Get Your Home Ready for Carpenter Ant Season

Spring is a lovely season with warmer days and lush landscapes, but it also causes carpenter ants to become increasingly active. Unlike common household ants, these insects burrow into wood, potentially compromising your home’s structural integrity over time. If you notice large ants indoors, especially ones with wings, it may be time to consider a professional inspection.

Not sure if the ants in your home are carpenter ants? Our guide will help you identify their characteristics and understand their behavior.

Why Carpenter Ants Are More Active in Spring

As temperatures rise, carpenter ants ramp up their search for food and moisture. Spring rain and melting snow leave wood damp, making it easier for them to carve out nesting areas.

One key seasonal behavior is their nuptial flight. During this reproductive stage, winged ants, called alates, take flight to establish new colonies. If you see swarms of flying ants around your home, it may signal a nearby colony is growing.

Identifying Carpenter Ants This Season

Watch for these characteristics:

Large size (1/4 to 3/4 inch).
Dark coloration, often black.
Presence of winged alates during mating flights.

For a full identification guide, check out our Carpenter Ant Pest ID resource.

Signs Carpenter Ants May Be Nesting Nearby

Carpenter ants remain active throughout the year, but certain indicators are easier to spot in spring:

• Regular sightings along outer walls and near the base of your home
• Accumulations of sawdust-like debris near moist or decaying wood, particularly after rain
• Clusters of ants congregating around logs, tree stumps, or stored firewood

Steps to Help Keep Carpenter Ants Away This Spring

Spring’s combination of warmth and humidity creates the perfect environment for carpenter ants to thrive. Taking early precautions can reduce the likelihood of an infestation. Consider these preventive steps:

• Manage moisture problems by fixing leaks, improving ventilation, and ensuring gutters direct water away from your home to keep wood dry and less appealing to ants.
• Store firewood correctly by keeping it elevated and positioned at a safe distance from your home to discourage nesting.
• Close off possible entry points by checking for gaps around doors, windows, and foundation cracks, then sealing them to block ant access.

When to Seek Professional Help

Noticing carpenter ants or signs of their presence? Acting quickly can help limit potential damage. Colonies expand rapidly in spring, but early intervention with professional treatment can prevent the problem from escalating. Visit our ant services page to explore treatment options and schedule an inspection.

Carpenter Ant Resources

At Batzner Pest Control, we’re dedicated to helping homeowners stay ahead of carpenter ant issues. Taking preventative action now can significantly reduce the risk of a carpenter ant problem. Contact us today for a free inspection, and use this checklist to help protect your home.

Spring Maintenance Checklist:

• Seal cracks and gaps in your foundation
• Check for damp or rotting wood
• Trim tree branches and shrubs that touch your home
• Ensure proper drainage moves water away from your foundation
• Schedule a professional inspection

Schedule a Spring Carpenter Ant Inspection Today!