What are Carpenter Ants?

Carpenter ants are among the largest ant species in British Columbia. Unlike termites, they do not consume wood but carve out galleries inside it to create nests. Over time, this excavation weakens wooden structures and can lead to costly damage in homes and commercial buildings. They are often mistaken for termites, but carpenter ants can be identified by their bent antennae, narrow waist, and smooth, sanded tunnels inside wood.

Signs of Carpenter Ant Infestation

• Sawdust-like material called frass near wooden beams, baseboards, or window frames
• Faint rustling or tapping noises inside walls, especially at night
• Large black ants or winged carpenter ants (flying ants) appearing indoors during spring or summer
• Wood that sounds hollow when tapped
• Increased ant activity around damp or rotting wood outdoors

Why They are a Problem

Carpenter ants are destructive because they hollow out structural wood while expanding their nests. They can live in wall voids, attics, insulation, decks, and damp wooden furniture. A single colony can split into multiple satellite colonies, spreading damage throughout the property. Left untreated, carpenter ants can compromise the stability of framing and other key wooden structures.

Where Do They Come From?

Carpenter ants typically enter through small cracks in foundations, gaps around windows or doors, and along utility lines. They are strongly attracted to moisture. Leaking roofs, plumbing issues, clogged gutters, and poorly ventilated spaces create ideal nesting environments. Outdoor nests are often found in tree stumps, fallen logs, or damp deck boards, and these colonies can expand indoors over time.

How to Get Rid of Carpenter Ants at Home

If you are searching for how to get rid of carpenter ants, there are safe steps you can try before calling a professional:

• Place slow-acting bait with boric acid or borax along foraging trails so ants carry it back to the colony. Keep bait away from pets and children.
• Wipe ant trails with vinegar or soapy water to remove their scent markers.
• Replace or repair damp or rotting wood around your property.
• Trim tree branches and shrubs so they do not touch your home.
• Seal cracks and gaps around entry points, windows, and doors.

These actions can reduce visible activity but will not fully eliminate hidden colonies inside the structure.

Carpenter Ants vs Termites

Many homeowners confuse carpenter ants vs termites, but there are clear differences:

• Carpenter ants have bent antennae, narrow waists, and wings of different lengths.
• Termites have straight antennae, thick waists, and wings of equal size.
• Carpenter ants leave smooth, clean galleries inside wood, while termite tunnels are rough and filled with mud.

Recognizing the difference is important since treatment methods vary.

How We Can Help

At Go Away Pest & Wildlife Control, we provide complete carpenter ant solutions. Our specialists’ focus is to locate and eliminate both parent and satellite colonies, treat affected areas with targeted methods, and identify entry points to prevent future infestations. Our treatments are safe, effective, and designed for long-term protection. With our expertise, you can protect your property and stop carpenter ants before they cause further damage.