If you’ve noticed ants in your home, you might be wondering what kind they are. Are they regular black ants, or could they be carpenter ants? While both types of ants are common household pests, they have key differences that can help you identify them. Knowing the difference is important because carpenter ants can cause serious structural damage to your home, while black ants are mostly just a nuisance.
This guide will help you tell the difference between carpenter ants and black ants, understand why they’re in your home, and learn what you should do if you find them.
How Can You Tell a Carpenter Ant from a Regular Ant?
Carpenter ants and black ants may look similar at first glance, but they have some noticeable differences in size, shape, and behavior.
Key Differences:
- Size:
- Carpenter ants are much larger, with workers measuring between ¼ to ½ inch long and queens growing up to ¾ inch long.
- Black ants, also known as little black ants, are much smaller, usually only 2 to 4 millimeters (1/16 to 1/8 inch) long.
- Body Shape:
- Carpenter ants have a heart-shaped head, a narrow “waist” between their body segments, and a smooth, rounded thorax.
- Black ants have a more slender body with an uneven thorax.
- Color:
- Carpenter ants can be black, red, brown, or a combination of these colors.
- Black ants are uniformly dark brown or black.
- Antennae:
- Both types have elbowed (bent) antennae, but carpenter ants have more pronounced antennae.
- Wings (During Swarming Season):
- Both species can have winged swarmers (reproductive ants), but carpenter ant swarmers are much larger than black ant swarmers.
Key Behavioral Differences:
- Carpenter ants tunnel through wood to create nests but do not eat it.
- Black ants build their nests in soil, under rocks, or in wall voids, but they do not cause wood damage.
- Carpenter ants are more likely to make rustling noises inside walls as they tunnel.
- Black ants are typically seen trailing in search of food and are more likely to be found in kitchens or near sugary substances.
Why Do I Suddenly Have Big Black Ants in My House?
If you’re seeing large black ants, there’s a good chance they are carpenter ants. These ants are attracted to damp, rotting, or damaged wood, which makes it easier for them to burrow inside.
Reasons You May Have Carpenter Ants:
- Leaky pipes or moisture problems attracting them to soft, damp wood.
- Tree stumps or decaying wood near your home providing a nesting site.
- Cracks or gaps in your home’s foundation allowing them to enter.
- Wooden structures, decks, or beams that are already weakened or rotting.
If you’re seeing small black ants instead, they could be regular black ants searching for food. Common causes for a black ant infestation include:
- Food crumbs and spills left uncleaned.
- Garbage cans with exposed food waste.
- Poorly sealed food containers allowing ants to access sugar and grains.
What Is the Hardest Ant to Get Rid Of?
Carpenter ants are one of the most difficult ants to eliminate, especially if they’ve built a colony inside your home. Unlike black ants, which can often be controlled with bait traps and cleaning, carpenter ants require more aggressive treatment.
Why Are Carpenter Ants Hard to Get Rid Of?
- They nest inside walls, furniture, and wooden beams, making them hard to locate.
- Killing visible ants doesn’t eliminate the hidden colony deep inside the wood.
- They may have multiple satellite colonies, which means treating one nest might not stop the infestation.
- They don’t always take bait, so standard ant traps may not work.
If you suspect you have carpenter ants, it’s best to call a professional exterminator to locate and eliminate the colony.
Should You Kill Carpenter Ants?
While it might be tempting to squash any ant you see, this won’t solve the problem if you have a carpenter ant infestation. Killing individual ants won’t get rid of the colony, and it might even make things worse.
Why Squishing Carpenter Ants Doesn’t Work:
- Carpenter ants send out scouts to search for food, and killing a few won’t eliminate the nest.
- Squishing ants can release alarm pheromones, which attract more ants to the area.
- The real issue is the hidden nest, which must be treated directly.
Instead of squishing them, try to follow the ants to see where they are coming from. This can help you locate the nest and determine if it’s inside your home. If you’re dealing with a carpenter ant infestation, professional treatment is usually the best option.
Do I Have Carpenter Ants or Black Ants?
If you’re unsure whether you have carpenter ants or regular black ants, here are some signs to look for:
Signs of Carpenter Ants:
- Large ants (¼ to ½ inch long) with a heart-shaped head.
- Small piles of wood shavings (frass) near wooden structures.
- Hollowed-out wood with smooth tunnels inside.
- Rustling noises coming from walls or wooden beams.
- Winged ants appearing indoors, especially in spring.
Signs of Black Ants:
- Tiny ants (2 to 4 mm long) that are uniformly black.
- Long, visible ant trails leading to food sources.
- Nests in soil, under rocks, or in walls.
- More active in kitchens, especially near sugary foods.
If you see small black ants around food, they are likely regular black ants. If you notice large black ants near wood or see signs of damage, they are probably carpenter ants.
How to Get Rid of Carpenter Ants
If you confirm you have carpenter ants, it’s important to act quickly to prevent serious damage. Here’s what you should do:
1. Locate the Nest
- Look for wood shavings, holes in wood, or ant trails leading to hidden areas.
- Listen for rustling sounds in walls at night.
2. Use Bait and Insecticides
- Carpenter ant bait can help eliminate the colony if they take it.
- Sprays and dust treatments work if applied directly to the nest.
3. Address Moisture Issues
- Fix leaks and improve ventilation to prevent future infestations.
- Replace rotting or damaged wood that could attract ants.
4. Seal Entry Points
- Caulk cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and foundations.
- Trim tree branches that touch your house to prevent easy access.
5. Call a Pest Control Professional
- If the infestation persists, a professional exterminator can locate and eliminate the nest.
How to Prevent Black Ants
If you’re dealing with regular black ants, prevention is key.
1. Keep Your Home Clean
- Wipe down countertops and sweep floors regularly.
- Store food in airtight containers to prevent access.
- Take out the trash frequently to avoid attracting ants.
2. Eliminate Water Sources
- Fix leaks under sinks and around pipes.
- Keep kitchen and bathroom areas dry.
3. Use Ant Baits
- Place ant bait stations near trails to eliminate colonies.
4. Seal Entry Points
- Close gaps in windows, doors, and walls to keep ants out.
Final Thoughts
Carpenter ants and black ants may look similar, but knowing the difference is crucial for effective pest control. Carpenter ants are larger, can damage wood, and require professional treatment, while black ants are smaller and mostly a nuisance.
If you suspect you have carpenter ants, take action quickly to prevent structural damage. For minor black ant problems, cleaning and sealing entry points can help keep them away. When in doubt, contact a professional pest control service like Admiral Pest Control to safely and effectively eliminate the infestation.
