If you’ve spotted large ants crawling around your home, especially at night, you might be dealing with carpenter ants. Unlike termites, these pests don’t eat wood, but they tunnel through it to build their nests. Over time, that can lead to serious structural damage. Ignoring them isn’t an option.
Let’s talk about how to spot them, why they’re a big deal, and what you can do to stop them before they cause costly damage.
How to Tell if You Have Carpenter Ants Indoors
Carpenter ants are sneaky. You might not see them immediately, but they always leave clues behind. Here’s what to watch for:
- Sawdust-like Piles (Frass): Carpenter ants don’t actually eat wood but carve out tunnels and push the debris out. If you notice small piles of what looks like sawdust near baseboards, windows, or inside cabinets, it’s a big red flag.
- Rustling Noises in the Walls: When everything’s quiet late at night, you might hear faint rustling inside the walls. That could be the sound of carpenter ants expanding their nest.
- Ant Trails: Unlike some ants that wander randomly, carpenter ants move with purpose. If you notice a steady line of large ants traveling along your walls, counters, or outdoor siding, they might be headed to or from their nest inside your home.
- Damaged Wood: Carpenter ants hollow out wood, creating smooth tunnels inside beams, window frames, and even furniture. If you tap on an area that should be solid but sounds hollow, you could have a problem.
Some assume a few carpenter ants here, and there aren’t a big deal. The truth is, once they establish a colony inside your home, they won’t just leave on their own. Over time, they can weaken wooden structures, making repairs necessary and expensive.
But that’s not the only concern.
Carpenter ants are drawn to moisture and decay, so their presence often signals other underlying issues, like leaks or rotting wood. Even worse, they can attract other pests looking for the same conditions. A carpenter ant infestation can lead to an open invitation for termites, beetles, and even rodents.
Ignoring the problem now could mean dealing with multiple infestations later.
DIY Prevention: Keep Carpenter Ants Out for Good
If you want to stop carpenter ants before they take over, here are some solid prevention tips:
- Keep Wood Away from Your House: Firewood, lumber, and old stumps are prime nesting spots. Store them at least 20 feet from your home and off the ground.
- Seal Up Entry Points: Check for gaps around windows, doors, and utility pipes. A little caulk or weather stripping can go a long way in keeping pests out.
- Eliminate Moisture: Carpenter ants thrive in damp conditions. Fix leaky pipes, improve ventilation in crawl spaces, and clear out clogged gutters.
- Trim Back Trees and Bushes: Overhanging branches act like bridges, making it easy for ants to enter your home. Keep plants trimmed so they don’t touch your siding or roof.
- Inspect Your Home Regularly: Every few months, do a quick walk-through. Check wooden structures for damage, keep an eye out for frass, and watch for signs of trailing ants.
While these steps can help prevent an infestation, once carpenter ants settle in, DIY methods usually aren’t enough to get rid of them completely.
Why Professional Treatment is the Best Solution
Carpenter ants can be challenging to eliminate because they often nest deep inside walls, attics, or crawl spaces. That’s where Sentinel Pest Control comes in.
We don’t just treat the problem—we customize a plan to make sure carpenter ants in your home are eliminated and stay gone. Here’s what we can offer:
- Tailored Treatment Plans: Some situations require baiting, and others need liquid sprays. We evaluate the infestation and use the safest, most effective approach. If interior treatments are necessary, we’ll let you know whether you need to leave the house for a short time.
- Complete Perimeter Defense: Our exterior treatments form a protective barrier around your home, stopping carpenter ants before they get inside. We target common entry points like foundation lines, patios, fences, and walkways. If you have outbuildings, we’ll treat those too, at no extra cost.
- Long-Term Protection: While our treatments start working right away, it takes about two weeks for the full effect. You might see some ant activity during this time, but that just means the treatment is doing its job.
The Pacific Northwest’s damp climate creates ideal conditions for carpenter ants, but with our expert solutions, you don’t have to let them take over your home!
Protect Yourself Against Carpenter Ants in Your Home
Carpenter ants aren’t just a minor nuisance. They can cause severe damage, attract other pests, and become a long-term headache if left unchecked. If you’ve spotted signs of carpenter ants in your home or carpenter ants indoors, it’s time to act.
Prevention can help, but professional treatment ensures they’re gone for good. Sentinel Pest Control offers expert solutions that eliminate the problem at its source and protect your home year-round.
Give us a call today and take the first step toward an ant-free home!