Finding big black ants crawling around your home can be unsettling and when they turn out to be carpenter ants, the situation can quickly get serious. Unlike regular ants that are just a nuisance, carpenter ants can cause significant structural damage over time by tunneling through wood to build their nests.
If you’re spotting these pests, you’re probably wondering:
“Can I handle this myself, or do I need to call in a professional exterminator?”
Let’s walk through the key facts to help you decide.
What Are Carpenter Ants and Why Are They a Problem?
Carpenter ants are among the largest ants in North America, often ranging from ¼ to ½ inch long.
They don’t actually eat wood like termites do instead, they chew through wood to carve out nesting tunnels, weakening beams, floors, and walls over time.
Signs you might have a carpenter ant problem include:
- Large black or reddish-black ants indoors, especially near wood or moisture.
- Sawdust-like material (called “frass”) piling up near baseboards, windowsills, or wooden furniture.
- Rustling sounds inside walls, especially at night.
- Winged ants appearing indoors, signaling a mature colony.
Left untreated, carpenter ants can seriously damage key parts of your home’s structure — costing you thousands in repairs.
DIY Carpenter Ant Control: What Works (and What Doesn’t)
There are DIY methods that can be effective for small problems or early detection, such as:
- Bait traps with slow-acting insecticides that worker ants carry back to the nest.
- Natural remedies like boric acid mixed with sugar water.
- Sealing cracks and removing wood debris around your home.
However, DIY often falls short because:
- Locating the nest is extremely difficult. Carpenter ants can travel far from their colony to forage, so killing visible ants doesn’t solve the root problem.
- Multiple nests may exist carpenter ants often form satellite colonies, especially in homes with moisture problems.
- Incomplete treatment means the infestation can return stronger.
If you only treat the ants you see, you might miss a major nest hidden inside your walls, attic, or even under your foundation.
When It’s Time to Call a Professional Exterminator
You should seriously consider hiring a professional if:
- You’ve seen large numbers of ants indoors, especially during colder months.
- You find winged ants (swarmers) inside your home a clear sign of a mature colony.
- DIY efforts haven’t worked after a few weeks.
- You notice structural damage sagging floors, crumbling wood, or hollow sounds when you tap walls.
- You hear rustling or chewing noises in walls or ceilings.
Professional exterminators have the tools and experience to:
- Accurately locate the primary nest and any satellite nests.
- Use targeted treatments that eliminate the colony, not just surface ants.
- Provide moisture control recommendations to prevent future infestations.
- Offer warranties or service guarantees for peace of mind.
How Pros Handle Carpenter Ant Infestations
A professional carpenter ant extermination typically includes:
- Inspection: Identifying entry points, nests, and moisture problems.
- Treatment: Applying specialized baits, dusts, and non-repellent sprays inside walls and outside your home.
- Follow-up: Confirming the colony is eliminated and sealing off access points.
- Prevention advice: Helping you avoid future infestations with home maintenance tips.
Most companies offer year-round pest control plans to keep your home protected after the initial problem is solved.
DIY vs. Pro Help
If you catch carpenter ants early and the infestation is minor, you might be able to manage it yourself.
But if you’re seeing major activity, or signs of damage, professional help is the safer, smarter choice.
Considering the potential cost of repairs if the infestation is left untreated, hiring a reputable pest control company often saves you money and stress in the long run.
Bottom line:
If you’re not 100% sure you’ve eliminated the source of the ants, it’s time to call a pro.
Need Help Fast?
If you’re in King County and dealing with carpenter ants, contact a licensed exterminator today for an inspection. Protect your home before the damage gets worse!