As spring arrives with longer days and blossoming landscapes, carpenter ants become increasingly active. Unlike ordinary household ants, these pests burrow through wood, potentially weakening your homeโs structure over time. If you start spotting large ants indoors, especially those with wings, it may be a sign that a professional inspection is needed.
Not certain if the ants you’re seeing are carpenter ants? Our guide will help you distinguish their features and understand their behavior.
Why Carpenter Ants Appear More in Spring
Warmer temperatures prompt carpenter ants to increase their searches for food and moisture. Rainfall and melting snow often leave wood damp, making it easier for them to establish nesting areas.
One of their most distinct seasonal behaviors is the nuptial flight. During this phase, winged reproductive ants, known as alates, fly through the air to start new colonies. If you notice swarms of flying ants around your home, it could indicate a nearby colony is expanding.
Defining Features of Carpenter Ants
Check for these characteristics:
- Large size (1/4 to 3/4 inch).
- Dark coloration, often black.
- Presence of winged alates during mating flights.
For a detailed identification guide, visit ourย Carpenter Antย Pest ID resource.
Signs That Carpenter Ants Might Be Nesting Nearby
Carpenter ants stay active throughout the year, but some warning signs become more noticeable in spring:
- Increased sightings along exterior walls and near your homeโs foundation
- Piles of sawdust-like debris near damp or rotting wood, especially after it rains
- Groups of ants congregating around tree stumps, logs, or stacked firewood
How to Prevent Carpenter Ants This Spring
Springโs warmth and humidity create conditions where carpenter ants thrive. Taking early action can reduce the chances of an infestation. Consider these preventative measures:
- Manage moisture problems by fixing leaks, increasing airflow, and making sure gutters direct water away from your home to keep wood dry.
- Properly store firewood by keeping it elevated and positioned away from your home to make nesting less attractive.
- Seal off entry points by checking for cracks or gaps around doors, windows, and your foundation, to block ant access.
When to Contact the Professionals
Have you seen carpenter ants or signs of their activity? Acting before a problem begins can prevent structural damage. Carpenter ant colonies grow rapidly in spring, but professional treatment can stop them from spreading. Visit ourย ant services pageย to explore solutions and set up an inspection.
Carpenter Ant Resources
At Suburban Exterminating, we help homeowners stay ahead of carpenter ant infestations. Taking action now can make a significant difference in keeping these wood-damaging pests at bay.ย Contact usย for a free inspection, and use this checklist to help protect your home.
Spring Maintenance Checklist:
- Seal cracks and gaps in your foundation
- Inspect for damp or rotting wood
- Trim back tree branches and shrubs that touch your home
- Ensure proper drainage moves water away from your foundation
- Schedule a professional inspection
