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How To Get Rid of Carpenter Ants in 4 DIY Steps Author Sam Wasson

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How To Get Rid of Carpenter Ants in 4 DIY Steps - Today’s Homeowner

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I’m here to give you our best DIY advice on how to get rid of carpenter ants. This guide will tell you how to identifying carpenter ants, kill their nests,

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Jeffrey Hahn, Carpenter ants, 2024, https://extension.umn.edu/insects-infest-homes/carpenter-ants#what-to-expect-from-a-pest-management-service-104014

"In most cases, you need a pest management professional to treat carpenter ants. Pest management professionals are experienced in inspecting properties, locating nests, baiting techniques and correct application of pesticides. So, they can more effectively and quickly control carpenter ants."

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Authors: Jeffrey Hahn, former Extension entomologist and Stephen Kells, Extension entomologist

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Identifying carpenter antsCarpenter ants are among the largest ants in Minnesota. There are several species that may be found infesting homes and other buildings. How to recognize carpenter ants:

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Author: John Lonsbury

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Adam's Pest Control - We'll get rid of whatever is bugging you, guaranteed

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Carpenter Ant Damage: 4 Warning Stages from initial sightings to structural damage. Protect your home with insights from Adam's Pest Control.

There are a lot of things that can damage a home. Water can get into gaps and cracks and cause wood rot and mold to take root over time. Yearly attacks from snow and ice can wreck your roof and damage your roofline. The sun can dry out your siding and cause the colors to fade. But the worst threat to your equity isn't the weather. It's the nearly endless number of bugs and rodents that live around your home. And, in our Minnesota service area, one of the worst pests we deal with are carpenter ants. Not that they are more invasive or more destructive than other pests. What makes them a pernicious pest is the way they damage a home. Carpenter ants don't chew on the outside of your wood, where you can see them and stop them; they chew on the inside of your wood. And, if you don't know what warning signs to look for, they can do this for years. Here's what every homeowner should know about carpenter ants.

How To Know You Have Carpenter Ant
Stage One:
Hopefully, this is the stage in which you detect these wood-destroying pests. When they first get in, they are going to send workers out to find food. If you see one of these worker ants, it is important to recognize it as a warning sign. Carpenter ants are not likely to raid your pantry and cabinets for food. They have a wide range of foods they can eat, and many of those foods are easier to acquire outside of your home. That means you're only likely to get one or two scouts walking around in your home, even if you have a large infestation.

Identification is key. Carpenter ants (camponotus pennsylvanicus) are the largest ants that get into homes. They're black. And they have a single node between the thorax and abdomen. You might be tempted to confuse them with pavement ants, which are also black. But pavement ants are around ⅛ of an inch and carpenter ants are around ⅝ of an inch.
Stage Two:
Once carpenter ants establish a nest, you may see stage two. This is the appearance of sawdust (frass) underneath the kickout holes that lead into their tunnels. Carpenter ants don't eat wood, like termites. They chew it and push it out.

Frass may be found in crawl spaces around your home in basement areas, garage spaces, window sills, decks, and secluded locations. It may be stuck to the walls underneath the kickout holes or piled up on surfaces.
Stage Three:
Often mistaken for stage one, this is the most obvious warning sign that you have carpenter ants. When flying ants appear on your window panes-even on the outside-it is usually a sign that you have a mature carpenter ant nest on your property. You may be tempted to use a vacuum to get rid of them and then shrug the whole incident off. But you shouldn't. Carpenter ant swarmers are male and female reproductives sent out from a mature nest with one purpose: establish more nests.
Stage Four:
This is the worst stage of all. When carpenter ants go untreated, they can cause supports to weaken and framing to warp. This leads to stuck doors, stuck windows, slopey floors, sinking ceilings, and bulging walls. Don't let this be the way you find out you have carpenter ants in your home.

What To Do If You See Signs Of Carpenter Ants

These are hard pests to get rid of. And, if you don't get them all, you may continue to have damage done to your home. We highly recommend calling a professional pest control company-and not just because we're a pest control company. We've heard too many stories of carpenter ant destruction. With the help of a trained pest control technician, this issue will be properly addressed, and you won't have to wonder if the ants are still in there, eating away at your equity.

A home is one of the largest investments a family will make. Protect your investment from carpenter ants by reaching out to Adam's Pest Control. Protecting health and property is what we do. Sign up for your free estimate, and let's get started.

For more information or to get a quote on an ant service, visit: More Information On Carpenter Ants And Ant Solutions

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Carpenter Ant Damage: 4 Warning Stages | Adam’s Pest Control

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Carpenter Ant Damage: 4 Warning Stages from initial sightings to structural damage. Protect your home with insights from Adam’s Pest Control.

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Author:

Stephanie Minasian-Koncewicz

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Carpenter ants are common across North America and can seriously damage your home. Unlike termites, they don't eat wood but dig through it to make their nests, which can weaken the structure over time. These ants usually start in damp or rotting wood but can spread to stronger wood, causing more damage that's hard to see and fix.

If you think you have carpenter ants, it's important to act fast. Our guide will help you find and remove them. However, since it's hard to know how bad an infestation is, we often suggest calling a professional pest control company. We'll also share our top picks for the best companies to handle carpenter ant problems.

Because carpenter ants build nests in wood, winged carpenter ants are sometimes confused with termites. Learning how to identify carpenter ants is the first step to treating the problem.

DIY carpenter ant removal is possible but difficult. Professional treatment is often the best choice, as licensed technicians have the equipment and know-how to access hidden nests while causing the least possible amount of structural damage to your home.

Ad Disclaimer

The listings that appear are from companies from which this website receives compensation, which may impact how, where and in what order products appear. This listing does not include all companies or all available offers and products.

Best General Pest Control

How Can You Identify Carpenter Ants?

There are multiple types of ant species, and they vary by color and size. However, the most common carpenter ants in North America are relatively large, from 1/4 inch up to 5/8 inch in length. They're usually black or reddish, and some may have wings. These wings assist the ants in swarming to find a new location for a colony, which happens in the spring-May through August in the Eastern U.S. and February through June in the West.

Because carpenter ants build nests in wood, winged carpenter ants are sometimes confused with termites. However, you can easily tell these two pests apart with the naked eye. Carpenter ants have a narrow "waist," or middle body segment (thorax), and their antennae have an angle to them, like an elbow. If these ants have wings, there are few veins, and the front pair of wings are longer than the rear pair.

Termites, on the other hand, have veiny wings, all four of which are the same size. They have straight antennae (no "elbow"), only have two body segments, and their midsections are thicker.

What Are Signs of Carpenter Ant Infestations?

Carpenter ants are often spotted before their nest is found. A few ants inside your home don't always mean there's a full-blown infestation-they may have wandered in from an outdoor colony. However, certain signs can indicate a larger problem:

Rustling Sounds: If you put your ear to an infested area, you might hear faint rustling noises from ants moving inside the wood.

Worker Ant Sightings: You'll likely notice worker ants foraging for food before discovering the nest.

Winged Swarms: If you see a group of winged carpenter ants (also called swarmers) in the spring, it's a strong sign that a mature colony is nearby. These swarms only appear when a colony has been established for at least two years.

Wood Damage: Look for small holes in wooden structures, as carpenter ants tunnel through wood to create their nests.

Sawdust Piles (Frass): Unlike termites, carpenter ants don't eat wood. Instead, they push it out of their tunnels, leaving behind small piles of coarse sawdust (frass) near entry points.

Carpenter ants most commonly nest in damp, decaying wood, so if you're looking for a nest, look in areas near water leaks like in bathrooms, under sinks, or around windows and door frames. However, getting rid of other ants, like odorous house and pavement ants, may require targeting nests in walls, floors, or near foundations.

What Threats Do Carpenter Ants Pose Your Home?

Where you live does matter-for example, the black carpenter ant that lives in the Northern U.S. is more likely to make its home indoors than southern species. Fortunately, carpenter ants don't pose a significant threat to your health, as they don't spread disease, and while their bites can be painful, they're not dangerous and they don't bite often.

However, the threat that carpenter ants pose to the structure of your home can be significant. Since they hollow wood out to build their nests, if they get into the wall voids of your house and stay there undetected, they can cause catastrophic levels of damage.

The good news is that carpenter ants don't do quite as much damage as termites, and they don't work as quickly. Since they must leave the nest to find food, they're also easier to spot. Nevertheless, once you spot the signs of a carpenter ant infestation, you need to act fast.

What Are DIY Methods to Get Rid of Carpenter Ants?

Because these insects live in hidden nests, it's important that you don't immediately start killing the first carpenter ants you see inside your home. The first step is to locate the nest so that you can destroy the colony.

Finding the Nest - Follow ants to locate entry points, use bait to lure them out, and listen for rustling sounds in wood. Carpenter ants are nocturnal, so checking at night increases your chances of spotting them.

Insecticides - Apply pyrethroid-based sprays or boric acid dust directly into nests, avoiding electrical areas. Drilling small holes in walls or wooden structures may help you reach hidden colonies.

Baits - Use carpenter ant-specific poisoned bait along trails, but be patient as it takes weeks to work. If ants ignore one type of bait, try switching between sweet and protein-based options.

Desiccants - Apply diatomaceous earth to dry out and kill ants, but avoid inhaling the fine dust. This method works best when applied directly to the nest or in crevices where ants travel.

Natural Solutions - Avoid repellents until the colony is eliminated, as they may force ants deeper into your home. Focus on killing the colony first before using essential oils or deterrents to prevent future infestations.

When Should You Call a Professional for Carpenter Ant Removal?

Unfortunately, because carpenter ants can nest deep within the structure of your home, they're difficult to remove on your own. If you haven't had success with DIY methods, it's better to call a professional exterminator sooner rather than later.

A pest control company has access to better equipment and pesticidal products than most homeowners, and licensed technicians know how to access hidden nests while causing the least possible amount of structural damage to your home.

Our Top Picks for Professional Pest Control

Most professional exterminators should be able to take on a common pest like carpenter ants, but here are our top picks:

Terminix

Terminix offers a premium ant plan for getting rid of carpenter ants, in which trained technicians will locate and treat the primary colony as well as any satellite colonies.

Terminix

#1 out of 40 reviewed companies

Orkin

With more than 400 locations across the country, Orkin is almost guaranteed to have a branch to serve you. If you purchase one of the company's residential treatment plans, you'll qualify for the Orkin Guarantee, a money-back offer that's good for 30 days after treatment.

Best General Pest Control

Orkin

#3 out of 40 reviewed companies

Aptive Environmental

Aptive Environmental, founded in 2015, offers customizable pest control services across 24 states, focusing on environmentally responsible solutions. The company provides a comprehensive Four-Seasons Protection Plan, which includes an initial inspection followed by quarterly treatments targeting a variety of common household pests. However, Aptive does not offer services for termites or bed bugs. While the company holds a B+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, it has faced lawsuits related to aggressive sales tactics and alleged misuse of customer data.

Frequently Asked Questions About Carpenter Ants

Whether you've just treated an infestation or you want to avoid one in the first place, here are some tips for carpenter ant control and prevention.

Keep food in tightly sealed containers.

Fix water leaks in or around your home to prevent wood damage that may offer a potential home to carpenter ants.

Improve ventilation or use a dehumidifier in damp, enclosed areas of your home like crawl spaces or basements.

Trim back any tree branches or other foliage that touches your siding or roof. Move rotting wood piles, mulch, or mounds of soil away from the sides of your home.

Seal holes or cracks around vents, pipes, or wires with caulk.

Hire a professional to apply a perimeter treatment around your home or yard.

Termites produce a mud-like material as waste from eating wood, which they'll leave behind in their nests; carpenter ant colonies only leave behind wood shavings. Holes and tunnels created by termites have a rougher look, whereas those created by ants look smooth and polished. If you're unsure, contact a pest control professional to perform an inspection.

Carpenter ants don't eat wood-they prefer honeydew, a sugary liquid secreted by aphids. In fact, carpenter ants actively "farm" nearby aphids for this food. However, in a pinch, they can feed on nearly anything.

Pest control costs vary based on factors such as the type of pest, severity of infestation, treatment method, and property size. On average, homeowners can expect to pay between $300 and $500 for a one-time treatment.

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Learn how to identify a carpenter ant infestation in or near your home and then permanently get rid of the colony, either yourself or with professional help.

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Country Living by Terry Robertson

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An Entomologist Says This Is a Telltale Sign You Have Carpenter Ants

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Don’t mess around if this wood-destroying pest infests your home.

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How to Identify and Get Rid of Carpenter Ants

Rodger Harris

How to Identify and Get Rid of Carpenter Ants

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Author:
Stephanie Minasian-Koncewicz

Title:

How to Get Rid of Carpenter Ants

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Carpenter ants are common across North America and can seriously damage your home. Unlike termites, they don't eat wood but dig through it to make their nests, which can weaken the structure over time. These ants usually start in damp or rotting wood but can spread to stronger wood, causing more damage that's hard to see and fix.

If you think you have carpenter ants, it's important to act fast. Our guide will help you find and remove them. However, since it's hard to know how bad an infestation is, we often suggest calling a professional pest control company. We'll also share our top picks for the best companies to handle carpenter ant problems.

Because carpenter ants build nests in wood, winged carpenter ants are sometimes confused with termites. Learning how to identify carpenter ants is the first step to treating the problem.

DIY carpenter ant removal is possible but difficult. Professional treatment is often the best choice, as licensed technicians have the equipment and know-how to access hidden nests while causing the least possible amount of structural damage to your home.

Ad Disclaimer

The listings that appear are from companies from which this website receives compensation, which may impact how, where and in what order products appear. This listing does not include all companies or all available offers and products.

Best General Pest Control

How Can You Identify Carpenter Ants?

There are multiple types of ant species, and they vary by color and size. However, the most common carpenter ants in North America are relatively large, from 1/4 inch up to 5/8 inch in length. They're usually black or reddish, and some may have wings. These wings assist the ants in swarming to find a new location for a colony, which happens in the spring-May through August in the Eastern U.S. and February through June in the West.

Because carpenter ants build nests in wood, winged carpenter ants are sometimes confused with termites. However, you can easily tell these two pests apart with the naked eye. Carpenter ants have a narrow "waist," or middle body segment (thorax), and their antennae have an angle to them, like an elbow. If these ants have wings, there are few veins, and the front pair of wings are longer than the rear pair.

Termites, on the other hand, have veiny wings, all four of which are the same size. They have straight antennae (no "elbow"), only have two body segments, and their midsections are thicker.

What Are Signs of Carpenter Ant Infestations?

Carpenter ants are often spotted before their nest is found. A few ants inside your home don't always mean there's a full-blown infestation-they may have wandered in from an outdoor colony. However, certain signs can indicate a larger problem:

Rustling Sounds: If you put your ear to an infested area, you might hear faint rustling noises from ants moving inside the wood.

Worker Ant Sightings: You'll likely notice worker ants foraging for food before discovering the nest.

Winged Swarms: If you see a group of winged carpenter ants (also called swarmers) in the spring, it's a strong sign that a mature colony is nearby. These swarms only appear when a colony has been established for at least two years.

Wood Damage: Look for small holes in wooden structures, as carpenter ants tunnel through wood to create their nests.

Sawdust Piles (Frass): Unlike termites, carpenter ants don't eat wood. Instead, they push it out of their tunnels, leaving behind small piles of coarse sawdust (frass) near entry points.

Carpenter ants most commonly nest in damp, decaying wood, so if you're looking for a nest, look in areas near water leaks like in bathrooms, under sinks, or around windows and door frames. However, getting rid of other ants, like odorous house and pavement ants, may require targeting nests in walls, floors, or near foundations.

What Threats Do Carpenter Ants Pose Your Home?

Where you live does matter-for example, the black carpenter ant that lives in the Northern U.S. is more likely to make its home indoors than southern species. Fortunately, carpenter ants don't pose a significant threat to your health, as they don't spread disease, and while their bites can be painful, they're not dangerous and they don't bite often.

However, the threat that carpenter ants pose to the structure of your home can be significant. Since they hollow wood out to build their nests, if they get into the wall voids of your house and stay there undetected, they can cause catastrophic levels of damage.

The good news is that carpenter ants don't do quite as much damage as termites, and they don't work as quickly. Since they must leave the nest to find food, they're also easier to spot. Nevertheless, once you spot the signs of a carpenter ant infestation, you need to act fast.

What Are DIY Methods to Get Rid of Carpenter Ants?

Because these insects live in hidden nests, it's important that you don't immediately start killing the first carpenter ants you see inside your home. The first step is to locate the nest so that you can destroy the colony.

Finding the Nest - Follow ants to locate entry points, use bait to lure them out, and listen for rustling sounds in wood. Carpenter ants are nocturnal, so checking at night increases your chances of spotting them.

Insecticides - Apply pyrethroid-based sprays or boric acid dust directly into nests, avoiding electrical areas. Drilling small holes in walls or wooden structures may help you reach hidden colonies.

Baits - Use carpenter ant-specific poisoned bait along trails, but be patient as it takes weeks to work. If ants ignore one type of bait, try switching between sweet and protein-based options.

Desiccants - Apply diatomaceous earth to dry out and kill ants, but avoid inhaling the fine dust. This method works best when applied directly to the nest or in crevices where ants travel.

Natural Solutions - Avoid repellents until the colony is eliminated, as they may force ants deeper into your home. Focus on killing the colony first before using essential oils or deterrents to prevent future infestations.

When Should You Call a Professional for Carpenter Ant Removal?

Unfortunately, because carpenter ants can nest deep within the structure of your home, they're difficult to remove on your own. If you haven't had success with DIY methods, it's better to call a professional exterminator sooner rather than later.

A pest control company has access to better equipment and pesticidal products than most homeowners, and licensed technicians know how to access hidden nests while causing the least possible amount of structural damage to your home.

Our Top Picks for Professional Pest Control

Most professional exterminators should be able to take on a common pest like carpenter ants, but here are our top picks:

Terminix

Terminix offers a premium ant plan for getting rid of carpenter ants, in which trained technicians will locate and treat the primary colony as well as any satellite colonies.

Terminix

#1 out of 40 reviewed companies

Orkin

With more than 400 locations across the country, Orkin is almost guaranteed to have a branch to serve you. If you purchase one of the company's residential treatment plans, you'll qualify for the Orkin Guarantee, a money-back offer that's good for 30 days after treatment.

Best General Pest Control

Orkin

#3 out of 40 reviewed companies

Aptive Environmental

Aptive Environmental, founded in 2015, offers customizable pest control services across 24 states, focusing on environmentally responsible solutions. The company provides a comprehensive Four-Seasons Protection Plan, which includes an initial inspection followed by quarterly treatments targeting a variety of common household pests. However, Aptive does not offer services for termites or bed bugs. While the company holds a B+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, it has faced lawsuits related to aggressive sales tactics and alleged misuse of customer data.

Frequently Asked Questions About Carpenter Ants

Whether you've just treated an infestation or you want to avoid one in the first place, here are some tips for carpenter ant control and prevention.

Keep food in tightly sealed containers.

Fix water leaks in or around your home to prevent wood damage that may offer a potential home to carpenter ants.

Improve ventilation or use a dehumidifier in damp, enclosed areas of your home like crawl spaces or basements.

Trim back any tree branches or other foliage that touches your siding or roof. Move rotting wood piles, mulch, or mounds of soil away from the sides of your home.

Seal holes or cracks around vents, pipes, or wires with caulk.

Hire a professional to apply a perimeter treatment around your home or yard.

Termites produce a mud-like material as waste from eating wood, which they'll leave behind in their nests; carpenter ant colonies only leave behind wood shavings. Holes and tunnels created by termites have a rougher look, whereas those created by ants look smooth and polished. If you're unsure, contact a pest control professional to perform an inspection.

Carpenter ants don't eat wood-they prefer honeydew, a sugary liquid secreted by aphids. In fact, carpenter ants actively "farm" nearby aphids for this food. However, in a pinch, they can feed on nearly anything.

Pest control costs vary based on factors such as the type of pest, severity of infestation, treatment method, and property size. On average, homeowners can expect to pay between $300 and $500 for a one-time treatment.

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Learn how to identify a carpenter ant infestation in or near your home and then permanently get rid of the colony, either yourself or with professional help.

# data[].attributes.body
How To Get Rid of Carpenter Ants

Author:Stephanie Minasian-Koncewicz

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Carpenter ants are common across North America and can seriously damage your home. Unlike termites, they don't eat wood but dig through it to make their nests, which can weaken the structure over time. These ants usually start in damp or rotting wood but can spread to stronger wood, causing more damage that's hard to see and fix.

If you think you have carpenter ants, it's important to act fast. Our guide will help you find and remove them. However, since it's hard to know how bad an infestation is, we often suggest calling a professional pest control company. We'll also share our top picks for the best companies to handle carpenter ant problems.

Because carpenter ants build nests in wood, winged carpenter ants are sometimes confused with termites. Learning how to identify carpenter ants is the first step to treating the problem.

DIY carpenter ant removal is possible but difficult. Professional treatment is often the best choice, as licensed technicians have the equipment and know-how to access hidden nests while causing the least possible amount of structural damage to your home.

Ad Disclaimer

The listings that appear are from companies from which this website receives compensation, which may impact how, where and in what order products appear. This listing does not include all companies or all available offers and products.

Best General Pest Control

How Can You Identify Carpenter Ants?

There are multiple types of ant species, and they vary by color and size. However, the most common carpenter ants in North America are relatively large, from 1/4 inch up to 5/8 inch in length. They're usually black or reddish, and some may have wings. These wings assist the ants in swarming to find a new location for a colony, which happens in the spring-May through August in the Eastern U.S. and February through June in the West.

Because carpenter ants build nests in wood, winged carpenter ants are sometimes confused with termites. However, you can easily tell these two pests apart with the naked eye. Carpenter ants have a narrow "waist," or middle body segment (thorax), and their antennae have an angle to them, like an elbow. If these ants have wings, there are few veins, and the front pair of wings are longer than the rear pair.

Termites, on the other hand, have veiny wings, all four of which are the same size. They have straight antennae (no "elbow"), only have two body segments, and their midsections are thicker.

What Are Signs of Carpenter Ant Infestations?

Carpenter ants are often spotted before their nest is found. A few ants inside your home don't always mean there's a full-blown infestation-they may have wandered in from an outdoor colony. However, certain signs can indicate a larger problem:

Rustling Sounds: If you put your ear to an infested area, you might hear faint rustling noises from ants moving inside the wood.

Worker Ant Sightings: You'll likely notice worker ants foraging for food before discovering the nest.

Winged Swarms: If you see a group of winged carpenter ants (also called swarmers) in the spring, it's a strong sign that a mature colony is nearby. These swarms only appear when a colony has been established for at least two years.

Wood Damage: Look for small holes in wooden structures, as carpenter ants tunnel through wood to create their nests.

Sawdust Piles (Frass): Unlike termites, carpenter ants don't eat wood. Instead, they push it out of their tunnels, leaving behind small piles of coarse sawdust (frass) near entry points.

Carpenter ants most commonly nest in damp, decaying wood, so if you're looking for a nest, look in areas near water leaks like in bathrooms, under sinks, or around windows and door frames. However, getting rid of other ants, like odorous house and pavement ants, may require targeting nests in walls, floors, or near foundations.

What Threats Do Carpenter Ants Pose Your Home?

Where you live does matter-for example, the black carpenter ant that lives in the Northern U.S. is more likely to make its home indoors than southern species. Fortunately, carpenter ants don't pose a significant threat to your health, as they don't spread disease, and while their bites can be painful, they're not dangerous and they don't bite often.

However, the threat that carpenter ants pose to the structure of your home can be significant. Since they hollow wood out to build their nests, if they get into the wall voids of your house and stay there undetected, they can cause catastrophic levels of damage.

The good news is that carpenter ants don't do quite as much damage as termites, and they don't work as quickly. Since they must leave the nest to find food, they're also easier to spot. Nevertheless, once you spot the signs of a carpenter ant infestation, you need to act fast.

What Are DIY Methods to Get Rid of Carpenter Ants?

Because these insects live in hidden nests, it's important that you don't immediately start killing the first carpenter ants you see inside your home. The first step is to locate the nest so that you can destroy the colony.

Finding the Nest - Follow ants to locate entry points, use bait to lure them out, and listen for rustling sounds in wood. Carpenter ants are nocturnal, so checking at night increases your chances of spotting them.

Insecticides - Apply pyrethroid-based sprays or boric acid dust directly into nests, avoiding electrical areas. Drilling small holes in walls or wooden structures may help you reach hidden colonies.

Baits - Use carpenter ant-specific poisoned bait along trails, but be patient as it takes weeks to work. If ants ignore one type of bait, try switching between sweet and protein-based options.

Desiccants - Apply diatomaceous earth to dry out and kill ants, but avoid inhaling the fine dust. This method works best when applied directly to the nest or in crevices where ants travel.

Natural Solutions - Avoid repellents until the colony is eliminated, as they may force ants deeper into your home. Focus on killing the colony first before using essential oils or deterrents to prevent future infestations.

When Should You Call a Professional for Carpenter Ant Removal?

Unfortunately, because carpenter ants can nest deep within the structure of your home, they're difficult to remove on your own. If you haven't had success with DIY methods, it's better to call a professional exterminator sooner rather than later.

A pest control company has access to better equipment and pesticidal products than most homeowners, and licensed technicians know how to access hidden nests while causing the least possible amount of structural damage to your home.

Our Top Picks for Professional Pest Control

Most professional exterminators should be able to take on a common pest like carpenter ants, but here are our top picks:

Terminix

Terminix offers a premium ant plan for getting rid of carpenter ants, in which trained technicians will locate and treat the primary colony as well as any satellite colonies.

Terminix

#1 out of 40 reviewed companies

Orkin

With more than 400 locations across the country, Orkin is almost guaranteed to have a branch to serve you. If you purchase one of the company's residential treatment plans, you'll qualify for the Orkin Guarantee, a money-back offer that's good for 30 days after treatment.

Best General Pest Control

Orkin

#3 out of 40 reviewed companies

Aptive Environmental

Aptive Environmental, founded in 2015, offers customizable pest control services across 24 states, focusing on environmentally responsible solutions. The company provides a comprehensive Four-Seasons Protection Plan, which includes an initial inspection followed by quarterly treatments targeting a variety of common household pests. However, Aptive does not offer services for termites or bed bugs. While the company holds a B+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, it has faced lawsuits related to aggressive sales tactics and alleged misuse of customer data.

Frequently Asked Questions About Carpenter Ants

Whether you've just treated an infestation or you want to avoid one in the first place, here are some tips for carpenter ant control and prevention.

Keep food in tightly sealed containers.

Fix water leaks in or around your home to prevent wood damage that may offer a potential home to carpenter ants.

Improve ventilation or use a dehumidifier in damp, enclosed areas of your home like crawl spaces or basements.

Trim back any tree branches or other foliage that touches your siding or roof. Move rotting wood piles, mulch, or mounds of soil away from the sides of your home.

Seal holes or cracks around vents, pipes, or wires with caulk.

Hire a professional to apply a perimeter treatment around your home or yard.

Termites produce a mud-like material as waste from eating wood, which they'll leave behind in their nests; carpenter ant colonies only leave behind wood shavings. Holes and tunnels created by termites have a rougher look, whereas those created by ants look smooth and polished. If you're unsure, contact a pest control professional to perform an inspection.

Carpenter ants don't eat wood-they prefer honeydew, a sugary liquid secreted by aphids. In fact, carpenter ants actively "farm" nearby aphids for this food. However, in a pinch, they can feed on nearly anything.

Pest control costs vary based on factors such as the type of pest, severity of infestation, treatment method, and property size. On average, homeowners can expect to pay between $300 and $500 for a one-time treatment.

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Learn how to identify a carpenter ant infestation in or near your home and then permanently get rid of the colony, either yourself or with professional help.

# data[].attributes.body
"DIY Pest Control"

Author: Tom Cline

https://diypestcontrol.com/about-us-do-it-yourself-pest-control?_gl=1*1ubqwli*_up*MQ..*_gs*MQ..&gclid=CjwKCAjwisnGBhAXEiwA0zEOR07TThRb0iYwZL6ay1eGcbO_XkE9AtESAwHCy3b1oceG0FWPwRnGExoCtV0QAvD_BwE&gbraid=0AAAAAD_uw5fZfsVboMhRUAToTzQPxdiYV

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Pro Pest Products, doing business as "Do It Yourself Pest Control", has been a family business since its inception. Tom Cline, the founder of Do-It-Yourself Pest Control, serviced and supplied pest control companies beginning in 1959. He was a pioneer in the pest control industry. Tom Cline passed away in 2007. Tom and his son Walt opened the retail store: Do-It-Yourself Pest Control, Inc. in 1982. The innovative concept of doing your own pest control was well-received in the metro-Atlanta area and throughout the United States via a mail order catalog.

The original Do-It-Yourself Pest Control Store went online in 1996 at www.doyourownpestcontrol.com , under the headship of Tom's daughter, Cindy Cline-Lord. It is the original online pest control supply company to homeowners and pest control operators. They strive to be the best in their wide range of products and product knowledge.They offer fast shipping by operating two shipping warehouses on both the east and west coasts (Georgia and Arizona).

Their technical staff of certified pest control operators always welcome your phone calls and e-mails.

Suwanee Magazine (June 2016)

By: Rachel Pillow

With summer in full swing many of us take advantage of the weather by hosting backyard BBQs and pool parties. But, with the onset of summer, comes the onset of annoying pests: mosquitoes, roaches, fleas, spiders, ants and more. These unwanted guests especially love the humid, Georgia air and our lush, green yards. Worse still, some of them like to find refuge inside our homes.
With the help of Do- It-Yourself Pest Control, headquartered in Suwanee, Georgia, it is possible to enjoy being outside without being eaten alive, and it is possible to overcome the trail of ants that are marching through your back door, or the bedbugs that have found their way to your mattress.
Do-It-Yourself Pest Control has been family-owned and operated for nearly 35 years. Owner, Walt Cline, and his father founded the company in 1982 and soon thereafter brought on his sister and Managing Partner, Cindy Lord. Both Walt and Cindy still run the company today and recently hired even more family members: Walt's son, Fletcher, and daughter, Scotti. Walt's wife, Sherri, who is a retired Gwinnett educator, also comes into the office on a regular basis. "She's the office mom. She takes care of everyone and keeps me in line," he joked.

Do It Yourself Pest Control has 22 employees and 4 locations, including a retail store in Chamblee, Georgia and a warehouse in Arizona. The Suwanee retail shop opened in December of 2015. Primarily an e-commerce site before then, the brick and mortar addition has proved beneficial in the Suwanee community. Customers now have the opportunity to speak with pest control experts face-to-face and gain hands-on knowledge about the products. Online sales are still the hub of the company though. In 1996, they were one of the first to get online with retail pest control. Today, they ship thousands of products all across the US. Their website also serves as one of the top resources on the web for industry information and answers to questions such as, "How to get rid of fleas?" The resources pages and blog articles are not merely used as a platform to push products, but are a way for Do It Yourself Pest Control to offer advice that purely benefits the general public...such as, "Remove all standing water in your yard to help get rid of mosquitos."

Clients range from exterminators to landscapes to homeowners looking for affordable, easy-to-use pest control solutions. "We've found that a lot of homeowners want to do this themselves because they trust themselves and are invested in the care of their own home," said Fletcher. For people that don't know where to begin, they offer a variety of "starter kits" that include step-by-step instructions and very user-friendly products. The professional grade solutions you will find at Do It Yourself Pest Control rival that of any licensed, contracted exterminator and are leaps and bounds above the quality found in a big box retail store.

"We don't push products that we don't truly think people need," said Walt. "People are generally pretty unhappy when they have a pest problem, so we do our best to make them feel better about the situation and reassure them that it can be fixed," he continued.

With seven technicians available at anytime, including one Spanish-speaking technician, they offer full-time support to help walk through any pest problem their customers are trying to tackle. "At the end of the day our customers are very gracious and it's a pleasure to help them: that is probably my favorite thing about being in this business," said Walt. And at 60 years old he has no plans to slow down anytime soon. If anything, the business is growing faster now than it ever has, and he wants to keep that momentum going...and keep it in the family of course.

Eastern and Western Warehouse Locations

Suwanee, Ga (Open to the Public)

Phoenix, AZ (Will Call for Pick Up)

Pro Pest Do-It-Yourself Pest Control - Eastern Warehouse (Open To The Public)

1000 Satellite Blvd NW, STE 101 Suwanee, GA 30024
Hours (Monday-Friday 8:00 AM- 4:30 PM ET)
Pro Pest Do-It-Yourself Pest Control - Western Warehouse-(Will Call Pick Up)
Please call to place an order by credit card (no cash or checks )
at least one hour before pick up.

7310 West Roosevelt #22, Phoenix, AZ 85043
Will Call Hours (Monday-Friday 10:00 AM-3:00 PM MST, please call 800-476-3368).

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Pro Pest Products, doing business as "Do It Yourself Pest Control", has been a family business since its inception. Tom Cline, the founder of Do-It-Yourself Pest Control, serviced and supplied pest control companies beginning in 1959. He was a pioneer in the pest control industry. Tom Cline passed away in 2007.

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How To Get Rid of Carpenter Ants in 4 DIY Steps

Sam Wasson

https://todayshomeowner.com/pest-control/guides/how-to-get-rid-of-carpenter-ants/

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How To Get Rid of Carpenter Ants in 4 DIY Steps - Today’s Homeowner

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I’m here to give you our best DIY advice on how to get rid of carpenter ants. This guide will tell you how to identifying carpenter ants, kill their nests,

# data[].attributes.body
How to get rid of carpenter ants

Stephanie Minasian-Koncewicz

How to Get Rid of Carpenter Ants

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Carpenter ants are common across North America and can seriously damage your home. Unlike termites, they don't eat wood but dig through it to make their nests, which can weaken the structure over time. These ants usually start in damp or rotting wood but can spread to stronger wood, causing more damage that's hard to see and fix.

If you think you have carpenter ants, it's important to act fast. Our guide will help you find and remove them. However, since it's hard to know how bad an infestation is, we often suggest calling a professional pest control company. We'll also share our top picks for the best companies to handle carpenter ant problems.

Because carpenter ants build nests in wood, winged carpenter ants are sometimes confused with termites. Learning how to identify carpenter ants is the first step to treating the problem.

DIY carpenter ant removal is possible but difficult. Professional treatment is often the best choice, as licensed technicians have the equipment and know-how to access hidden nests while causing the least possible amount of structural damage to your home.

Ad Disclaimer

The listings that appear are from companies from which this website receives compensation, which may impact how, where and in what order products appear. This listing does not include all companies or all available offers and products.

Best General Pest Control

How Can You Identify Carpenter Ants?

There are multiple types of ant species, and they vary by color and size. However, the most common carpenter ants in North America are relatively large, from 1/4 inch up to 5/8 inch in length. They're usually black or reddish, and some may have wings. These wings assist the ants in swarming to find a new location for a colony, which happens in the spring-May through August in the Eastern U.S. and February through June in the West.

Because carpenter ants build nests in wood, winged carpenter ants are sometimes confused with termites. However, you can easily tell these two pests apart with the naked eye. Carpenter ants have a narrow "waist," or middle body segment (thorax), and their antennae have an angle to them, like an elbow. If these ants have wings, there are few veins, and the front pair of wings are longer than the rear pair.

Termites, on the other hand, have veiny wings, all four of which are the same size. They have straight antennae (no "elbow"), only have two body segments, and their midsections are thicker.

What Are Signs of Carpenter Ant Infestations?

Carpenter ants are often spotted before their nest is found. A few ants inside your home don't always mean there's a full-blown infestation-they may have wandered in from an outdoor colony. However, certain signs can indicate a larger problem:

Rustling Sounds: If you put your ear to an infested area, you might hear faint rustling noises from ants moving inside the wood.

Worker Ant Sightings: You'll likely notice worker ants foraging for food before discovering the nest.

Winged Swarms: If you see a group of winged carpenter ants (also called swarmers) in the spring, it's a strong sign that a mature colony is nearby. These swarms only appear when a colony has been established for at least two years.

Wood Damage: Look for small holes in wooden structures, as carpenter ants tunnel through wood to create their nests.

Sawdust Piles (Frass): Unlike termites, carpenter ants don't eat wood. Instead, they push it out of their tunnels, leaving behind small piles of coarse sawdust (frass) near entry points.

Carpenter ants most commonly nest in damp, decaying wood, so if you're looking for a nest, look in areas near water leaks like in bathrooms, under sinks, or around windows and door frames. However, getting rid of other ants, like odorous house and pavement ants, may require targeting nests in walls, floors, or near foundations.

What Threats Do Carpenter Ants Pose Your Home?

Where you live does matter-for example, the black carpenter ant that lives in the Northern U.S. is more likely to make its home indoors than southern species. Fortunately, carpenter ants don't pose a significant threat to your health, as they don't spread disease, and while their bites can be painful, they're not dangerous and they don't bite often.

However, the threat that carpenter ants pose to the structure of your home can be significant. Since they hollow wood out to build their nests, if they get into the wall voids of your house and stay there undetected, they can cause catastrophic levels of damage.

The good news is that carpenter ants don't do quite as much damage as termites, and they don't work as quickly. Since they must leave the nest to find food, they're also easier to spot. Nevertheless, once you spot the signs of a carpenter ant infestation, you need to act fast.

What Are DIY Methods to Get Rid of Carpenter Ants?

Because these insects live in hidden nests, it's important that you don't immediately start killing the first carpenter ants you see inside your home. The first step is to locate the nest so that you can destroy the colony.

Finding the Nest - Follow ants to locate entry points, use bait to lure them out, and listen for rustling sounds in wood. Carpenter ants are nocturnal, so checking at night increases your chances of spotting them.

Insecticides - Apply pyrethroid-based sprays or boric acid dust directly into nests, avoiding electrical areas. Drilling small holes in walls or wooden structures may help you reach hidden colonies.

Baits - Use carpenter ant-specific poisoned bait along trails, but be patient as it takes weeks to work. If ants ignore one type of bait, try switching between sweet and protein-based options.

Desiccants - Apply diatomaceous earth to dry out and kill ants, but avoid inhaling the fine dust. This method works best when applied directly to the nest or in crevices where ants travel.

Natural Solutions - Avoid repellents until the colony is eliminated, as they may force ants deeper into your home. Focus on killing the colony first before using essential oils or deterrents to prevent future infestations.

When Should You Call a Professional for Carpenter Ant Removal?

Unfortunately, because carpenter ants can nest deep within the structure of your home, they're difficult to remove on your own. If you haven't had success with DIY methods, it's better to call a professional exterminator sooner rather than later.

A pest control company has access to better equipment and pesticidal products than most homeowners, and licensed technicians know how to access hidden nests while causing the least possible amount of structural damage to your home.

Our Top Picks for Professional Pest Control

Most professional exterminators should be able to take on a common pest like carpenter ants, but here are our top picks:

Terminix

Terminix offers a premium ant plan for getting rid of carpenter ants, in which trained technicians will locate and treat the primary colony as well as any satellite colonies.

Terminix

#1 out of 40 reviewed companies

Orkin

With more than 400 locations across the country, Orkin is almost guaranteed to have a branch to serve you. If you purchase one of the company's residential treatment plans, you'll qualify for the Orkin Guarantee, a money-back offer that's good for 30 days after treatment.

Best General Pest Control

Orkin

#3 out of 40 reviewed companies

Aptive Environmental

Aptive Environmental, founded in 2015, offers customizable pest control services across 24 states, focusing on environmentally responsible solutions. The company provides a comprehensive Four-Seasons Protection Plan, which includes an initial inspection followed by quarterly treatments targeting a variety of common household pests. However, Aptive does not offer services for termites or bed bugs. While the company holds a B+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, it has faced lawsuits related to aggressive sales tactics and alleged misuse of customer data.

Frequently Asked Questions About Carpenter Ants

Whether you've just treated an infestation or you want to avoid one in the first place, here are some tips for carpenter ant control and prevention.

Keep food in tightly sealed containers.

Fix water leaks in or around your home to prevent wood damage that may offer a potential home to carpenter ants.

Improve ventilation or use a dehumidifier in damp, enclosed areas of your home like crawl spaces or basements.

Trim back any tree branches or other foliage that touches your siding or roof. Move rotting wood piles, mulch, or mounds of soil away from the sides of your home.

Seal holes or cracks around vents, pipes, or wires with caulk.

Hire a professional to apply a perimeter treatment around your home or yard.

Termites produce a mud-like material as waste from eating wood, which they'll leave behind in their nests; carpenter ant colonies only leave behind wood shavings. Holes and tunnels created by termites have a rougher look, whereas those created by ants look smooth and polished. If you're unsure, contact a pest control professional to perform an inspection.

Carpenter ants don't eat wood-they prefer honeydew, a sugary liquid secreted by aphids. In fact, carpenter ants actively "farm" nearby aphids for this food. However, in a pinch, they can feed on nearly anything.

Pest control costs vary based on factors such as the type of pest, severity of infestation, treatment method, and property size. On average, homeowners can expect to pay between $300 and $500 for a one-time treatment.

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Learn how to identify a carpenter ant infestation in or near your home and then permanently get rid of the colony, either yourself or with professional help.

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"How to get rid of carpenter ants"

Sam Wasson

Today's homeowner

How To Get Rid of Carpenter Ants in 4 DIY Steps (2025) | Today's Homeowner

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How To Get Rid of Carpenter Ants in 4 DIY Steps - Today’s Homeowner

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
I’m here to give you our best DIY advice on how to get rid of carpenter ants. This guide will tell you how to identifying carpenter ants, kill their nests,

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How to Get Rid of Pest Carpenter Ants

DIY Pest Control

https://diypestcontrol.com/carp.htm?srsltid=AfmBOoootEvodH9PtKiO5NhwpTA8aAGWFoigUXE3YI_sOyzUGHBlSORs

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Carpenter Ant Control: How to Get Rid of Carpenter Ants - DIY Pest Control

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Learn how to get rid of carpenter ants with effective pest control solutions. Discover expert tips on carpenter ant control and preventing infestations in your home. Get pest control for carpenter ants at DIY Pest Control.

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How To Get Rid of Carpenter Ants in 4 DIY Steps

Written by Jonathan Jachura

How To Get Rid of Carpenter Ants in 4 DIY Steps (2025) | Today's Homeowner

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How To Get Rid of Carpenter Ants in 4 DIY Steps - Today’s Homeowner

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
I’m here to give you our best DIY advice on how to get rid of carpenter ants. This guide will tell you how to identifying carpenter ants, kill their nests,

# data[].attributes.body
How to Get Rid of Carpenter Ants

Author: Stephanie Minasian-Koncewicz

How to Get Rid of Carpenter Ants

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Carpenter ants are common across North America and can seriously damage your home. Unlike termites, they don't eat wood but dig through it to make their nests, which can weaken the structure over time. These ants usually start in damp or rotting wood but can spread to stronger wood, causing more damage that's hard to see and fix.

If you think you have carpenter ants, it's important to act fast. Our guide will help you find and remove them. However, since it's hard to know how bad an infestation is, we often suggest calling a professional pest control company. We'll also share our top picks for the best companies to handle carpenter ant problems.

Because carpenter ants build nests in wood, winged carpenter ants are sometimes confused with termites. Learning how to identify carpenter ants is the first step to treating the problem.

DIY carpenter ant removal is possible but difficult. Professional treatment is often the best choice, as licensed technicians have the equipment and know-how to access hidden nests while causing the least possible amount of structural damage to your home.

Ad Disclaimer

The listings that appear are from companies from which this website receives compensation, which may impact how, where and in what order products appear. This listing does not include all companies or all available offers and products.

Best General Pest Control

How Can You Identify Carpenter Ants?

There are multiple types of ant species, and they vary by color and size. However, the most common carpenter ants in North America are relatively large, from 1/4 inch up to 5/8 inch in length. They're usually black or reddish, and some may have wings. These wings assist the ants in swarming to find a new location for a colony, which happens in the spring-May through August in the Eastern U.S. and February through June in the West.

Because carpenter ants build nests in wood, winged carpenter ants are sometimes confused with termites. However, you can easily tell these two pests apart with the naked eye. Carpenter ants have a narrow "waist," or middle body segment (thorax), and their antennae have an angle to them, like an elbow. If these ants have wings, there are few veins, and the front pair of wings are longer than the rear pair.

Termites, on the other hand, have veiny wings, all four of which are the same size. They have straight antennae (no "elbow"), only have two body segments, and their midsections are thicker.

What Are Signs of Carpenter Ant Infestations?

Carpenter ants are often spotted before their nest is found. A few ants inside your home don't always mean there's a full-blown infestation-they may have wandered in from an outdoor colony. However, certain signs can indicate a larger problem:

Rustling Sounds: If you put your ear to an infested area, you might hear faint rustling noises from ants moving inside the wood.

Worker Ant Sightings: You'll likely notice worker ants foraging for food before discovering the nest.

Winged Swarms: If you see a group of winged carpenter ants (also called swarmers) in the spring, it's a strong sign that a mature colony is nearby. These swarms only appear when a colony has been established for at least two years.

Wood Damage: Look for small holes in wooden structures, as carpenter ants tunnel through wood to create their nests.

Sawdust Piles (Frass): Unlike termites, carpenter ants don't eat wood. Instead, they push it out of their tunnels, leaving behind small piles of coarse sawdust (frass) near entry points.

Carpenter ants most commonly nest in damp, decaying wood, so if you're looking for a nest, look in areas near water leaks like in bathrooms, under sinks, or around windows and door frames. However, getting rid of other ants, like odorous house and pavement ants, may require targeting nests in walls, floors, or near foundations.

What Threats Do Carpenter Ants Pose Your Home?

Where you live does matter-for example, the black carpenter ant that lives in the Northern U.S. is more likely to make its home indoors than southern species. Fortunately, carpenter ants don't pose a significant threat to your health, as they don't spread disease, and while their bites can be painful, they're not dangerous and they don't bite often.

However, the threat that carpenter ants pose to the structure of your home can be significant. Since they hollow wood out to build their nests, if they get into the wall voids of your house and stay there undetected, they can cause catastrophic levels of damage.

The good news is that carpenter ants don't do quite as much damage as termites, and they don't work as quickly. Since they must leave the nest to find food, they're also easier to spot. Nevertheless, once you spot the signs of a carpenter ant infestation, you need to act fast.

What Are DIY Methods to Get Rid of Carpenter Ants?

Because these insects live in hidden nests, it's important that you don't immediately start killing the first carpenter ants you see inside your home. The first step is to locate the nest so that you can destroy the colony.

Finding the Nest - Follow ants to locate entry points, use bait to lure them out, and listen for rustling sounds in wood. Carpenter ants are nocturnal, so checking at night increases your chances of spotting them.

Insecticides - Apply pyrethroid-based sprays or boric acid dust directly into nests, avoiding electrical areas. Drilling small holes in walls or wooden structures may help you reach hidden colonies.

Baits - Use carpenter ant-specific poisoned bait along trails, but be patient as it takes weeks to work. If ants ignore one type of bait, try switching between sweet and protein-based options.

Desiccants - Apply diatomaceous earth to dry out and kill ants, but avoid inhaling the fine dust. This method works best when applied directly to the nest or in crevices where ants travel.

Natural Solutions - Avoid repellents until the colony is eliminated, as they may force ants deeper into your home. Focus on killing the colony first before using essential oils or deterrents to prevent future infestations.

When Should You Call a Professional for Carpenter Ant Removal?

Unfortunately, because carpenter ants can nest deep within the structure of your home, they're difficult to remove on your own. If you haven't had success with DIY methods, it's better to call a professional exterminator sooner rather than later.

A pest control company has access to better equipment and pesticidal products than most homeowners, and licensed technicians know how to access hidden nests while causing the least possible amount of structural damage to your home.

Our Top Picks for Professional Pest Control

Most professional exterminators should be able to take on a common pest like carpenter ants, but here are our top picks:

Terminix

Terminix offers a premium ant plan for getting rid of carpenter ants, in which trained technicians will locate and treat the primary colony as well as any satellite colonies.

Terminix

#1 out of 40 reviewed companies

Orkin

With more than 400 locations across the country, Orkin is almost guaranteed to have a branch to serve you. If you purchase one of the company's residential treatment plans, you'll qualify for the Orkin Guarantee, a money-back offer that's good for 30 days after treatment.

Best General Pest Control

Orkin

#3 out of 40 reviewed companies

Aptive Environmental

Aptive Environmental, founded in 2015, offers customizable pest control services across 24 states, focusing on environmentally responsible solutions. The company provides a comprehensive Four-Seasons Protection Plan, which includes an initial inspection followed by quarterly treatments targeting a variety of common household pests. However, Aptive does not offer services for termites or bed bugs. While the company holds a B+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, it has faced lawsuits related to aggressive sales tactics and alleged misuse of customer data.

Frequently Asked Questions About Carpenter Ants

Whether you've just treated an infestation or you want to avoid one in the first place, here are some tips for carpenter ant control and prevention.

Keep food in tightly sealed containers.

Fix water leaks in or around your home to prevent wood damage that may offer a potential home to carpenter ants.

Improve ventilation or use a dehumidifier in damp, enclosed areas of your home like crawl spaces or basements.

Trim back any tree branches or other foliage that touches your siding or roof. Move rotting wood piles, mulch, or mounds of soil away from the sides of your home.

Seal holes or cracks around vents, pipes, or wires with caulk.

Hire a professional to apply a perimeter treatment around your home or yard.

Termites produce a mud-like material as waste from eating wood, which they'll leave behind in their nests; carpenter ant colonies only leave behind wood shavings. Holes and tunnels created by termites have a rougher look, whereas those created by ants look smooth and polished. If you're unsure, contact a pest control professional to perform an inspection.

Carpenter ants don't eat wood-they prefer honeydew, a sugary liquid secreted by aphids. In fact, carpenter ants actively "farm" nearby aphids for this food. However, in a pinch, they can feed on nearly anything.

Pest control costs vary based on factors such as the type of pest, severity of infestation, treatment method, and property size. On average, homeowners can expect to pay between $300 and $500 for a one-time treatment.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Learn how to identify a carpenter ant infestation in or near your home and then permanently get rid of the colony, either yourself or with professional help.

# data[].attributes.body
"Biology and Management of Carpenter Ants"

Author: Dan Suiter

https://fieldreport.caes.uga.edu/publications/B1225/biology-and-management-of-carpenter-ants/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Biology and Management of Carpenter Ants | CAES Field Report

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Carpenter ants are so-called because of their habit of chewing wood to create nest sites. They do not eat wood, like termites, but they excavate it with their strong, saw-like jaws to create random galleries where they nest. Carpenter ants are also a nuisance because of their abundance and large size.

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How to Identify and Get Rid of Carpenter Ants

Rodger Harris

How to Identify and Get Rid of Carpenter Ants

# data[].attributes.body
BC Pest Control "How To Get Rid Of Carpenter Ants: 11 Effective Methods"

Nathan Pavy

How To Get Rid Of Carpenter Ants: 11 Effective Methods

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How To Get Rid Of Carpenter Ants: 11 Effective Methods

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Learning how to get rid of carpenter ants doesn’t have to be impossible. Follow this guide to take care of this problem quickly and effectively.