Top Tips for Effective Carpenter Ant Control

Carpenter ants are one of the most common and destructive pests homeowners in the Chicagoland area face. Unlike termites, carpenter ants do not eat wood, but they tunnel through it to create nests. Over time, these tunnels can weaken the structure of your home, leading to expensive repairs.

The good news is that with the right approach, you can prevent carpenter ants or stop an infestation before serious damage occurs. In this guide, we’ll cover simple, effective carpenter ant control tips that every homeowner should know.

Spotting an Infestation

Early detection is one of the best ways to avoid major problems. Here are some signs that carpenter ants may already be inside your home:

• Sawdust piles: Also called “frass,” these small piles of fine sawdust often collect beneath baseboards, near windows, or along walls.
• Rustling sounds: You might hear faint rustling noises coming from inside your walls, especially at night when the ants are most active.
• Winged ants indoors: Winged carpenter ants, called swarmers, usually appear in spring or early summer when they leave the nest to start new colonies.

Carpenter ants prefer moist, decaying wood, so they often nest in areas with water damage, such as around window frames, in crawlspaces, or in attics. In the Chicago area, infestations tend to increase in late spring and peak in the summer months.

Why It’s Important to Act Quickly

Carpenter ant colonies grow over time. The longer they remain in your home, the more extensive the damage can become. If left untreated, carpenter ants can hollow out support beams, wall studs, and floor joists, which may result in costly repairs.

Structural repairs for serious carpenter ant damage often range from $1,000 to $3,000 or more, depending on how much wood must be replaced. This is why it’s smart to address carpenter ant control early rather than waiting for the problem to worsen.

It’s also helpful to know how to tell carpenter ants apart from termites. Termites eat wood, while carpenter ants simply carve it out. You can usually tell the difference by looking at the body: carpenter ants are large (up to ½ inch), have bent (elbowed) antennae, and a clearly segmented body with a narrow waist.

How to Prevent Carpenter Ants

The best way to deal with carpenter ants is to make your home less attractive to them. Here are several ways to do that:

Seal entry points
Check your foundation, doors, windows, and utility openings for cracks or gaps. Use weatherproof caulk or expandable foam to seal these entryways.

Fix moisture problems
Carpenter ants are drawn to damp wood. Repair leaky roofs, plumbing pipes, or faulty gutters that may lead to moisture buildup. Make sure crawlspaces and attics are well-ventilated and dry.

Trim trees and shrubs
Overhanging branches and bushes touching your home create an easy path for carpenter ants to enter. Keep plants trimmed several feet away from your home’s exterior.

Store firewood properly
Stack firewood away from the house and off the ground. Carpenter ants often nest in firewood, and you don’t want them moving from the woodpile to your home.

Keep your home clean
Wipe down counters, clean up spills quickly, and store pantry items in sealed containers. While carpenter ants are attracted to wood for nesting, they also forage for sweets and proteins in kitchens. 

Control Existing Ants

If you already have carpenter ants, here are the most effective ways to get rid of them:

Baiting
Professional-grade baits can lure worker ants, who then carry the poison back to the colony, including the queen. This is one of the most effective methods for eliminating an entire colony, not just the ants you see.

Targeted treatments
Liquid or dust insecticides can be applied to known nesting areas or ant trails. These treatments help create a barrier that prevents further activity and kills ants on contact.

Why DIY isn’t always enough
Store-bought sprays often kill only the ants you see. In many cases, they cause the colony to split and move to new areas, making the infestation harder to control. If you can’t locate the nest or if ants keep returning, it’s time to call a professional.

Safe for families and pets
Professional pest control companies use targeted treatments designed to keep children and pets safe. The goal is to solve the problem thoroughly, without putting your household at risk.

Other Recommended Maintenance

Ongoing home maintenance will help keep carpenter ants out:

• Inspect attics, basements, and crawlspaces regularly for signs of moisture or damage.
• Repair leaks around sinks, tubs, toilets, and water heaters.
• Clean gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage.
• Keep yard debris away from the home and maintain a tidy landscape.

These small tasks can go a long way in protecting your home from carpenter ants and other pests.

When to Call a Professional

While DIY efforts can sometimes help with prevention, professional carpenter ant control is often the best solution for active infestations. You should call an expert if:

• You see carpenter ants repeatedly inside your home.
• You hear noises in your walls or suspect hidden damage.
• You cannot locate the nest, or multiple nests may be involved.

A licensed pest control professional, like the team at Bigfoot Pest Control, will conduct a full inspection of your home, identify the nesting sites, and apply proven treatments to eliminate the ants and prevent future infestations.

Conclusion

Carpenter ants can cause serious problems if ignored, but with the right prevention and treatment strategies, you can protect your home.

If you think you might have carpenter ants or want an expert inspection, contact Bigfoot Pest Control today. Our experienced team can provide professional pest control services and guidance.