Call Pestward immediately for an expert inspection!