Carpenter Ants: How to Spot Them and Stop Damage
Carpenter ants are common pests in Georgia. They don’t eat wood, but they tunnel through it. Over time, these tunnels weaken the wood in your home.
Here’s how to tell if you have carpenter ants, what you can do yourself, and when you need a professional.
How to Know if You Have Carpenter Ants
Look for these signs:
- Large black or reddish ants (¼” to ½” long)
- Wood shavings or sawdust-like piles
- Rustling noises in walls (especially at night)
- Winged ants inside the house, mostly in spring
- You can view a quick video of a ground nest HERE
Carpenter ants nest in damp wood, so they’re usually around leaks, bathrooms, kitchens, and roofs.
DIY Ways to Control Carpenter Ants
Here are things you can do right away:
- Fix water leaks
Carpenter ants prefer wet wood. Repair leaks around sinks, pipes, windows, and roofs. - Trim trees and bushes
Keep branches away from your home. Ants use these as paths inside. - Seal cracks and gaps
Caulk gaps around windows, doors, and pipes. This makes it harder for ants to enter. - Use ant bait
Ant bait from hardware stores can help. Put bait near ant trails or where you’ve seen them. Give it several days to work. - Clean regularly
Carpenter ants like sweets and greasy foods. Clean counters and store food tightly.
When to Get Professional Help
If you keep seeing ants or find piles of sawdust regularly, the nest might be inside your home. DIY methods won’t be enough.
A professional pest control service can:
- Quickly find the nest
- Safely remove ants with effective treatments
- Protect your home long-term with regular visits
At Arbor Pest Management, we have experience stopping carpenter ants across the Atlanta area. We’ll help you stop ants before damage gets worse.
Need Professional Help?
We offer free inspections and 25% off your first quarterly pest control service.
Call us at 678-464-5226 or email [email protected].
Visit www.arborpestmgt.com to set up your inspection.
Catching carpenter ants early can save you money and headaches later.
