Not All Ants Are Just a Nuisance, Some Are a Structural Threat!
If you’re seeing big, black ants crawling around your windows, baseboards, or deck in Bulverde, don’t shrug it off just yet. These might be carpenter ants—and they can do serious damage if left unchecked.
Unlike fire ants or sugar ants, carpenter ants don’t just forage for crumbs—they tunnel through wood to create nests, which puts your home’s structure at risk.
So, What Do Carpenter Ants Look Like?
Carpenter ants are some of the largest ants you’ll see in Texas. Most are black or dark reddish in color, with elbowed antennae and a narrow waist. If you’ve spotted them indoors, especially at night, you might have a hidden nest somewhere inside your walls.
A common myth is that carpenter ants eat wood like termites. They don’t—they excavate it, hollowing it out to build tunnels and galleries for their colonies. Over time, that activity can cause serious structural damage to wooden framing, decks, and even furniture.
Signs You Might Have a Carpenter Ant Problem
- Rustling noises in walls (especially at night)
- Sawdust-like shavings (called frass) near baseboards or window frames
- Large black ants inside your home, especially in kitchens or bathrooms
- Soft, hollow-sounding wood around doors or trim
Even if you don’t see the ants, these signs can point to a hidden nest.
Don’t Wait Until the Damage Is Done
Carpenter ants are tough to eliminate without professional help. Killing a few visible ants doesn’t take care of the nest, and over-the-counter treatments often miss the mark.
That’s where Hill Country Pest Solutions comes in. Our team in Bulverde, TX uses proven methods to locate nests, eliminate colonies, and seal up entry points so they don’t come back.
We’ll help protect your biggest investment, starting with the smallest signs.