About Carpenter Ants (Camponotus spp.)

Activity: Stealthy Nighttime Workers

Carpenter ants are most active after dark, using the night to forage for food and expand their nests. Their activity peaks during the warmer months of spring and summer, allowing their colonies to grow rapidly. Unlike other ant species that follow visible trails, carpenter ants move discreetly through hidden pathways, making infestations harder to detect. By the time they're noticed, significant structural damage may already be done.

Diet: What Carpenter Ants Eat & Why It Matters

Despite their wood-tunneling habits, carpenter ants do not eat wood. They seek out protein-rich foods (like insects and meat) and sugary substances such as honeydew, syrups, fruit juices, and kitchen leftovers. Indoors, they commonly forage in pantries and kitchens. Meanwhile, they continue burrowing through damp or decaying wood to expand their nests, posing a dual threat: food contamination and structural damage.

Size: A Distinctive Feature of Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants are among the largest ants in Quebec, with workers ranging from 6 mm to 25 mm. Colonies include various sizes of workers, with larger ants handling tunneling and defense. The queen, even larger, is responsible for reproduction. A mature colony can house thousands of ants, amplifying the potential for serious damage if not addressed promptly.

Nesting Habits: Where Carpenter Ants Live

Outdoors, carpenter ants nest in rotting logs, tree stumps, and moisture-damaged wooden structures. Indoors, they prefer damp wood behind walls, ceilings, and beams, especially in areas with water damage. Their tunneling weakens wood structures over time, leading to costly repairs if not caught early.

Why Professional Treatment Is Crucial

Carpenter ant infestations often involve multiple nests (main and satellite). Simply eliminating visible ants won’t solve the problem. Professional pest control experts can locate and eliminate all nests, preventing further damage. DIY treatments often fail to reach the root of the infestation, risking health, safety, and property. Early intervention by professionals is essential to protect your home’s structural integrity.

Signs of a Carpenter Ant Infestation

Early Detection = Damage Prevention

Spotting an infestation early can save you from expensive repairs. Look out for these warning signs:

• Large Ants Indoors: Especially near kitchens, bathrooms, or windows.

• Wood Shavings (Frass): Piles of sawdust-like debris near walls, baseboards, or window frames.

• Rustling Sounds at Night: Soft noises from inside walls or ceilings indicate tunneling activity.

• Hollow-Sounding Wood: Tap wooden surfaces; a hollow sound suggests internal galleries.

• Small Holes in Wood: Often found alongside frass.

• Winged Ants (Swarmers) Indoors: Reproductive ants inside your home signal an established colony.

• Moisture-Damaged Wood: Areas with past water damage are prime nesting sites.

• Outdoor Nests Near Your Home: Tree stumps, logs, decks, and fences can harbor colonies that migrate indoors.

Understanding the Problem: Carpenter Ant Infestations

Carpenter ants are a serious threat due to their ability to establish massive, hidden colonies. Nests are often located deep within walls, floors, and foundations, causing damage that may go unnoticed for months or even years.

Over-the-counter products rarely solve the root problem and may pose health risks if misused. Without professional expertise, infestations often persist or worsen. Only specialized pest control services can effectively eliminate carpenter ant colonies and prevent future infestations.

Our Professional Approach to Carpenter Ant Control

We go beyond surface-level treatments. Our process includes:

1. Thorough Inspection: Locating all nests and identifying the specific ant species.

2. Targeted Treatment Plan: Customized solutions addressing the root cause of the infestation.

3. Safe & Effective Methods: Protecting your home, family, pets, and environment.

4. Long-Term Prevention: Ensuring the infestation is fully eradicated and won’t return.

With our professional pest control services, you can trust that the problem will be resolved correctly, giving you peace of mind and lasting protection.