
Signs of a Carpenter Ant Nest
One of the easiest ways to recognize that you have a carpenter ant problem is from the small piles of sawdust (trass) that are frequently found in the basement or garage or other secluded areas of your home. Carpenter ants do not eat the wood as termites do. Instead, they tunnel through the wood and discard the sawdust as they work, cleaning and polishing their way through. When a mature carpenter ant colony is on your property, you will find flying ants. Known as swarmers, these flying ants are typically seen on window panes, windowsills, and outside of the home. They can appear alone or in groups. These swarmers are sexually mature ants whose job is to leave the colony and fly off in search of a new territory.Damage Caused by Carpenter Ants
If a carpenter ant colony goes undiscovered in a home for an extended length of time, it could lead to structural problems. Some common indicators of damage caused by carpenter ants to wooden structures include:- Ceilings that appear to be sinking
- Walls that have a bulge or bump
- Floors that slope or have an angle
- Doors and windows that stick when opening