Carpenter ants can cause some serious damage to a home if left unchecked. Unlike termites, these ants don't actually eat wood, but they still dig through it to build their nests. Over time, this will weaken wooden structures and cause a lot of damage. But since they tend to stay hidden, it can be hard to know they’re around until the damage is done. Here are some ways to identify the early signs of carpenter ants so you can catch them early.

One of the first signs that carpenter ants might be present is seeing large, black ants around the home, especially near wooden areas. Carpenter ants are larger than most common ants, and they are often black, although some species are red or even a mix of red and black. If ants are spotted in places like door frames, baseboards, or around windows, it might be worth taking a closer look. Seeing a few ants doesn’t always mean there’s an infestation, but if they keep showing up in the same places, that’s often a clue that they’re living inside the wood nearby.

Another early sign of carpenter ants is the presence of what looks like sawdust, called frass, near wooden surfaces. Frass is a mix of wood shavings, dead ants, and other debris that the ants push out of their tunnels. Finding these small piles around windowsills, on the floor near wooden furniture, or even on the deck outside can be a strong indication that carpenter ants are at work. Unlike termites, carpenter ants don’t eat wood, they simply chew through it and push the waste out of their tunnels. If frass is found indoors, it’s a good idea to try and find out where it’s coming from.

Sometimes, faint rustling sounds can be heard coming from inside the walls or other wooden parts of the home, especially at night when carpenter ants are more active. If noises like this are noticeable, it could mean the ants have already established a nest and are working to expand it. This sound is usually quiet but noticeable if the room is silent. Though it might not be loud, hearing this could mean that the infestation is more severe, and professional help may be needed to fully get rid of it. In this case, contact a commercial exterminator in Lewiston right away since they will have the the tools and experience to handle carpenter ants, even in hard-to-reach areas.

When looking for carpenter ants, it can also help to check for signs of damage on wooden surfaces. Carpenter ants usually tunnel in wood that’s already moist or damaged, like rotting window frames, decks, or even parts of a basement that may have had water issues. If small holes or tunnels are spotted in these areas, it might be worth tapping on the wood to see if it sounds hollow. If there’s an infestation, the wood may feel weak or even crumble when pressed.

By looking for signs like frass, large black ants, faint rustling noises, or hollow-sounding wood, it’s possible to catch a carpenter ant infestation before it becomes severe. And if the ants seem to be well-established, commercial pest control services is the best option to deal with them effectively. Taking care of the issue promptly can save money and trouble, and it helps keep the home safe from serious damage in the future.