Carpenter Ants: Identification, Damage, and Effective Control

Carpenter ants are large (⅜–½ inch; winged queens up to 1 inch), usually black, sometimes red or yellow. They nest in moist, decaying wood, excavating smooth galleries and leaving sawdust‑like frass.

Signs of Infestation

• Frass piles near wood.
• Foraging trails to food (sweets, meats, grease).
• Rustling sounds in walls at night.

Prevention

• Eliminate moisture sources; replace water‑damaged wood.
• Store firewood away from structures.
• Remove rotting trees and stumps.

Professional Treatment Required

Spraying foragers doesn’t kill the colony. Pros locate the main nest (and satellite colonies), apply targeted baits or non‑repellent insecticides, and provide follow‑up to ensure eradication.