Protect Your Home from Carpenter Ants This Spring

Longer daylight hours and blooming landscapes signal the arrival of spring, but they also indicate upcoming carpenter ant activity. Unlike typical household ants, these insects carve tunnels through wood, which can gradually compromise your home’s stability. If you begin noticing large ants indoors, especially winged ones, it might be time to arrange a professional inspection.

Not sure if the ants in your house are carpenter ants? Our guide will help you recognize their defining characteristics and behaviors.

Why Carpenter Ants Are Seen in Spring

As days get warmer, carpenter ants search for food and moisture more frequently. Rain and melting snow leave wood damp, providing an ideal nesting environment.

A major seasonal behavior to watch for is the nuptial flight. During this reproductive event, winged ants, also known as alates, take flight to establish new colonies. If you see swarming flying ants near your home, it could mean a colony is growing nearby.

Key Features of Carpenter Ants

Look for these characteristics:

• Large size (1/4 to 3/4 inch).
• Dark coloration, often black.
• Presence of winged alates during mating flights.

For a complete identification guide, visit our Carpenter Ant Pest ID resource.

Signs That Carpenter Ants May Be Nesting Nearby

Carpenter ants remain active all year, but some signs become easier to detect in spring:

• Regular sightings along exterior walls and near the foundation
• Small piles of sawdust-like debris near moist or decaying wood, especially after rainfall
• Clusters of ants gathering around tree stumps, logs, or stacked firewood

Steps to Help Prevent Carpenter Ants This Spring

With warmth and moisture creating conditions that carpenter ants love, early action can help lower the risk of an infestation. Try these prevention methods:

• Reduce moisture issues by repairing leaks, improving airflow, and ensuring gutters divert water away from your home to keep wood dry.
• Store firewood properly by keeping it elevated and at a distance from your home to discourage nesting.
• Seal entry points by checking doors, windows, and foundation cracks for gaps and closing them to prevent ants from gaining access.

When to Call an Expert

Have you noticed carpenter ants or their activity around your home? Acting quickly can help prevent further structural issues. Colonies expand rapidly in spring, but professional intervention can stop them from spreading. Visit our ant services page to learn about treatment solutions and schedule an inspection.

Carpenter Ant Resources

At Terminix Wil-Kil, we’re dedicated to helping homeowners tackle carpenter ant concerns before they become major problems. Taking preventative steps now can significantly reduce the likelihood of an infestation. Reach out today for a free inspection, and use this checklist to help protect your home.

Spring Maintenance Checklist:

• Seal cracks and openings in your foundation
• Check for damp or decaying wood
• Trim back shrubs and branches that touch your home
• Ensure proper drainage channels water away from your foundation
• Schedule a professional inspection