Carpenter ants are relatively large (1/4-1/2 inch long) and black in color. They have the ant-like pinched waist, which is one of the signs telling them apart from termites.

Carpenter ants excavate their nests in damp wood. Carpenter ants are common in the north-eastern parts on the US, where they are more common than termites. They are well known for the extensive damage they can inflict on property.

Colonies usually include one main nest with several smaller satellite nests around it. The ants dig through the wood creating their intricate nests, leaving small piles of sawdust outside the entry and exit holes. Piles of Carpenter ants debris often contain pieces of dead insects, removed from the nest by worker ants.

Pest Control Tips for dealing with Carpenter Ants -

Always keep wood in buildings dry and treat dampness around wood as soon as it appears. Carpenter ants usually eat their way through damp wood and avoid dry wood.

When facing an infestation of Carpenter ants in your home, it is crucial to track down all of the colonies. Careful observation of ant trails is often required. You should then bait the worker trails with slow-action ant bait. This solution takes time, as enough workers need to pick up the bait and bring it inside the colony.