Carpenter Ants 

Learn about Carpenter Ants and how PESTWISE can help you eliminate these destructive pests from your property. From identification and lifecycle to habitat and prevention tips, we've got you covered.

Carpenter Ant

Scientific Name: Camponotus spp.

Identification: Carpenter ants are among the largest ants found in Ontario, ranging from 6 to 13 mm in length. They are typically black or black with reddish-brown thoraxes. Workers have large mandibles used for excavation. Unlike termites, they do not eat wood but carve smooth tunnels within wooden structures to build nests.

Lifecycle: Carpenter ants undergo complete metamorphosis with four stages:

  1. Egg

  2. Larva

  3. Pupa

  4. Adult

The queen starts the colony and produces workers in the first year. Colonies mature over 3-6 years and may contain thousands of ants.

Habitat: They prefer moist or decaying wood and are commonly found in:

  • Wall voids

  • Attics

  • Wooden decks

  • Porch supports

  • Window frames

Outdoors, they may nest in tree stumps, logs, or firewood piles.

Behavior: Carpenter ants are primarily nocturnal. They forage for food at night, seeking sweets, meats, or grease. Colonies can be large and complex, often with satellite nests separate from the main colony. Presence of frass (wood shavings and insect parts) is a sign of nesting activity.

Risks & Concerns:

  • Can cause significant structural damage over time

  • Frass may contaminate indoor areas

  • May bite when disturbed

  • Wall voids

  • Attics

  • Wooden decks

  • Porch supports

  • Window frames

Outdoors, they may nest in tree stumps, logs, or firewood piles.

Signs of Infestation:

  • Sawdust-like frass near wooden structures

  • Rustling sounds in walls

  • Winged swarmers (reproductive ants) in spring

  • Visible foraging activity at night

Prevention Tips:

  • Eliminate moisture sources around the home

  • Trim tree branches and shrubs away from buildings

  • Store firewood away from the house

  • Seal cracks and crevices in foundations and siding

Pestwise Treatment Approach

  1. Inspection – We identify nest locations using visual checks and moisture detection.

  2. Targeted Baiting – Non-repellent baits are used to eliminate satellite colonies.

  3. Perimeter Barrier Treatment – We apply long-lasting residual insecticide around key entry points.

  4. Frass Cleanup & Monitoring – We vacuum and inspect for signs of re-nesting.

Warranty: We offer a 3 month warranty after treatment, with optional re-inspection.

Need help with Carpenter Ants?

Contact PESTWISE today for expert pest control services and get rid of Carpenter Ants for good.