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Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants may seem harmless at first glance but they’re one of the most common and destructive structural pests. At Canadian Pest Solutions, we’ve seen firsthand how carpenter ants quietly invade homes and businesses, carving tunnels through wood and weakening structures from the inside out. This page is all about helping you understand what carpenter ants are, how they behave, and why spotting them early can save you from serious damage.

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What Are Carpenter Ants?

Carpenter ants are large black or reddish-black ants, usually ranging from 6 to 12 mm in length. They are known for tunneling through wood to build their nests, but unlike termites, they don’t eat the wood they simply remove it to create smooth, hollow galleries for their colonies. These ants are highly organized and can build extensive nesting networks, including satellite nests far from the original colony.

Their ability to travel long distances and go undetected for months makes them a major threat to homes, especially in older or moisture-prone buildings.

What Attracts Carpenter Ants to Your Home?

Carpenter ants are typically attracted to moist or decaying wood, making homes with water damage, plumbing leaks, or poor ventilation especially vulnerable. They often show up in areas like bathrooms and kitchens, attics and crawl spaces, window and door frames, wooden decks and siding, as well as basements and wall voids. Entry points usually include cracks in the foundation, gaps around windows, and overhanging tree branches that come into contact with the roof. Once inside, carpenter ants search for wood that’s soft enough to tunnel through yet sturdy enough to support their expanding colony.

Common Signs of a Carpenter Ant Infestation

Detecting carpenter ants early is key to minimizing damage. Here are some of the most common signs you might be dealing with a carpenter ant problem:

  • Sawdust-like debris (frass) around baseboards or structural wood

     

  • Large black ants, especially near moisture-prone areas

     

  • Rustling or tapping sounds in walls, especially at night

     

  • Winged ants (swarmers) appearing indoors in spring

     

  • Soft or hollow wood when tapped

If you’re seeing any of these signs, carpenter ants may have already established one or more nests in or around your property.

Why Carpenter Ants Are a Serious Threat

Carpenter ants don’t cause damage overnight, which is why many homeowners ignore the early warning signs. But over time, they can cause:

  • Structural weakening of walls, floors, and ceilings
  • Costly repairs to wooden frameworks and supports
  • Spreading of colonies to detached structures like sheds or garages
  • Long-term infestations that resurface year after year

Because they’re most active at night and often nest deep within walls, it’s easy to underestimate the extent of their activity until visible damage appears.

Are You Dealing with Carpenter Ants or Just Regular Ants?

Many homeowners confuse carpenter ants with pavement or odorous house ants, but here’s how you can spot the difference:

Size:

Carpenter ants are significantly larger (6–12 mm)

Usually black or dark reddish-black

Smooth and evenly rounded

Prefer damp wood and hidden spaces

 Leave behind clean, smooth tunnels and frass

If you’re unsure, our team at Canadian Pest Solutions can help with identification during a professional inspection.

How Canadian Pest Solutions Handles Carpenter Ants

At Canadian Pest Solutions, we’ve been helping homeowners understand and manage carpenter ant infestations for over 20 years. We don’t treat carpenter ants like just another bug, we treat them as the serious structural threat they are. Our team conducts thorough, customized inspections to locate both nests and satellite colonies, using safe, targeted methods to eliminate the ants at their source. We also provide preventative guidance tailored to your home’s unique vulnerabilities. We don’t just show up with spray, we show up with a plan.

Concerned About Carpenter Ants? Start with a Professional Inspection

You don’t have to wait until damage appears. If you suspect carpenter ants or want to protect your home from them, Canadian Pest Solutions is ready to help. Our thorough inspections identify nesting sites, moisture issues, and risk areas giving you the information and support you need to take action.

Ready to get started? Contact our team today to schedule an inspection. Ask about current specials or treatment discounts available for new customers.

Don’t let carpenter ants take over your space. Let our professionals help you take control safely and effectively. Learn more about us.

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What our clients say

We used Canadian Pest Solutions for spiders at the end of the summer and were very pleased with the results after just one spray. The technician was knowledgable, professional & polite. We plan on becoming part of their Spider Spray Prgram next year. We like that the company is locally owned and environmentally conscious.
Judy Wyllie
I recently used Canadian Pest Solutions for pest control inside and outside of our home. I was very pleased with their service. The technicians were punctual, professional, and thorough in addressing our pest issues. The follow-up visit ensured the treatment worked well. I highly recommend Canadian Pest Solutions for anyone needing reliable pest control.
Mandie G
Happy with the response time of this company. I called yesterday because I had a massive hornets nest by my sliding door . I am highly allergic so this was not an ideal situation. I called and the lady I spoke to Sent someone out right away. They are reasonably priced and the worker ( I forgot his name) was efficient in taking it down , thanks again for all your help
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I have been working with this company the past 3 years for my rental properties. I have been happy with the results and the professionalism of the technicians . I always receive detailed reports each visit and they have eliminated every pest problem I have . I recommend them to other property managers and I will continue to use them . Thanks guys !
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This company is amazing. I spoke to them over the phone about my concerns. They told me step by step the process of the whole home program. The technician came out and was very polite, professional and knowledgeable. I would definitely recommend this company to anyone who has pest Control problems
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Your service man Shane, was well educated and informed. He took the time to explain what he was doing and the expected results. He was very polite and willing to answer any of my questions. I would Highly recommend this company.
Bluesplayer1956
Great experience. Loved that the bait isn't easily visible or accessible since we've got little kids and definitely don't want that being something they get into. Had a two-week follow up where the bait was checked and looks like the mouse problem is gone.
Anum Ali
I have been using Canadian Pest Solutions for a few years now. They are friendly, curtious and professional! The product they use has made a huge difference in the control of spiders. I would highly recommend this Company. Thanks Shayne for being so professional and caring!
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Pest We Control

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