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Carpenter Ant Damage

Carpenter ant damage often occurs in areas that are not readily visible or open to inspection such as inside walls or up under insulation. 

Carpenter ant damage usually consists of very small particles of wood that the ants pull off - bit by bit - with their plier shaped mandibles. Think of very fine shavings from a pencil sharpener.

This fine sawdust is sometimes referred to as 'frass' although true insect frass contains insect droppings.

Carpenter ant damage is not akin to the sort of horrific damage sometimes seen with subterranean termites. 

However, depending on what they nest in and how many ants are involved the damage can be quick, extensive, and expensive.

It is not uncommon for contractors or repairmen to discover carpenter ant damage while doing home repairs, especially when repairing bathrooms and decks - two moisture and rot sensitive areas of most homes.

Carpenter ant damage can also occur in materials besides wood.  In particular, the solid core insulation on flat roof homes and under faux stucco siding systems is a preferred nesting area for carpenter ants and carpenter ant damage in these areas can be severe.

In nature carpenter ants tear apart the softer layers of wood between the annual rings,  mainly in conifers, with cedar being a particular favorite.  Cedars tend to grow hollow with dead wood at the center and the cedar is among the softest woods, making them an easy target for carpenter ant damage.

For more information including additional pictures and videos on the identification of carpenter ants, carpenter ant prevention, and carpenter ant treatment visit our carpenter ant main page.

Attic above door:  Although it is hard to see from this photo - there was frass in amongst the loose vermiculite insulation - notice the other areas where it is shiny and frass free.

At top of door:  There were three areas where the ants were kicking out frass from their nest in the header above and in the framing around the door

This picture was taken in the hallway directly below the kick out areas noted in the picture above.  There were no ants visible until diatomaceous earth was applied in the attic.