As the seasons shift to spring, carpenter ants venture out to find food and ideal nests. Unlike typical household ants, these pests burrow into wood, which can gradually weaken your home’s structure. If you spot large ants indoors, particularly those with wings, it might be time for a professional inspection.
Unsure whether the ants in your home are carpenter ants? Our guide will help you recognize their characteristics and habits.
What Makes Carpenter Ants Thrive in Spring?
As temperatures rise, carpenter ants want to find nourishment and moisture. Spring showers and melting snow create damp wood, providing them with their favorite nesting conditions.
One of their most distinct seasonal behaviors is the nuptial flight. During this period, winged reproductive ants, named alates, take off to establish new colonies. If you notice swarms of flying ants near your home, consider it a warning that there’s a nearby colony.
Identifying Carpenter Ants: What to Look For
Watch for these distinguishing features:
Large size (1/4 to 3/4 inch).
Dark coloration, often black.
Presence of winged alates during mating flights.
For additional identification tips, visit our Carpenter Ant Pest ID guide.
Clues That Carpenter Ants Might Be Near Your Home
Carpenter ants stay active year-round, but their presence is more noticeable in the spring. Be on the lookout for these warning signs:
- An increased amount of ants along exterior walls and near your home’s foundation
- Small piles of sawdust-like material near damp or decaying wood
- Groups of ants clustering around logs, tree stumps, or piles of firewood
Steps to Keep Carpenter Ants From Moving In
Spring’s warmth and moisture create conditions where carpenter ants thrive. Taking action early can help keep them from establishing a nest. Try these preventative steps:
- Address moisture issues by fixing leaks, improving airflow, and making sure gutters divert water away from your home to keep wood dry.
- Store firewood off the ground and at a distance from your house to reduce its appeal as a nesting site.
- Close potential entry points by sealing cracks and crevices around windows, doors, and your home’s foundation.
Signs It’s Time to Bring in a Professional
Have you come across carpenter ants or signs of their activity? Acting quickly can help prevent structural damage. Carpenter ant colonies can grow rapidly in spring, but professional treatments can prevent them from choosing your home. Use our ant services page to learn about available solutions and schedule an inspection.
Carpenter Ant Resources
Here at Bug Out, our technicians assist homeowners in managing carpenter ant infestations before they escalate. Taking preventative steps now can make a significant difference. Visit our contact page for a free inspection, and use this checklist to protect your home.
Spring Maintenance Checklist:
- Seal cracks and gaps around your home’s foundation
- Inspect wood for signs of moisture damage or decay
- Trim trees and shrubs to keep them from touching your home
- Ensure proper drainage directs water away from your foundation
- Schedule a professional inspection
Schedule a Spring Carpenter Ant Inspection Today!
