Carpenter Ants vs Regular Ants

Serving Chicago Illinois and Indiana

While the name of the species of ants crawling around in your kitchen might not be your greatest concern upon discovering them, knowing this information can help you decide the proper extermination approach to quickly rid them from your house.

There are thousands of known species of ants in the world, but the vast majority of these aren’t found here in the Midwest. What we do have to deal with, however, is carpenter ants. These pesky bugs burrow into the wooden structures of our homes and can cause lasting damage before we’re even aware that they’re there.

So, how can you tell if the ants in your home are carpenter ants vs regular ants?

How to Identify Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants are fairly large compared to other ants; they are usually around ½” in length. Their colors vary from black to brown, to red, sometimes showing blends of multiple colors. The variety in their appearance leads to a long list of ants mistaken for carpenter ants.

You can also identify carpenter ants by the damage they’ve caused. Carpenter ants dig out nests in decayed wood, and contrary to what many believe, they don’t actually consume the wood that they burrow through, so you might see trails of sawdust and shavings.

Should I Be Worried if I See One Carpenter Ant?

Yes – seeing one carpenter ant suggests there could be an entire colony nearby, especially if you encounter it indoors. Stumbling upon a single carpenter ant in your home might not seem like a cause for immediate concern, but don’t take this sighting lightly. These ants venture far and wide to scavenge, so the presence of one could indicate the proximity of their nest. 

But don’t panic — seeing one carpenter ant doesn’t mean the infestation is out of hand, but it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for more signs of their activity.

What Can Be Mistaken for a Carpenter Ant?

Carpenter ants have several look-alikes that can lead to misidentification, but most commonly the black ant. However, black ants are smaller and lack the wood-burrowing behavior of carpenter ants. 

Another species often confused with carpenter ants is the field ant. Like carpenter ants, they can be quite large but generally spend their time outdoors and are less likely to invade your home.

What is the Difference Between Carpenter Ants and Black Ants?

Some people fear that the tiny black ants that raid many peoples’ kitchens and trash cans are carpenters, and could end up causing a serious issue. One major difference they have is carpenter ants are larger, with noticeably segmented bodies, and have a more pronounced waist compared to little black ants. Often referred to as black ants or pavement ants, these are the most common ants that we find in Illinois and Indiana houses. 

Black ants typically measure about 1/16” long, which is smaller than carpenter ants. Although they may share a dark coloration with carpenter ants at a glance, they don’t typically exhibit the same size or behavior. Also, carpenter ants may exhibit wings when they are reproductive adults, something not typically seen with regular black ants inside your home. 

Another way to tell the difference between carpenter and black ant features is to notice the carpenter ants’ large mandibles. They use these to burrow through wood but will also bite when provoked. On the other hand, pavement ants do not bite, and while they have a stinger, it is very weak at our scale, sometimes unable to even pierce the skin.

How to Get Rid of Carpenter Ants with Professional Extermination

The prevention and extermination tactics taken against carpenter ants vs regular ants vary due to the scale of potential damage and the habits of the ants themselves. Black ants can usually be dealt with by the homeowner by purchasing an ant-killer, eliminating excess moisture, and sealing food, but carpenter ant issues are better left to professionals. 

Our ant extermination experts here at Terminix Anderson have the necessary experience to swiftly assess and eradicate the carpenter ant colony in your home. Contact us today!

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