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Finding large ants near a window frame or discovering unexplained sawdust around woodwork can raise an alarming question: Do carpenter ants destroy wooden structures like termites? Not exactly.
Termites eat wood for nutrition. Carpenter ants don’t. Instead, they hollow out wood to build nesting galleries. Over time, a large or long-standing colony can damage structural lumber, particularly wood already softened by moisture or decay.
Orkin notes that carpenter ants often nest in wall voids, hollow doors and windows, and that infestations left untreated can expand into satellite nests. Over time, they can cause serious damage to your home.
If you’re seeing large ants, wood shavings or activity around damaged wood, Orkin offers a free pest control quote and can inspect the property for carpenter ant nesting sites.
Do Carpenter Ants Eat Wood Like Termites?
No. Termites consume wood, while carpenter ants excavate it to create nests. Both pests can damage structural wood, but they leave different evidence behind and require different treatment approaches.
The EPA says termites cause billions of dollars in structural damage each year by consuming cellulose-based materials, including wood. Carpenter ants take a different route.
Orkin explains that they hollow out wood and create smooth tunnels or galleries rather than eating it. The ants remove wood debris as they expand the nest, often leaving piles of sawdust-like material nearby. Damage from carpenter ants is generally slower and less severe than termite damage, but an established colony can continue expanding through structural wood for years.
Carpenter Ants vs. Termites: What’s the Difference?
|
Sign |
Carpenter Ants |
Termites |
|---|---|---|
|
Effect on Wood |
Wood is excavated for nests |
Wood is consumed |
|
Galleries |
Smooth and clean |
May contain soil or mud |
|
Debris |
Sawdust-like frass may appear |
Drywood termites may leave uniform pellets |
|
Antennae |
Elbowed |
Straight |
|
Waist |
Narrow, pinched |
Broad |
|
Wings |
Front wings longer than rear wings |
Wings roughly equal in length |
|
Moisture Preference |
Often associated with damp or decayed wood |
Varies by termite species |
As the EPA points out, termite swarms and winged ants look remarkably similar at first glance. Confirming which pest you are dealing with ensures you choose a targeted solution that actually protects your home.
What Are the Signs of Carpenter Ant Damage?
Common signs include large worker ants and faint rustling sounds inside walls or woodwork. Orkin also notes that severe infestations produce wood shavings beneath affected material, while winged ants emerging from walls, ceilings or hidden crevices are another strong indicator of an indoor nest.
Moisture deserves particular attention, too. Carpenter ants prefer damp or decaying wood and commonly establish nests around:
- Window and door frames
- Roof or plumbing leaks
- Wall voids
- Porches and structural timbers
- Areas around sinks or bathrooms
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln notes that parent colonies and satellite colonies can both become established around buildings, which makes locating every active nesting site important.
Can Carpenter Ants Damage House Framing?
Yes. Carpenter ants can damage framing when colonies excavate galleries through structural lumber over an extended period. Joists, studs, sills and other wood members can be affected, especially when moisture has already weakened the wood.
That doesn’t mean every carpenter ant spotted indoors has caused damage. Workers may travel considerable distances from an outdoor nest while searching for food. Finding the nest is what determines whether ants are simply foraging indoors or actually living inside the structure.
If carpenter ants are appearing around moisture-damaged wood, an Orkin pro can inspect the structure, identify likely nesting areas and provide a free estimate for treatment.
How Do You Get Rid of Carpenter Ants in Walls?
Effective carpenter ant control requires locating and treating the nest while correcting moisture problems that made the wood attractive in the first place. Killing workers traveling through the house won’t necessarily eliminate the parent colony or satellite nests hidden inside walls.
Orkin advises locating carpenter ant nests early because damage increases the longer an infestation remains untreated. The company also notes that nests can be difficult to find and recommends professional pest control when an indoor infestation is suspected.
Repair leaking plumbing, roof problems or other moisture sources as part of the process. Damaged wood may also need repair once the infestation is controlled.
Professional treatment is especially useful when ants disappear into wall voids or structural lumber where the nest cannot be reached easily.
When Should You Call Pest Control for Carpenter Ants?
Call a professional when you find repeated carpenter ant activity indoors, such as wood shavings, winged ants or evidence of nesting inside structural wood. All of those signs warrant more attention than an occasional ant wandering through the kitchen.
As Orkin explains, carpenter ants “hollow out wood, leaving behind small piles of sawdust.” Those shavings are a sign that the ants are excavating nearby wood, which can mean the nest is already well-established inside the structure. Without proper treatment, the damage can become catastrophic.
If you’re unsure whether the damage comes from carpenter ants or termites, identification should come before treatment. This is where a professional pest control company can help.
Orkin offers free pest control quotes for homeowners dealing with carpenter ants. An inspection can identify nesting areas, moisture conditions and the treatment needed for the infestation.