5 Signs of Carpenter Ants (& What You Can Do About Them)

Carpenter ants don’t sting. But that doesn’t mean they’re not a problem. Leave them alone in your home for too long and they can do real damage. That’s why our Hamptons ant control is a popular service.

The trouble is that these large black ants don’t just scavenge for food in your kitchen. They tunnel through damp or rotting wood to build their nests, weakening the structure of your home from the inside out.

If you live in the Hamptons, carpenter ants are more than just a seasonal annoyance. The combination of coastal humidity, wooded lots, and older architecture creates the perfect storm for infestations.

And knowing this probably leaves you with two logical follow-up questions. How do you know if they’re already inside? And more importantly—how do you stop them? 

What do carpenter ants look like?

Carpenter ants are bigger than your average ant. Most workers range from 1/4 to 1/2 inch long, while winged reproductive ants can be even larger. They're usually black, but some species can appear reddish or have brown tones.

You’re most likely to see them in kitchens, basements, laundry rooms, or around windows—any place with access to moisture and food. But often, the nest isn’t anywhere near where you spot the ants. That’s because these pests send out scouts to forage while the colony stays hidden.

What are the signs of carpenter ants in the house?

If you think you might have carpenter ants, watch for these red flags:

1. Sawdust-like shavings (frass) near baseboards, windowsills, or under appliances. Carpenter ants don’t eat wood—they tunnel through it, and they leave waste behind.

1. Faint rustling inside walls, especially at night when the house is quiet. It may sound like soft crackling or tapping.
2. Winged ants indoors, particularly in spring or early summer. These swarmers are a sign that a colony is mature and preparing to expand.
3. Ant trails at night. Carpenter ants are most active after dark. You might see them following scent trails along baseboards or countertops.
4. Soft or damaged wood in parts of the house prone to moisture—like window frames, doorways, or crawl spaces.

Spotting one or two ants doesn’t always mean you have a nest in the house. But if they keep coming back, or if you find yourself noticing other warning signs, then you will want to take action.

Why is outdoor perimeter treatment an effective form of ant control?

The best way to stop an indoor carpenter ant problem is to treat it before it becomes one. That’s why professional ant control in the Hamptons should always start outside.

Carpenter ants usually nest in tree stumps, dead limbs, logs, or piles of firewood. If your property has moisture and shade, it’s already on their radar. When we treat your home’s outer perimeter, we’re creating a protective barrier that keeps ants (and other pests) from coming inside in the first place.

That means:

• Fewer scouts entering your kitchen
• Less risk of hidden colonies taking hold inside your walls
• Longer-lasting protection from a wider range of pests—not just ants

Why Trust Mosquito Squad for Ant Control in the Hamptons?

At Mosquito Squad, we provide targeted perimeter ant control backed by EPA-registered treatments and a proven 21-day service cycle. Whether you're dealing with a current infestation or just want to prevent future ones, our team is here to help.

We’ll inspect your property, identify the high-risk zones, and apply treatments that keep pests out—without disrupting your home life. No two properties in the Hamptons are alike, which is why we make each plan custom to address your property’s specific needs.

And if you’re in the unlucky situation of dealing with multiple pests, you might also like our Multi-Pest 365 service. It covers mosquito control, tick control, ant control, cockroach treatment, fly control, and more. Add on Multi-Pest 365 Plus Rodents for year-round rodent protection.

For dependable outdoor pest control near you, call on the professionals at Mosquito Squad. Call (631) 832-4856 or contact us online for a complimentary Hamptons, NY pest control assessment and quote.

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*48-hour guarantee is valid for Mosquito Barrier Treatment only. New Customers only.