Carpenter ants can cause significant destruction to a home if they remain undetected for an extended period. For this reason, it’s important to know how to locate their nesting spots and how to remove the colony effectively to avoid costly damages. A pest control service is an ideal resource to rid your home of these destructive insects. The following guide provides valuable information for locating colonies around your property.

A Guide to Locating Carpenter Ants 

How to Identify Carpenter Ants 

Carpenter ants send scouts out from the colony in search of food. They don’t travel in large groups, so it’s likely you may see a single one here and there when they come out of hiding. They’re usually black or dark red and are larger than normal ants, growing 7-12 mm on average. They will have one node between the thorax and abdomen and can have wings if they’re still swarming. Swarmers are a sign of a mature nest nearby and warrant an immediate call to your pest control professional. 

Where Colonies Are Hidden 

Carpenter ants can establish their nests either indoors or outside. Parent colonies generally reside outdoors, while worker colonies prefer to live in damp wood indoors. They’ll infest wood that has already been damaged by other pests or has come into contact with a great deal of moisture from leaking or sweating pipes. Though they don’t consume wood as termites do, they’ll burrow in to make their nests. Some of the most common places for them to set up colonies include door and window frames, in wall cavities, chimneys, logs, and tree stumps. 

Signs of an Infestation & Prevention Methods 

If you suspect carpenter ants are residing in your home, tap on your wooden surfaces and listen for a hollow sound or the sound of ants scurrying from their nest. Other indications of a nearby colony include sawdust-like material left behind from boring into their nests, visible wood damage, and discarded wings around the windowsill.

If you notice these signs, it’s time to set up an appointment with a pest control service. To prevent further problems, keep firewood several feet from the house, fix water leaks immediately, seal foundation cracks, and store food in tightly sealed containers.

If you’re experiencing a carpenter ant problem in your home, you can rely on Extermination Services, Inc. in Port Orchard, WA, to provide a prompt and affordable solution. With nearly 30 years of experience, they can help protect your property and make recommendations for avoiding future infestations. Call (360) 895-1890 to schedule a pest control service or visit them online for more information on the products and removal methods they use.