Carpenter Ant Infestation
Signs of Carpenter Ant Damage and Infestations
Although carpenter ants do not intentionally destroy wooden structures, they are capable of damaging any wood within which they nest. So, the damage caused by carpenter ants is a direct result of nesting. Carpenter ant infestation can become severe when left untreated, and in some cases, a colony of carpenter ants can develop satellite nests. In order to control an infestation, it is important to identify carpenter ants and their nests.
Carpenter ants rarely nest in dry wood. Indoor infestations can be tracked by points of entry such as attic vents, foundations, cracks, electric wires, pipes and telephone lines. Carpenter ants prefer to nest in structural lumber such as wall voids, hollow doors, windows and foam panels. Carpenter ants typically seek wood that has been softened by moisture, decay or other insects.
Infestation Signs
The most obvious sign of carpenter ant infestation is the presence of workers inside a building or home. However, the presence of ants is not conclusive evidence that a carpenter ant colony has established their nest within a structure. Carpenter ants forage for food within great distances of their nests.
When carpenter ant infestation is severe, piles of sawdust can usually be found beneath wooden items. Carpenter ants burrow into wood to create their nests, and an infestation can also be identified by faint rustling noises inside of woodwork or walls. Furthermore, when large winged ants emerge from ceilings, walls and other hidden crevices, an infestation is almost certain.
Carpenter Ant or Termite Infestation?
The Difference between a Carpenter Ant Infestation and a Termite Infestation: An infestation of carpenter ants can be distinguished from a termite infestation by examining the wood where they have made their nest: smooth walls and a lack of dirt or mud signify carpenter ants, as they clean the galleries of their nests. Termites and the larvae of some beetles actually eat wood. However, carpenter ants gain no nutritional value from wood, but damage it to make nests.
Carpenter Ant Damage
To distinguish a carpenter ant infestation from a termite infestation, it is important to examine the hollowed-out wood. Carpenter ants clean and polish their galleries of wood so that they appear smooth inside, while galleries of termites contain large amounts of soil and mud. Carpenter ant galleries also have holes through which worker ants eject unwanted debris. There is often a pile of wood shavings below these holes. The shavings resemble the scraps produced from sharpening a pencil. While the surface of wood may appear undamaged, carpenter ant galleries can be identified by these telltale window holes.
Although the damage caused by carpenter ants is not as severe as the damage caused by termites, carpenter ant nests may cause significant damage over a period of years. As the number of individuals inside a colony grows, their expansion through the wood increases, causing further damage.
Other common signs of carpenter ant infestation include the presence of shavings, debris, dead insects and other debris outside of nest openings. Piles of frass are typically located around windowsills and spider webs.
Carpenter Ant at Work
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More Resources:
Treatment & Damage
- Carpenter Ant Bites
- Finding Carpenter Ant Nests
- Carpenter Ant Infestation
- Natural Carpenter Ant Pesticide
- Boric Acid Carpenter Ant