🐜 Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants are the most common and destructive wood-destroying insect in Northeast Wisconsin homes. Unlike termites, they don't eat wood — they excavate galleries inside it to build their nests. Left unchecked, a mature colony can cause significant structural damage to beams, sill plates, and window frames.
Carpenter Ants
Black or red-and-black, 1/4"–1/2" long. Large mandibles. Single node between thorax and abdomen. Workers vary in size within the same colony — a key identifier that distinguishes them from other ant species.
What to Look For
Sawdust-like frass (wood shavings) near baseboards, window sills, or structural wood. Faint rustling sounds inside walls at night. Foraging trails along foundations and baseboards. Winged swarmers (reproductive ants) emerging indoors in spring — often mistaken for termites.
When to Watch Out
Carpenter ants become active in early spring when temperatures reach 50°F. Peak activity runs from April through October. Swarmers (winged reproductives) typically emerge in May–June. Colonies go dormant in winter but can remain active indoors if the nest is in a heated structure.
How to Prevent Carpenter Ants
Professional Treatment Process
Full Inspection
We locate all satellite nests, parent colonies, foraging trails, and moisture-damaged wood. Carpenter ant colonies often have a parent nest outdoors and satellite nests inside.
Targeted Baiting
Slow-acting gel baits are placed along foraging trails. Workers carry the bait back to the colony, eliminating it from within — including the queen.
Residual Treatment
We apply a residual insecticide to baseboards, wall voids, and exterior perimeters to eliminate remaining workers and prevent re-establishment.
Moisture & Exclusion
We identify and advise on moisture issues and structural gaps that attracted the colony — addressing the root cause, not just the symptom.
Carpenter Ants FAQ
Deal with Carpenter Ants Now
Call us today for a free inspection. We'll identify the extent of the problem and recommend the right treatment — with no obligation to proceed.