Carpenter ants are one of the most common—and most destructive—types of ants in North America. Unlike other types of ants, which simply invade your home in search of food, carpenter ants actually damage wood as they build their nests. If left unchecked, a carpenter ant infestation can do serious harm to your home. But how can you tell if you have carpenter ants? Read on to find out.
Signs of a Carpenter Ant Infestation
The most obvious sign of a carpenter ant infestation is the presence of worker ants in your home. Worker carpenter ants are black or dark brown and range in size from ¼ to ½ an inch long. However, it’s important to note that not all black or dark brown ants are carpenter ants; many other types of ants also fit this description. So, how can you tell for sure if you have carpenter ants? Here are three telltale signs:
1. You Hear Strange Noises Coming from Your Walls
If you hear rustling or banging noises coming from your walls—particularly at night—it’s likely that you have carpenter ants. These noises are caused by the worker ants as they travel back and forth through their nests, which are located inside the framework of your walls.
2. You See Sawdust on the Floor
Carpenter ants excavate wood as they build their nests, and the debris they create resembles sawdust. If you see tiny piles of sawdust near walls, baseboards, or windowsills, it’s a good indication that you have a carputer ant problem.
3. Your Wood Furniture Appears Damaged
Carpenter ants tunnel through wood, so if you notice small holes or grooves in wooden furniture or trim, it’s likely that carpenter ants are to blame. These damages are usually found near windows or doors because carpenter ants prefer softwoods that are easy to tunnel through; however, any type of wood in your home is vulnerable to an infestation.
Carpenter ants can do serious damage to your home if left unchecked. If you think you might have carpenter ants, it’s important to contact a pest control professional as soon as possible; the sooner you address the problem, the better. Still not sure if those black or dark brown ants in your home are carpenter ants? Reach out to us at Birch Fumigators about our free pest identification service.