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Early Spring Invaders: How to Prevent Carpenter Ants from Taking Over Your Home

Published March 1st, 2025 by Neff Exterminating Inc

As temperatures rise in early spring, carpenter ants become more active, searching for food and shelter. Unlike termites, carpenter ants do not consume wood, but they do tunnel through it, creating extensive galleries that can weaken the structure of your home over time.

Carpenter ants are one of the most destructive pests in the White Mountains, and if left unchecked, they can cause significant damage. Taking preventative measures early in the season can help you avoid costly repairs and keep these unwanted invaders out.

How to Identify Carpenter Ants

Before you can prevent carpenter ants, it is important to know what to look for. These ants are larger than most household ants, measuring between one-quarter to one-half inch long. They are typically black, red, or a combination of both, with a segmented body and elbowed antennae.

Signs of a Carpenter Ant Infestation:

Wood shavings (frass) near baseboards, windowsills, or door frames
Faint rustling noises coming from inside walls or wooden structures
Swarms of winged ants around windows or doors, especially in early spring
Hollow-sounding wood when tapped
Trails of worker ants foraging for food in kitchens or pantries

If you notice any of these signs, act quickly before the colony expands.

Why Carpenter Ants Become a Problem in Early Spring

Carpenter ants are most active in the spring and summer, but their colonies begin preparing for warmer months as soon as temperatures rise above 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

What Attracts Carpenter Ants?

Moisture: Leaky pipes, clogged gutters, and damp wood create the perfect nesting environment.
Decaying Wood: Firewood, old stumps, and rotting fence posts provide entry points.
Food Sources: Crumbs, pet food, and unsealed pantry items attract foraging ants.
Access to Structures: Gaps in siding, cracks in the foundation, and openings around windows or doors allow easy entry.

By addressing these factors now, you can prevent carpenter ants from establishing a colony in your home this spring.

How to Prevent Carpenter Ants from Taking Over

1. Eliminate Moisture Sources

Carpenter ants prefer damp wood, so reducing moisture is key to making your home less inviting.

Fix leaking pipes and faucets inside and outside your home
Improve ventilation in crawl spaces, attics, and basements
Keep gutters clear and direct water away from your foundation
Remove water-damaged or rotting wood from around your home

2. Seal Entry Points

Carpenter ants can enter through tiny cracks and openings, so it is essential to block their access.

Seal gaps around windows, doors, and baseboards
Repair cracks in the foundation and siding
Ensure attic and crawl space vents are properly screened
Keep tree branches and shrubs trimmed away from your home

3. Remove Food Sources

Carpenter ants forage for food, so cutting off their supply reduces the chances of an infestation.

Store dry goods in airtight containers
Clean up spills and crumbs immediately
Take out the trash regularly and use sealed bins
Keep pet food in sealed containers and avoid leaving it out overnight

4. Protect Your Home’s Exterior

Since carpenter ants often nest in wood before moving indoors, keeping your property clear of potential nesting sites is crucial.

Keep firewood at least twenty feet away from your home
Remove tree stumps and decaying wood
Replace damaged or untreated wooden structures
Apply a protective barrier treatment around your home

Need professional help? Neff Exterminating offers targeted treatments to keep carpenter ants out.

Call us today at (928) 536-6862 or request service online.

What to Do If You Already Have Carpenter Ants

If you have spotted carpenter ants inside your home, it is important to act fast before the problem worsens.

DIY Methods to Try:

Bait traps: These can help eliminate visible worker ants but may not reach the nest.
Boric acid dust: Sprinkling this in cracks and crevices can deter carpenter ants.
Soapy water spray: A simple mixture of dish soap and water can kill ants on contact.

However, do-it-yourself solutions rarely eliminate the entire colony, especially if the nest is inside your walls.

When to Call a Professional

If you see carpenter ants inside your home repeatedly
If there is visible damage to wooden structures
If you hear rustling noises inside walls
If do-it-yourself methods are not working

Professional pest control services can eliminate carpenter ants at the source, preventing long-term damage.

Schedule an inspection with Neff Exterminating today by calling (928) 536-6862.

Keep Carpenter Ants Out This Spring

Carpenter ants can cause costly damage if left untreated, but early prevention is key. By eliminating moisture, sealing entry points, removing food sources, and protecting your property, you can keep these destructive pests away from your home this spring.

For expert pest control solutions, trust Neff Exterminating to protect your home from carpenter ants and other seasonal invaders.

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