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Carpenter Ants 


The red carpenter ant and the black carpenter ant are two of the most common types found in Canada. The red carpenter ant has a dark brownish-black body, with a reddish-brown upper body. The black carpenter ant is dark brownish-black all over. 

Carpenter ants are from 6 to 25 mm (.24 to 1 inch) long. A carpenter ant’s body is divided into three segments, with a very slim waist separating the upper body and lower body. Their antennae are bent and in sections. Male and female adults have wings at mating time. 

Carpenter ants get into houses by several ways: 

  • windows
  • holes in foundations
  • heating ducts and air-conditioners
  • power or telephone cables
  • points where tree branches or other vegetation come in contact with the house
  • wooden structures attached to houses (like porches and sheds)
  • firewood brought into the house

Find carpenter ants: 

  • Completely inspect areas of high moisture, wood in contact with the soil, areas where ventilation is poor, and exposed structural lumber.
  • Figure out if there is actually an infestation of carpenter ants or if it is just individual ants wandering in the house. Look for a high concentration of       ants in a particular area like under the kitchen sink.
  • Pay attention to foraging ants and the patterns of their movement. For example, there may be a trail communicating with a parent colony outside.      (Note: ants are most active after sunset.)
  • Notice if there are swarms of winged ants trying to escape to the outdoors, usually in the spring.
  • Look for piles of sawdust-like borings outside their galleries and slit-like openings in woodwork.
  • Listen for the sound of an active colony, which will create a dry rustling noise that can be heard best at night during high ant activity and quiet               time in the house. Use a wine glass or stethoscope to listen to the walls.