Carpenter ants are a common pest in Alberta, especially in areas with older homes or moisture problems. These large black ants are more than just a nuisance. They chew through wood to build their nests, which can lead to structural damage over time. Unlike termites, they don’t eat the wood, they just move it out of the way. Knowing how to spot the early signs of a carpenter ant problem can help protect your home and save you costly repairs.
In this post, we’ll walk through what carpenter ants look like, where they hide, and how to deal with an infestation.
What Are Carpenter Ants?
Carpenter ants are among the largest ants in Canada, measuring between 6 and 13 millimetres long. They’re typically black or dark brown and often mistaken for termites. While both pests damage wood, carpenter ants use it to build galleries for nesting rather than for food.
These ants are most active at night and are often seen in kitchens, bathrooms, or basements. In many cases, they nest outdoors but send worker ants into homes looking for food and water. Once they find a way inside, they can set up satellite colonies in walls, ceilings, or behind cabinetry.
Signs of a Carpenter Ant Infestation
Carpenter ants don’t usually show themselves in large numbers, which makes early detection tricky. But if you know what to look for, you can catch the problem before major damage occurs.
Watch for these warning signs:
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Sawdust-like frass near baseboards, windows, or under sinks
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Large black ants, especially during evening hours
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Rustling sounds in walls or ceilings, especially at night
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Discarded wings near windowsills or doorways
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Hollow-sounding wood when tapped
If you notice one or more of these signs, there’s a good chance ants have moved in. It’s best to act quickly before the nest expands.
Where Carpenter Ants Like to Hide
These ants prefer damp, decaying, or moisture-damaged wood. This makes homes with leaks, humidity issues, or poor ventilation more vulnerable. Bathrooms, kitchens, and basements are common hotspots because they offer both water and access to wooden structures.
Carpenter ants often nest in:
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Wall voids near plumbing or appliances
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Window and door frames
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Behind baseboards or under floors
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Attics with poor airflow
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Insulation near roofs or crawl spaces
Even a small colony can expand over time, especially if the conditions inside the home remain ideal for nesting.
How to Get Rid of Carpenter Ants
DIY solutions, like bait traps or sprays, may kill a few visible ants but won’t eliminate the colony. In fact, improper treatment can scatter the colony and make the problem worse. The key to effective removal is finding the nest and targeting the source directly.
Professional pest control teams will:
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Inspect the home for active nests and satellite colonies
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Identify structural vulnerabilities or moisture issues
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Apply safe and targeted treatments to eliminate the infestation
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Offer advice on long-term prevention and home maintenance
The earlier you catch the issue, the easier it is to fix.
Think You’ve Spotted Carpenter Ants?
Don’t wait for serious damage to appear. If you’re seeing signs of carpenter ants, the safest choice is to get a professional inspection. Birch Fumigators offers expert ant control services across Alberta, backed by decades of experience and proven results.
Book your inspection today and take the first step toward protecting your home.