Identifying Carpenter Ants: What Do These Destructive Pests Look Like?

Like termites, carpenter ants are often considered “silent destroyers.” However, these pests don’t actually eat wood. Instead, they tunnel through it or carve out to build their extensive network of colonies and nests. In the ecosystem, they provide a beneficial service by accelerating the decomposition of dead and decaying trees. When they invade manmade structures, however, they can spell disaster.  Carpenter Ants are among the top five pest ant groups in the United States. Essentially they cause damage to homes, businesses, and other structures due to their nesting behavior.

Resolve Pest Management has decades of experience helping properties of all types eliminate these destructive pests. Explore the details you need to know to identify carpenter ants, including signs of an infestation, and get tips for getting rid of them for good. 

Introduction to Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants are among the largest ants found in the U.S., with over 600 species nationwide. They thrive in cooler, damp environments like the Northeast, especially here in New Jersey. These polymorphic ants have colonies made up of different-sized workers, led by a single queen. Known for causing damage to wooden structures, carpenter ants are a pest homeowners should be familiar with to prevent infestations.

Why Proper Identification Matters

Carpenter ants can cause significant damage, although they rarely compromise a building’s structural integrity. Knowing how to identify carpenter ants is essential to prevent costly repairs. Early signs of an infestation, such as sawdust piles or frass (a mix of wood shavings and ant parts), can help you detect the problem before it escalates.

Carpenter Ant Size, Color, and Features

In New Jersey, the most common species is Camponotus pennsylvanicus, a large, shiny black ant. Carpenter ants can vary in size and color, with workers ranging from 3/8 to 1/2 inch long, and queens growing up to an inch. They have distinct features, including a narrow waist and an evenly rounded thorax, which can help differentiate them from termites.

Biology and Behavior of Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants undergo a complete life cycle: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Their pupae, often mistaken for “ant eggs,” are enclosed in cocoons. A colony typically consists of one queen and thousands of workers, with the queen solely responsible for egg production. While workers may live up to five years, many do not survive due to natural predators or human activities. Queens, however, can live as long as 15 years, producing thousands of workers and "swarmers" (winged reproductive ants) over time.

It takes about two months for a carpenter ant egg to develop into an adult, and a new colony matures within 3 to 6 years. During this time, the colony produces swarmers, which are reproductive ants that mate outside the nest. After mating, males die, and females shed their wings to establish new colonies in moist or decayed wood, often within hollow porch posts, siding, or window frames.

Carpenter ants feed on sugars, dead insects, and honeydew from aphids. They are nocturnal foragers, often building trails that connect their nests to food sources. In our area, carpenter ants are most active from May through October, with peak activity in July. Their colonies can span over 100 yards, establishing satellite nests in nearby trees and structures, which is why homes surrounded by large trees are at higher risk for infestation.

Why You Should Call In The Experts?

Winged carpenter ants and termites may look alike, but there are clear differences:

• Antennae: Termites have straight antennae, while carpenter ants have elbowed ones.
• Waist: Termites have a broad waist, whereas carpenter ants have a narrow, defined waist.
• Wings: Termite wings are equal in size, while carpenter ants have larger front wings and smaller hind wings.
  

Key Differences in Appearance

Termites consume wood, but carpenter ants excavate it to create smooth galleries for nesting. These ants typically select moist or decayed wood, making their way into homes through cracks, windows, or utility lines. Indoors, they can nest in walls, ceilings, and crawl spaces, while outside, they prefer trees, firewood, and fence posts.

Economic Significance of Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants are among the top five pest ants in the U.S. Though they rarely compromise a building's structural integrity, they can damage utility poles and urban shade trees. In New Jersey, research shows that 75% of urban shade trees were infested with carpenter ants, weakening trees and leading to secondary infestations by other pests.

Prevention and Control

Preventing carpenter ants starts with eliminating moisture problems—repair leaky pipes, and ensure firewood is stored off the ground. Keeping vegetation trimmed away from the home can reduce potential entry points.

To locate nests, watch for sawdust piles or set out baits like diluted honey or sugar water near suspected areas after sunset. Ants will lead you to their nests, where you can take targeted action.

For control, baits containing ingredients like fipronil, hydramethylnon, or boric acid are effective, as foraging ants bring the toxic bait back to the colony. However, chemical treatments can take weeks to fully eliminate a colony. Professional pest control solutions, like those provided by Resolve Pest Management, include identifying and treating nests with precise methods to ensure complete eradication.

Trust Resolve Pest Management for Carpenter Ant Solutions

Carpenter ants can cause extensive damage before they’re noticed. At Resolve Pest Management, we provide comprehensive solutions, from locating nests to targeted treatments. Contact us today to schedule an inspection and take the first step in protecting your home from carpenter ants.