How to Identify Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants play an important role in the ecosystem, especially in the decomposition of decaying trees. However, they also infiltrate homes and other structures, nesting in damp places, rotting wood and causing major structural damage. The ability to recognize and distinguish carpenter ants from other insects is an important factor in determining their infestation. You can observe physical characteristics and signs of infestation to identify carpenter ants.

Table of Contents

Identify body features

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Look at the colors. Carpenter ants are usually brown or black in color. Some are black combined with orange. Although you need factors other than color to identify carpenter ants, color is the first feature that you may observe. ^{[1] X Research Source}

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Note the size. When observing carpenter ants, try to estimate their size. Carpenter ants are not very large. Usually, you will see worker ants crawling across the house. They are usually about 1 – 1.3 cm in size. ^{[2] X Research Source}

However, in some areas, carpenter ants may be smaller. In Minnesota, for example, some carpenter ants are only about 0.5 cm in size. When estimating the size of carpenter ants, look for other features as well.

Watch for signs of infection

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Notice the piles of sawdust. Carpenter ants do not eat wood but do chisel wood. They will dig into wooden furniture in the house such as tables or cabinets. If your home is infested with carpenter ants, you may see piles of sawdust directly under objects like furniture. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

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Hear the sound of ants in the wall. Tap the wall in your home and press your ear against the wall to listen. Knocking often disturbs the ant nest. If your home is infested with ants, you may hear a soft rustling sound. ^{[6] X Research Source}

Although carpenter ants can nest anywhere in the home, they usually prefer areas near window frames or water sources. It’s not uncommon to find carpenter ants in the kitchen or bathroom. Try typing in those areas to find ant nests.

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Check for worker ants at night or early in the morning. Carpenter ants usually come out after dark, so look for them where you hear rustling in the early morning or at night. Use a flashlight to find workers growing in those areas. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

Handling infection

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Try using traps. Mild infestations of carpenter ants can be treated at home with ant traps. You can buy traps at home stores and place them where you see ants crawling. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

This usually works best if ants are present outside the house, such as in the hallway. The traps will prevent ants from entering the house.
Be sure to read the label of the ant trap carefully. You should place traps out of the reach of children and pets.

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Use insecticidal sprays. Insecticidal sprays can be used to prevent ants from entering the home. Buy a drug specifically designed to repel or kill carpenter ants at home stores. People often spray around the house. ^{[9] X Research Source}

Be sure to read product labels for safe use. Most sprays need to be kept out of the reach of children and pets.

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Call professional service. If traps and sprays don’t resolve a carpenter ant infestation in your home, you may need to call an exterminator. They can identify ant nests and treat the infestation. ^{[10] X Research Source}

While most professional services use chemicals and pesticides, if you don’t want to use chemicals, you can talk to them about natural methods.

Steps

Identify body features

Watch for signs of infection

Handling infection

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