Identifying Carpenter Ants

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What Do Carpenter Ants Look Like?


Winged Carpenter Ant   Identifying Carpenter Ants

Some people might have some trouble distinguishing a carpenter ant from a drywood termite. This can sometimes be difficult because termites and carpenter ants do look very similar, especially during the spring and fall when the winged ones start to fly around.
Carpenter Ants Drywood Termites
  • Carpenter Ants will have noticeable waists
  • Carpenter Ants have bent antennae
  • Carpenter Ants legs are longer
  • If there are wings, the front wings will be longer than the back wings on ants
  • Carpenter ants will make small holes in wood to kick out debris that contains coarse sawdust and insect parts
  • Drywood Termites have thick waists
  • Drywood Termites have straight antennae
  • Drywood Termites have short legs
  • If there are wings, both pairs will be the same length
  • Drywood termites make small holes to kick out debris that looks like fine sawdust but does have have insect parts


Carpenter Ants Size, Shape, and Color


Carpenter Ant Identification Black Carpenter Ants Red
  • Carpenter Ants are 1/4 inches to 1/2 inches long.
  • Carpenter ants have visible waists and have bent antennae
  • Carpenter Ants have 6 legs
  • Carpenter Ants do not have stingers
  • Carpenter Ants will vary in color from dark red to black

Carpenter Ants Nest Damages


Carpenter Ants Tree Nest

Carpenter Ants can be found in damaged or dead trees, tree stumps, mulch, and wood piles. Indoors, Carpenter Ants are usually found where wood has has excess moisture from a pipe or other leak. Carpenter Ants will leave behind holes in wood and kick out debris that includes sawdust and insect parts.


Carpenter Ants Geographical Range



Boxelder Bugs Outside

There are several species of Carpenter Ants and they can be found throughout the United States.

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