If you see ants inside your home, you might think it’s not a big deal.
But some ants are just annoying. Others can damage your house.
Knowing the difference between carpenter ants vs regular ants can help you protect your home and avoid expensive repairs.
Let’s break it down in simple terms.
Why This Difference Matters
Regular ants usually come inside looking for food. They are a kitchen problem.
Carpenter ants are different. They tunnel into wood and can weaken parts of your home over time.
If you live in Plainfield, IL, especially in neighborhoods with trees, decks, or older wood trim, this is something you should take seriously.
What Is a Carpenter Ant?
Carpenter ants are large ants that build their nests inside wood.
Important: They do NOT eat wood like termites.
They dig through it to make tunnels.
How to Identify Carpenter Ants
- Large size (about ¼ to ½ inch long)
- Usually black or dark brown
- Rounded upper body
- Sometimes have wings in spring
- Often found near wood
You may find them around:
- Window frames
- Deck posts
- Basements
- Attics
- Door frames
Homes near wooded areas or close to the DuPage River in Plainfield tend to see more activity.
What Are Regular Ants?
Regular ants are the small ants you usually see in kitchens.
These may include:
- Pavement ants
- Odorous house ants
- Little black ants
They are:
- Small in size
- Looking for food
- Nesting in soil or cracks outside
- Not damaging wood
They are annoying but usually not dangerous to your home’s structure.
Carpenter Ant vs Regular Ant: Simple Comparison
Here is an easy way to tell the difference:
Size
- Carpenter ants: Large
- Regular ants: Small
Wood Damage
- Carpenter ants: Yes
- Regular ants: No
Where They Nest
- Carpenter ants: Inside wood
- Regular ants: Outside in soil or cracks
Risk Level
- Carpenter ants: Can damage your home
- Regular ants: Mostly a nuisance
If you see large ants indoors, do not ignore them.
Signs You May Have Carpenter Ants
Watch for these warning signs:
1. Sawdust Near Wood
Carpenter ants push wood shavings out of their tunnels. This looks like fine sawdust near baseboards or windows.
2. Large Ants Inside During Winter
If you see big ants in cold weather, they are likely nesting inside your walls.
3. Soft or Hollow Wood
Wood that sounds hollow when tapped can be a warning sign.
4. Winged Ants in Spring
If you see flying ants inside your house, that may mean a colony is already established.
Why Carpenter Ants Are Common in Plainfield, IL
Illinois weather creates the perfect conditions for carpenter ants.
- Wet spring months
- Humid summers
- Homes with wooden decks
- Moisture-damaged wood
Moist wood attracts carpenter ants. If your home has water leaks or old wood trim, your risk is higher.
Can You Treat Carpenter Ants Yourself?
Sprays from the store may kill the ants you see.
But they usually do not remove the nest inside your walls.
That is why infestations often return.
Proper treatment requires:
- Finding the nest
- Treating the colony
- Fixing moisture problems
- Sealing entry points
This prevents the problem from coming back.
When Should You Call a Professional?
You should consider calling a professional if:
- You keep seeing large ants
- You notice sawdust near wood
- The problem keeps returning
- You see winged ants indoors
Catching the problem early can save thousands in repair costs.
If you are unsure what type of ants you have, Sanctuary Pest Control can inspect your home and give you a clear answer.
With over 10 years of experience serving the Plainfield area, the focus is on long-term pest protection, not just a quick spray.
How to Prevent Carpenter Ants
Here are simple prevention tips:
- Fix leaks quickly
- Replace rotting wood
- Seal cracks around windows and doors
- Keep firewood away from your home
- Trim tree branches touching your roof
Prevention is always cheaper than repairs.
Final Thoughts
Regular ants are annoying.
Carpenter ants can damage your home.
The biggest difference comes down to size and wood damage.
If you live in Plainfield and see large ants indoors, it is better to check early than wait.
Not sure what you are dealing with? A professional inspection can give you peace of mind and protect your home long-term.