What Attracts Carpenter Ants to a Home?

Moisture first

Carpenter ants excavate wood to nest, and they strongly prefer wood that has been softened by water. Roof and gutter leaks, failed window and door flashing, ice dam damage, plumbing leaks, deck ledgers without proper flashing, and damp crawlspaces are the usual starting points.

That is why treating the ants without finding the water source so often leads to a repeat problem the following season.

Nearby colonies

• Stumps, dead or hollow trees and fallen limbs on the property.
• Firewood stacked against the house or directly on the ground.
• Landscape timbers, old fence posts and buried construction debris.
• Tree branches touching the roof or siding, which act as a bridge.

Food access

Carpenter ants feed largely on honeydew from aphids and on other insects, but indoors they will readily take sweets and grease. Consistent kitchen access can keep foragers coming back even after outdoor conditions are corrected.

Making a property less attractive

• Repair leaks and replace water-damaged wood rather than covering it.
• Keep firewood elevated and away from the structure.
• Trim vegetation back from siding and roof.
• Improve drainage and ventilation around the foundation.