Unlike termites, carpenter ants don’t eat wood; they tunnel through it to build their nests. That can leave your house with hollow beams and expensive repairs if you don’t catch the problem early. Here are the clear signs of carpenter ants in your house (and what to do if you spot them).
Carpenter ants are responsible for millions of dollars in property damage across the U.S. each year. If you know what to look for, you can catch an infestation before things get serious.
What Makes Carpenter Ants So Destructive?
Carpenter ants carve out smooth tunnels inside wood to create their nests. They prefer damp, decayed wood but will move into sound structures if they find a way. Over time, these tunnels can weaken walls, beams, and even flooring.
While the damage is often slower than termites, it can still cost homeowners anywhere from $250 to $5,000 in repairs, depending on the extent. That’s why catching the early signs is so important.
Carpenter ants thrive in moisture-damaged or decaying wood, but they’ll also expand into healthy structures if they can find a way in. Their nests hollow out wooden beams, window frames, and walls, weakening the structural integrity of your home over time.
While termites tend to work quietly underground, carpenter ants often expand their colonies indoors from outdoor nests, making them a year-round concern. On average, repairing carpenter ant damage can cost $250 to $5,000, depending on how long the problem has gone unchecked.
1. Sightings Indoors
Carpenter ants are bigger than most common ants, with adult workers ranging from ¼ to ½ inch long. They’re usually black, but some can have reddish or yellowish tones. If you spot these large ants inside your home (especially in the kitchen, bathroom, or near baseboards) it’s worth investigating further.
If you see them at night, this is a major clue. Carpenter ants are nocturnal and most active after dark when the house is quiet.
2. Winged Ants Indoors During Spring or Summer
If you’ve seen flying ants indoors, particularly in spring or summer, this is often the most obvious warning sign. These are swarmers, or reproductive ants, leaving the nest to start new colonies.
Carpenter ant swarmers can easily be mistaken for termites, but there are key differences:
- Carpenter ants have bent antennae and narrow waists.
- Termites have straight antennae and thicker bodies.
Spotting swarmers means a mature colony is nearby, and likely already causing damage.
3. Piles of Wood Shavings (Frass) Below Walls or Windows
Carpenter ants excavate wood to create their nests, pushing the debris (called frass) out through small holes. These piles often look like sawdust but may also contain bits of insect parts or insulation.
You’re most likely to find frass near:
- Baseboards
- Window sills
- Door frames
- Crawlspaces
If you see this debris indoors, it’s a strong sign that ants are tunneling somewhere nearby.
4. Faint Rustling Noises Inside Walls
If your house is quiet (especially at night) you might hear soft rustling or crinkling sounds coming from inside your walls or ceilings. This is the sound of carpenter ants moving around or chewing through wood fibers.
Tip: Try placing your ear against walls or beams if you suspect a certain area.
5. Hollow-Sounding Wood
Knock on wooden surfaces like baseboards, beams, or window frames. If a spot sounds hollow or papery, carpenter ants may have tunneled through it.
This is especially important to check in areas where moisture might collect, like around sinks, dishwashers, or basements.
6. Smooth Tunnels Inside Damaged Wood
If you ever open up a piece of damaged wood and see smooth, sanded-looking tunnels, that’s a hallmark of carpenter ants. In contrast:
- Termites leave muddy, rough tunnels.
- Carpenter ants create clean galleries with no mud.
You may not see this until repair work begins, but it’s a key way to identify the pest behind the problem.
7. Increased Ant Activity Near Moisture Sources
Carpenter ants are highly attracted to moisture. If you’re spotting ants near:
- Sinks or dishwashers
- Bathroom vents
- Leaking pipes or faucets
It could mean they’ve found a prime nesting site nearby. They prefer damp wood because it’s easier to excavate.
8. Dead Ants Accumulating Near Windows
Swarmers often get confused by light sources and gather near windows or doors. If you notice dead ants piling up in these spots (especially larger ants with wings) it’s likely there’s an indoor colony.
Even if you only see the dead swarmers, it’s a red flag. Mature colonies often send out swarmers once a year.
9. Outdoor Ant Activity Close to Your Home
Carpenter ants often start outdoors in:
- Dead tree stumps
- Rotting fence posts
- Firewood piles
If you notice ant trails or activity in these areas, especially close to your foundation, it could mean they’re using these sites as launching points into your home.
Bonus Tip:
Use a nighttime flashlight inspection to spot active trails. Carpenter ants follow scent paths and can often be seen moving from outdoor nests into your home at dusk or dawn.
Carpenter Ant Damage vs. Termite Damage: What’s the Difference?
| Insect | Damage Method | Repair Costs (Avg.) |
| Carpenter Ants | Hollow out wood to nest | $250 – $5,000 |
| Termites | Eat wood for nutrition | $3,000 – $10,000+ |
While termites cause more aggressive signs of damage to a house, carpenter ants can still compromise important structural elements over time. Proactive maintenance is always the best plan!
Preventative Steps
- Store firewood at least 20 feet away from your home.
- Fix leaks and reduce moisture around windows, roofs, and basements.
- Seal cracks and gaps along foundations and walls.
- Trim back tree branches touching the house (common entry paths).
- Schedule routine pest inspections for early detection.
These steps not only prevent carpenter ants but also keep other pests at bay.
When to Call a Professional
If you’ve noticed any of these signs, especially multiple at once, it’s time to call in a professional. Carpenter ants can be sneaky, hiding deep in walls or structures where DIY treatments can’t reach.
At Nextgen Pest Control, we specialize in locating and eliminating carpenter ant colonies at the source. Our trained experts know how to spot the signs others might miss and provide safe, effective solutions.
Conclusion
Carpenter ants might not seem like a major threat at first glance, but left unchecked, they can quietly hollow out parts of your home, leading to costly repairs. By recognizing these signs of carpenter ants in your house, you can act early and avoid major damage.
Think you might have carpenter ants? Don’t wait for the damage to spread. Schedule online with Nextgen today for a thorough assessment and tailored treatment plan that keeps your home protected.
