Carpenter Ants in Massachusetts: What Homeowners Need to Know​

Carpenter ants are one of the most common and destructive pests in Massachusetts during the spring. As temperatures rise in April, these ants become more active and may begin nesting in homes—especially where moisture is present.

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What Are Carpenter Ants?​

Carpenter ants get their name from the way they excavate wood to build their nests. Unlike termites, they don’t eat wood—they chew through it to create smooth, clean tunnels that house their colonies.

• Size: ½” to ⅝” long

• Color: Commonly black, but may also be red, brown, or a mix of black and red

• Behavior: Mostly active at night, but swarmer ants (winged reproductives) may be seen during the day in spring​

 

Signs of a Carpenter Ant Infestation​

Spotting carpenter ants can be tricky until the damage is already done. Here’s what to look out for:​

• Sawdust-Like Debris (Frass): Often found beneath baseboards, window sills, or inside crawl spaces—this is a byproduct of their tunneling activity.

• Tiny Holes in Wood Surfaces: These are their exit points where they push out frass and dead insect parts.

• Rustling Noises: If a colony is large enough, you may hear a faint rustling inside walls.

• Visible Worker Ants: Especially near kitchens, bathrooms, or other areas with moisture.

 

Why Do Carpenter Ants Invade Homes?​

Carpenter ants are attracted to moisture-damaged wood, making bathrooms, kitchens, and basements high-risk areas. Leaky roofs, plumbing issues, and poor ventilation create the perfect environment for them to thrive.

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How to Prevent Carpenter Ants​

• Eliminate Excess Moisture: Fix leaks and improve ventilation in attics, crawl spaces, and basements.

• Seal Entry Points: Repair cracks around windows, doors, and foundations.

• Store Firewood Away from the Home: Never stack wood directly against your home’s siding.

• Trim Tree Limbs: Overhanging branches can act as highways into your house.

 

Professional Carpenter Ant Control in Massachusetts

DIY solutions may only kill the visible ants—but the real damage happens inside the walls where nests are hidden. That’s why professional treatment is essential.

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At Heritage Pest Control, we offer:

• Thorough inspections to find hidden nests

• Safe, targeted treatments to eliminate the entire colony

• Moisture assessments and prevention tips to reduce future infestations

 

Schedule Your Carpenter Ant Inspection Today​

If you've spotted ants in or around your home this spring, don't wait! Carpenter ants can cause serious structural damage over time. Contact Heritage Pest Control for fast, effective carpenter ant removal in Randolph and surrounding Massachusetts towns.

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📞 Call us at (781) 986-0701 or
📅 Request a free inspection online today!

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