Home / Pest Library / Carpenter Ants
Carpenter Ants in Delaware: How to Spot Them and Get Rid of Them
Big black ants and piles of sawdust? Learn the signs of carpenter ants, how much damage they really do, and how Wolfe Pest Control finds and treats the colony.
Quick facts
- Carpenter ants dig out wood to nest but don't eat it.
- Look for coarse sawdust mixed with insect parts.
- They prefer moist or rotting wood and mostly come out at night.
- The main colony and its satellite nests all need treatment, or they come back.
What they look likeSignsAre they dangerous?How we treat themPreventionFAQ
What do they look like?
Carpenter ant workers are shiny black or dark brown and about 1/4 to 1/2 inch long, so they're much bigger than the small ants you see in the kitchen. Winged ones can reach 3/4 inch, and their front wings are longer than their back wings. They mostly come out at night, so you may not see many during the day. If you see them inside in winter, the nest may be in a heated part of the house.
Signs you have them
- Piles of coarse, stringy sawdust mixed with insect parts
- Large black ants out at night, especially May to July
- Winged ants at windows inside the house
- Rustling sounds in the walls
- Smooth, clean tunnels in wood with no soil in them
Are they dangerous?
Carpenter ants don't eat wood. They dig it out to make nests, and they prefer wood that's moist or rotting, plus foam insulation. Penn State Extension says they rarely cause structural damage, but a nest often points to wet or rotting wood that needs attention. Homes in wooded areas are at higher risk.
When are they active?
Winged swarmers show up on warm spring and early summer days. Colonies go quiet in winter unless the nest is in a heated part of the house.
How Wolfe treats them
Carpenter ants come back within weeks if the main colony and its satellite nests aren't wiped out. The parent colony is often outside, sometimes up to 100 yards from the house. We look for the nests, then use baits, dusts, or a non-repellent perimeter treatment, depending on what we find. All of our work comes with a 30-day warranty. If pests come back within 30 days of a treatment, call us and we'll come back out at no extra charge.
How to keep them out
- Remove old stumps and logs near the house.
- Trim trees and shrubs back from the house.
- Store firewood off the ground and away from the house.
- Fix leaks and replace rotted wood.
- Seal gaps where pipes and wires come into the house.
Common questions
Do carpenter ants eat wood like termites?
No. They dig out wood to nest but don't eat it. Their tunnels are smooth and clean, while termite tunnels have soil in them.
Why do I only see them at night?
Carpenter ants forage mostly at night. Penn State Extension suggests checking between 10 pm and 2 am from May to July.
Will carpenter ants ruin my house?
Penn State Extension says they rarely cause structural damage. They do come back if the colony isn't found, so it's worth getting them treated.
How can I tell a winged carpenter ant from a termite?
Look at the waist and wings. Ants have a pinched waist and front wings longer than the back ones. Termite swarmers have a thick waist and two pairs of wings the same length.
Sources: Penn State Extension: Carpenter Ants
Last reviewed October 2026 by Wolfe Pest Control.
Seeing something? Call us.
(302) 697-8969Office hours: Monday to Friday, 10am to 3pm
All contact details