In this blog, let’s talk about how to control carpenter ants in Edmonton. It’s a major issue because once summer arrives, these wood-chewing ants appear to take over the place. They’re not your typical kitchen invaders. Carpenter ants dig into damp wood and quietly damage walls, decks, and even support beams from the inside out. What’s worse? You usually don’t notice them until the damage is already done, such as spotting sawdust or hearing rustling in the walls at night.
Think of them like tiny construction workers with zero respect for your house. They’ll tunnel into beams, walls, decks, anywhere the wood is damp, and before you even know what’s going on, you’ve got a serious problem. But don’t worry. You don’t need to panic or rip out your drywall. This guide will walk you through how to spot the signs early, what to do about them, and when to call in the pros. Let’s keep your home solid, dry, and ant-free.
What Are Carpenter Ants, Anyway?
Carpenter ants are some of the biggest ants you’ll find in Canada, anywhere from 6 to 13 mm long. Here in Edmonton, they’re often spotted in older homes, especially in areas where moisture seeps in, such as basements, attics, or around leaky windows.
And unlike termites? Carpenter ants don’t eat wood; they dig it out. They create smooth tunnels to build nests, which can silently weaken your home’s structure over time. Not great news for your support beams or window frames.
Signs You’ve Got a Carpenter Ant Problem
Here’s what you want to keep an eye (and ear) out for:
- Sawdust piles (aka frass) under walls or windows.
- Faint rustling in walls or ceilings, especially at night when the air is quiet.
- Winged ants show up indoors around spring or early summer.
- Trails of ants, often around kitchens or damp areas like bathrooms.
Where Do Carpenter Ants Hide?
Carpenter ants are picky; they love soft, damp wood. That’s why they usually set up shop in:
- Behind door frames and baseboards
- Near leaky windows or roofs
- Inside bathroom or kitchen walls
- In attic insulation or wooden joists
- Firewood stacks close to the house
Quick Tip: Tap on any suspect wooden area. If it sounds hollow, there might be a nest in there.
How to Control Carpenter Ants in Natural Ways (and Keep Them Out)?
Let’s say you’re a DIY kind of homeowner. Here are some friendly, eco-friendly methods to make your house less appealing to carpenter ants:
1. Fix Leaks and Damp Spots
They love moisture. Patch up leaky roofs, dripping taps, and soggy basements. Add a dehumidifier if needed. The drier your home, the less appealing it is to ants.
2. Tidy Up the Yard
Wood piles, rotting stumps, or garden debris near the house? That’s basically an open invitation. Keep firewood off the ground and at least 20 feet from your home. Clear out any soft or decaying wood.
3. Seal Up Entry Points
They’re sneaky but not unstoppable. Use caulk or foam sealant around window frames, vents, pipes, and cables to prevent leaks. Seal those gaps like your home depends on it, because it kinda does.
4. Diatomaceous Earth = Ant Kryptonite
This powder might look harmless, but to ants, it’s deadly. Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth along baseboards or where ants are commonly found, such as along ant trails. It dries them out and works without harsh chemicals.
5. Plant Ant-Repelling Herbs
Mint, lavender, and lemongrass smell amazing to us, but ants hate them. Plant them near doors and windows. Bonus: Pollinators will love you.
6. Monthly Home Checks
Give your home a once-over every month. Inspect baseboards, attics, crawlspaces, and areas behind appliances. The sooner you catch the signs, the easier it is to fix them.
DIY Treatments (for Small Infestations)
If you’ve caught them early, you can try these:
- Boric Acid Dust – Apply carefully in wall voids or cracks (keep away from pets/kids).
- Ant Bait Stations – Place near known trails. Let the workers take the poison back to the colony.
- Essential Oils – Peppermint and tea tree oils repel ants. Wipe down surfaces to keep them away. Just note: this won’t kill the colony.
But here’s the catch: if the queen survives, the colony does too.
Carpenter Ant Problems & Extermination Costs in Edmonton
If you’re dealing with ant problems in your Edmonton home, especially carpenter ants, it’s essential to act fast before they cause structural damage. These pests are known for tunnelling through wood, and without the right extermination method, they can silently destroy beams, walls, and decks.
While DIY tricks may offer temporary relief, effectively exterminating carpenter ants often requires the expertise of a professional exterminator. Homeowners frequently ask about the costs and pricing of ant extermination services.
The truth is, costs vary depending on the severity of the infestation, the location of the nest, and whether repeat treatments are needed to prevent future ant infestations. If you’re unsure where to start, it’s best to hire a professional who can assess the issue and offer a customised solution that fits your budget and home’s needs.
When It’s Time to Call the Pros
If any of this sounds familiar, don’t wait:
- You hear scratching or rustling in the walls
- Bait traps slow them down, but don’t stop them
- You can’t find where they’re coming from
- Ants show up again every spring
That’s your cue to call Major Pest Control Edmonton.
We use thermal cameras, moisture meters, and wall-injection systems to locate and eliminate hidden nests at their source—queen and all.
| Feature | Carpenter Ants | Black Ants (Pavement Ants) |
| Size | Larger – usually 6 to 13 mm (or more) | Smaller – around 2.5 to 3 mm |
| Colour | Black, reddish-black, or dark brown | Solid black or dark brown |
| Behaviour | Nest in wood by tunnelling through it | Nest in soil, driveways, or walls |
| Damage | It can weaken wooden structures if untreated | It is mostly a nuisance, with no structural damage |
| Threat Level | High – can lead to costly repairs | Low – more annoying than harmful |
Carpenter Ants vs. Termites
| Feature | Carpenter Ants | Termites |
| Do they eat wood? | No, they excavate it | Yes, they eat it |
| Waste | Wood shavings (frass) | Mud tubes & hollowed wood |
| Antennae & Body Shape | Elbowed antennae, narrow waist | Straight antennae, thick waist |
| Swarmers’ Wing Shape | Uneven wing lengths | Equal wing lengths |
FAQs
What does the queen look like?
She’s big, up to 20 mm, and drops her wings after mating. Take her out, and the colony falls.
Can a carpenter ant bite?
Yes, but it’s not venomous. Feels like a pinch. Slight irritation at worst.
Can carpenter ants come back?
They can if the nest isn’t fully destroyed or if you don’t fix moisture problems.
How long does it take to get rid of them?
A small issue? A few days. A big nest? It could take weeks and multiple visits.
Why are they active in winter?
That means the nest is inside your warm walls. That’s a major red flag. Call us ASAP.
What are those winged ants?
They’re swarmers, future queens and males. If you see them inside, the colony is mature and ready to expand.
Final Thoughts: Stay a Step Ahead
Carpenter ants won’t go away on their own. And by the time you hear them, they’ve probably been at it for a while. Stay on top of moisture issues, keep your home sealed tight, and do regular checks.
And if you ever feel out of your depth?
Contact Major Pest Control Edmonton.
We’ll inspect, treat, and protect, so you can get back to living in peace, without the tiny homewreckers.
Updated July 2025 – Major Pest Control Edmonton
Want more ant-proofing tips? Visit the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) for resources.