How To Get Rid Of Carpenter Ants, According To Experts

In the forest, carpenter ants have a job to do, recycling woody debris, such as dead trees and fallen logs. But these large ants become nuisances when they forage or nest inside our homes. “Carpenter ants don’t eat wood, like termites do,” says Eric Benson, PhD, professor emeritus and extension entomologist with Clemson University. “They excavate it to make a nest for their babies.”

Like bees, wasps, and other ants, carpenter ants are social and live in a colony with a single queen and thousands of workers. The queen is found in a tree or log, where she lays her eggs, but the workers carry some of the brood to new locations, or satellite nests, a few hundred feet away, says Benson. Having multiple nest sites helps protect the colony.

These ants are omnivores and eat insects, honeydew from aphids, fruits, and plant juices, but they’ll also forage indoors for water and sugary foods. “If you discover carpenter ants in your home, it’s probably an indication you have a moisture problem. They look for soft, water-damaged wood, then use your house as a satellite nest and incubator for their brood,” says Benson.

Fortunately, the carpenter ant species common in the South typically don’t cause as much damage—and rarely structural issues—as the species found in the Pacific Northwest and Northeast. “Typically, this ant is less concerning in the South than wood-destroying organisms, such as termites,” says Faith Oi, entomologist and extension professor at the University of Florida. “However, you will need to eliminate the colony. If you’re only treating the satellite nest or nests, you’re not getting rid of the problem.” 

Identifying Carpenter Ants

There are many species of carpenter ants, but those most common in the South are black carpenter ants (Camponotus pennsylvanicus), which are a dull black color, and Florida carpenter ants (Camponotus floridanus), which have a black head and a red body, says Oi.

Besides trees, logs, and landscaping timbers, you may find carpenter ants in places such as:

• Areas of poor ventilation, such as in crawl spaces or under porches
• Hollow wooden doors or porch columns
• Leaky window sills and door frames
• Water-damaged wood near attic vents, soffits, and rooflines
• Untreated wood in direct contact with soil, such as porch supports
• Wet insulation
• Florida carpenter ants also may nest under loose debris on the ground, such as boxes and paper bags

Carpenter Ants vs. Termites

Carpenter ants are sometimes mistaken for termites, but they have distinctive differences: Adult carpenter ants have six legs, a narrow waist, and “elbowed” antennae with a bend. The workers range in size from ¼-inch long to 5/8-inch long. In late winter to early spring, carpenter ants swarm to mate and start new colonies. These reproductives will have two sets of wings with the front pair longer than the hind pair.

Termites have a thicker body and antennae that are not elbowed. Workers also are white and smaller than carpenter ants, about 1/8 to 3/16 inch long. When termites swarm, they have two sets of wings which are the same size and length.

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