Carpenter Ants
(Camponotus spp.)
Large ants that excavate wood to build their nests, potentially causing structural damage to homes.
Overview
Carpenter ants are among the largest ant species found in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Unlike termites, they do not eat wood — instead, they hollow it out to create smooth tunnels and galleries for nesting. Over time, a mature colony can cause significant structural damage to decks, porches, window frames, and wall voids. They are most active at night and are often first noticed when winged reproductives (swarmers) appear indoors during spring.
Appearance
Carpenter ants are noticeably larger than most household ant species, ranging from 1/4 to over 1/2 inch in length. Workers are typically solid black, though some species are dark brown or reddish. They have a single, rounded node between the thorax and abdomen, elbowed antennae, and a smooth, evenly rounded upper thorax. Winged reproductives can be up to 3/4 inch long.
Habitat
In nature, carpenter ants nest in dead or decaying trees, stumps, and fallen logs. Around homes, they target moist or damaged wood — often in areas with water leaks, poor ventilation, or wood-to-ground contact. Common indoor nesting sites include wall voids behind dishwashers, around bathtubs, in porch columns, and in hollow doors or window frames.
Diet
Carpenter ants are omnivores. They feed on honeydew produced by aphids, other insects (dead or alive), and sweet or protein-rich foods found in kitchens. They do not consume wood — the sawdust-like frass they push out of galleries is excavated debris, not digested material.
Lifecycle
A colony is founded by a single fertilized queen who lays her first batch of eggs in a small cavity in wood. Workers emerge after about 60 days and begin expanding the nest. Colonies mature in 3 to 6 years, eventually producing winged swarmers that leave to start new colonies. A mature colony can contain 3,000 to 10,000 or more workers.
Signs of Infestation
- !Small piles of fine, sawdust-like wood shavings (frass) near baseboards or wooden structures
- !Faint rustling or crunching sounds inside walls, especially at night
- !Winged ants emerging indoors during spring
- !Trails of large black ants, particularly along foundation edges or tree branches touching the house
- !Hollow-sounding wood when tapped
Prevention Tips
- ✓Fix water leaks around roofs, pipes, and air conditioning units promptly
- ✓Replace water-damaged or rotting wood around the home
- ✓Keep firewood stored at least 20 feet from the house and elevated off the ground
- ✓Trim tree branches and shrubs away from the roofline and siding
- ✓Seal cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and utility penetrations
- ✓Improve ventilation in attics, crawl spaces, and basements to reduce moisture
Professional Treatment
Professional carpenter ant treatment begins with a thorough inspection to locate the main colony and any satellite nests. Treatment typically includes applying non-repellent liquid products around the foundation, injecting dust or foam formulations into wall voids and galleries, and placing baits along foraging trails. Because satellite colonies can be scattered throughout a structure, follow-up visits are essential to confirm complete elimination.
Did You Know?
- •A carpenter ant colony can live for over 25 years if the queen survives.
- •Workers can carry objects up to 50 times their own body weight.
- •They are most active between 10 PM and 2 AM.
- •Carpenter ants keep their galleries incredibly clean and smooth — almost polished.
1/4 to 1/2 inch
Black, dark brown, or reddish
6
Segmented, oval
Black carpenter ant, Red carpenter ant
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Other Ants in Our Library
Odorous House Ants
Tiny dark ants that release a rotten coconut-like smell when crushed and commonly invade kitchens.
Pavement Ants
Small brown ants that nest in cracks in pavement and driveways and forage indoors for food.
Acrobat Ants
Small ants with a distinctive heart-shaped abdomen they raise over their body when disturbed.