As spring brings in warmer days and blooming landscapes, it also signals a rise in carpenter ant activity. Unlike ordinary household ants, these insects carve tunnels through wood, potentially weakening the structural integrity of your home. If you notice large ants in your home, particularly ones with wings, it’s likely time to schedule a professional inspection.
Curious whether the ants in your home are carpenter ants? Our guide can help you recognize their features and understand their behavior.
Why Carpenter Ants Love Spring
As temperatures warm, carpenter ants become increasingly active, foraging for food and water. The seasonal moisture from melting snow and spring rains softens wood, making it easier for them to create nests.
A key springtime event is their nuptial flight. During these mating swarms, winged reproductive ants, known as alates, enter the air in search of new nesting sites. If you spot any gatherings of flying ants around your home, it could indicate an expanding colony nearby.
How to Spot Carpenter Ants in Spring
Look for these defining traits:
Large size (1/4 to 3/4 inch).
Dark coloration, often black.
Presence of winged alates during mating flights.
For more identification tips, check out our Carpenter Ant Pest ID guide.
Signs That Carpenter Ants Might Be Nesting on Your Property
Although carpenter ants can be active year-round, springtime conditions bring specific warning signs of an infestation:
- Frequent sightings along exterior walls and your home’s foundation
- Small piles of sawdust or frass near damp or rotting wood, particularly after rainfall
- Increased movement around woodpiles, decaying logs, and tree stumps
How to Prevent Carpenter Ants This Spring
With warmer temperatures and increased moisture, spring creates ideal conditions for carpenter ants to thrive. Taking proactive steps now can help reduce the risk of an infestation. Consider these prevention tips:
- Repair leaks, improve ventilation, and ensure gutters direct water away from your home to prevent wood from becoming damp and inviting to ants.
- Keep woodpiles elevated and at a distance from your home to avoid attracting nesting ants.
- Inspect and close off gaps around windows, doors, and foundation cracks to block access.
When to Call a Professional
If you’ve spotted carpenter ants or signs of their activity, acting quickly can prevent further damage. Spring is when colonies expand, but professional treatment can stop the problem before it worsens. Visit our service page to explore treatment options and schedule an inspection.
Carpenter Ant Resources
At Ja-Roy, we’re here to help you stay ahead of carpenter ant problems. Staying informed and proactive can reduce the chances of these pests settling in your home. Contact us for a free inspection, and use this checklist to keep your property protected.
Spring Maintenance Checklist:
- Seal foundation cracks and gaps
- Inspect for damp or decaying wood around your home
- Trim back tree branches and shrubs that touch your house
- Ensure proper drainage to keep moisture away from the foundation
- Schedule a professional inspection
Schedule a Spring Carpenter Ant Inspection Today!
Carpenter Ants in Spring: Prepare Your Home in Southern Louisiana
Ja-Roy Pest Control Services is a local Pest Control and Extermination company helping homeowners and businesses with pest issues across Southern Louisiana.
