These insects may still be relatively small, but they can do major damage to your home if ignored.

Meet the Expert

Ed Dolshunis the Vice President of Business Development and Technical Director at Catchmaster.

Carpenter ants build their nests and expand their colony within the studs and other framing elements of a home.

carpenter ants: camponotus laevigatus impact on wood san f rancisco, ca, usa

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As a result, the structural integrity of your house may become comprised and ultimately lead to expensive repairs.

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They also have a smooth thorax (abdomen area) and heart-shaped heads.

Carpenter ant on leaf

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Additionally, carpenter ants are nocturnal and generally use the night to scavenge for food.

This material is referred to as frass.

“Noticing any number of winged ants is another huge red flag,” says Dolshun.

Rustling Sounds

Certain sounds can also give carpenter ants away.

you could also seal entry points in your doors, windows, or foundations where cracks are present."

If even one of the following occurs, leave it to the professionals to handle your infestation.