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Carpenter ants (Camponotus) are large 1/2 to 5/8 inch black or red-and-black ants that excavate wood for nesting. Unlike termites, they do not eat wood — but they can still cause significant structural damage. Here is the Florida Panhandle guide.
How to identify carpenter ants
- Large — 1/2 to 5/8 inch.
- Solid black, solid red, or red-and-black bicolor.
- Single node between thorax and abdomen.
- Smooth thorax (no spines).
- Workers visible on wood structures, especially at dusk.
Signs of carpenter ant infestation
- Sawdust-like “frass” near baseboards, windowsills, or wood structures.
- Rustling sounds inside walls (you can sometimes hear them at night).
- Workers trailing along wood seams.
- Reproductive winged ants near windows in spring.
- Soft, hollow-sounding wood when tapped.
Where they nest in FL Panhandle
- Wet or damaged wood (window frames, eaves, roof leaks).
- Decks and porches with moisture issues.
- Tree stumps and dead trees within 100 feet of structures.
- Wood-to-soil contact areas.
DIY treatment plan
Step 1: Find the nest
Follow worker trails at night (carpenter ants are mostly nocturnal). The trail leads to the nest. Often inside damp wood near a moisture source.
Step 2: Treat with Taurus SC or Termidor SC
These non-repellent insecticides allow workers to track them back to the nest, eliminating the entire colony.
Step 3: Apply foam product to wall voids
For nests inside wall voids, foam-formulated insecticides reach deep nesting cavities.
Step 4: Replace damaged wood
Once colony is eliminated, replace any structurally compromised wood. Fix moisture sources (leaks, gutters, wood-to-soil contact).
When to call a pro
If carpenter ants are inside structural framing or you cannot locate the nest, hire a licensed pest control company. Wood damage assessment requires professional evaluation.
Verdict
Carpenter ants in the Florida Panhandle are best treated with Taurus SC or Termidor SC + moisture source elimination. Always identify and address the underlying moisture problem; otherwise carpenter ants will return to the same wet wood.
Reminder: Always read product labels and follow manufacturer safety instructions. For dangerous pests or large infestations, hire a licensed professional.