How to Spot and Stop Carpenter Ants in Middle Tennessee

Ants are common pests in Middle Tennessee. They’re so common that it can be easy to overlook them when you see them around your property. For the most part, the ants you see outside are harmless. They might annoy you with the ant hills they create around your lawn, but they don’t cause any serious problems. Even if they get into your home, many ant species are more of a nuisance than a danger. However, not all ants are just a nuisance. 

Carpenter ants are sneaky and can sneak up on you if you miss the early warning signs, whether you see them inside or outside your house. All-American Pest Control is here to help you learn how to spot and stop carpenter ants from damaging your Middle Tennessee home.

What Are Carpenter Ants and Why Are They a Problem?

Distinguishing carpenter ants from other ants is relatively easy because of one thing: Their size. Carpenter ants are much larger than other ants, growing to about half an inch or longer. They can be black, red, or a combination of the two colors. Some have wings and some don’t. 

The problem with carpenter ants is their choice of nesting areas. They like to build their nests and tunnels in wood. When they’re outdoors, this isn’t a major problem because they tend to infest rotting wood and dead trees. If they get inside your house, though, that’s another story. They will damage the wooden structures inside, and if not addressed, they can weaken these structures to the point that they become structurally unsound.

How to Identify a Carpenter Ant Infestation

Carpenter ants love Middle Tennessee just as much as we do, thanks to all our trees and humidity. That’s why it’s so important to know what to look for. Being able to spot the ants themselves is great, but it also helps to recognize the signs they leave behind so you can catch a problem early. These include:

• Frass- Frass is a sawdust-like material that carpenter ants excavate from the tunnels they create. If carpenter ants are present, you may find little piles of these shavings near baseboards, window frames, or other exposed wood.

• Rustling sounds- If you hear quiet rustling noises in your walls or other wooden structures, it could be carpenter ants.

• Winged ants inside your house- Carpenter ants with wings are the reproductive members of the colony. You are most likely to see them in the spring and they are a sure sign of a well-established colony.

• Ants that appear mostly at night- Carpenter ants can be seen during the day, but they are mainly nocturnal pests, so you’re more likely to see them at night.

• Trails to moisture-damaged wood- Although carpenter ants will infest dry, sound wood, they prefer soft wood with moisture damage.

If you come across any of the signs above, carpenter ants have likely infested your home.

Common Entry Points in Middle Tennessee Homes

To stop carpenter ants from getting into your house, you need to know where they’re most likely to come inside. Some of the most common entry points for carpenter ants in Middle Tennessee homes include:

• Crawl spaces

• Rooflines and soffits

• Around windows and door frames

• Utility lines and plumbing access points

• Firewood stacks and overhanging tree limbs

Any small opening can be used as an access point for carpenter ants to enter your house, so sealing these areas is essential if you want to keep them out.

How to Get Rid of Carpenter Ants

The best way to stop carpenter ants from causing trouble? Don’t let them move in to begin with! Try these ten tips to prevent carpenter ants from infesting your home:

1. Remove or repair water-damaged wood

2. Trim tree limbs so they don’t touch the sides or roof of your home

3. Store firewood at least 20 feet away from your house

4. Seal cracks and crevices around your home

5. Eliminate outdoor nests near the foundation

6. Regularly clean your gutters to reduce moisture buildup

7. Use bait stations specifically designed for carpenter ants

8. Avoid over-the-counter sprays that can scatter the colony

9. Keep food sealed and clean up crumbs

10. Schedule a professional pest inspection if signs persist

Carpenter Ants vs. Termites

Carpenter ants are often confused with termites because they look very similar to reproductive termites. There are a few main differences, though, both in appearance and in behavior. 

In appearance, carpenter ants have:

• Pinched waists

• Elbowed antennae

• Two sets of wings that are different lengths

Termites have:

• Broad waists

• Straight antennae

• Two sets of equal-length wings 

When it comes to how they behave, carpenter ants and termites have different game plans. Carpenter ants dig through wood to build their nests, while termites actually eat the wood as they go. Either way, they’re both bad news for your home and something you’ll want a pro to handle if they show up.

When to Call a Professional Pest Control Company

If you see any signs of carpenter ants in your house, you should give All-American Pest Control a call. This includes seeing winged ants, noticing tiny holes in exposed wood, seeing frass below the holes, and suspecting structural damage.

A professional pest control company like All-American Pest Control can give you peace of mind by checking things out. If there’s no sign of carpenter ants, great, you can breathe easy! And if there is a problem, we’ll take care of it. Either way, you’ll have a home that’s carpenter ant-free and stress-free.

Our Carpenter Ant Services in Middle Tennessee

Since our start in 1961, All-American Pest Control has been helping folks across Middle Tennessee protect their homes from wood-damaging pests. When it comes to carpenter ants, our experienced team knows exactly what to do—they don’t stand a chance against us!

Our Perimeter Plus plan provides year-round protection against carpenter ants and over 47 other common Middle Tennessee pests. Providing seasonal treatments to stop pests from entering your home, our services give you the non-stop protection you need to avoid the damage that carpenter ants can cause.

Contact All-American Pest Control for Effective Carpenter Ant Control 

Whether you see signs of carpenter ants in your house, you’ve seen carpenter ants outside, or you just want to prevent an infestation before it begins, All-American Pest Control can help. Get in touch with us to learn more about our green pest control and our Complete Care bundle. No matter your pest control needs, we’ve got them covered!

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Comprehensive Pest Control Solutions in Nashville, TN & Nearby Areas

Since 1961, All-American Pest Control has been your go-to team of trusted pest experts for  homes, businesses, and home builders throughout Nashville and Middle Tennessee. Our expert team offers termite treatments, mosquito reduction, rodent removal, ant and spider control, and wasp nest removal—keeping your property protected year-round. As a local, family-owned company, we take pride in offering reliable, professional pest solutions with outstanding customer service.

We proudly serve: Franklin, Nolensville, Spring Hill, College Grove, Grassland, Cool Springs, Fieldstone Farms, Sullivan Farms, Forrest Crossing, Bent Creek, Bridgemore Village, Kings’ Chapel, Downtown Franklin, The Highlands at Ladd Park, Berry Farms, Polk Place, Rebel Meadows, River Landing, Rogershire, Shadow Green, Simmons Ridge, Southall Heights, Fernvale, Fountain Heights, Ehtridge, Lawrenceburg, Thompson Station, Santa Fe, and the entire Williamson County and Greater Nashville areas.

For trusted pest control in Nashville, TN, and these surrounding communities, contact All American Pest Control today! Call (615) 824-8814 or reach out online.