Carpenter ants are among the most destructive household pests in Southern California. Unlike termites, they don’t eat wood; they excavate it to build nests. Over time, this can cause significant structural damage to your home.
If you’re hearing faint rustling inside walls or noticing piles of sawdust around your Beverly Hills home, these may be early warning signs of a carpenter ant infestation. Understanding what to look for and how to respond is the key to preventing costly repairs. For effective and lasting protection, professional ant control services in Beverly Hills can help identify nesting sites early and stop the problem before it spreads.
What Are Carpenter Ants?
Carpenter ants are large, black or reddish-black ants commonly found in damp or decaying wood. Outdoors, they live in trees, logs, or stumps. However, when conditions are right, they make their way indoors, especially into areas with moisture.
Inside your home, carpenter ants hollow out wooden beams, baseboards, or window sills to create nesting tunnels. Because many Beverly Hills homes feature wood accents, decorative beams, and intricate interior finishes, these pests can cause expensive damage if not addressed promptly.
Common Signs of Carpenter Ants in the House
1. Sawdust-Like Shavings (Frass)
Small piles of fine wood shavings, also known as frass, are one of the clearest signs of carpenter ant activity. You might find frass near baseboards, under wooden window frames, or beneath small holes in walls. This debris looks like sawdust and may also contain bits of insulation or insect parts.
2. Rustling Noises Inside Walls
If you hear faint scratching or rustling sounds at night, it could be ants tunneling through wooden structures. These sounds are especially noticeable in quiet areas, such as attics or behind drywall.
3. Winged Ants Indoors
The presence of winged ants (swarmers) indoors often indicates a mature nest. These ants emerge to mate and start new colonies. If you notice swarmers near windows or lights, there’s a good chance a nest already exists inside your walls or attic.
4. Ant Trails
Carpenter ants are often nocturnal but can be seen trailing through kitchens, bathrooms, or laundry areas places with excess moisture. Following their path may lead you to the main or satellite nest.
5. Hollow or Soft Wood
Tap on wood surfaces like baseboards, window frames, or door trim. If the wood sounds hollow or feels soft, it might have been excavated from within by carpenter ants.
6. Bubbling Paint or Wall Damage
Moisture and pest activity often go hand in hand. If your paint looks warped or bubbled, especially near bathrooms or kitchens, it could signal both water damage and carpenter ants nesting behind the surface.
Do Carpenter Ants Bite?
Carpenter ants can bite if threatened, though they rarely do. Their bites aren’t venomous but can cause a mild burning sensation because of the formic acid they release. While unpleasant, bites are generally harmless and occur only when their nest is disturbed.
How Carpenter Ants Enter Homes
Carpenter ants typically enter homes through cracks in the foundation, gaps around windows or doors, or openings around pipes and utility lines. In Beverly Hills, where lush landscaping and large trees are common, overhanging branches can also serve as bridges for ants to reach your home.
Homes with plumbing leaks, roof damage, or prior water damage are particularly susceptible, as carpenter ants are drawn to moist, decaying wood.
Why Early Detection Matters
Carpenter ants don’t consume wood like termites, but their tunneling weakens it. Over time, this can lead to compromised structures and costly repairs. Early detection allows for targeted treatments before the infestation spreads deeper into your home.
For homeowners in Beverly Hills, an early professional inspection can prevent extensive damage and help preserve your home’s value
How to Prevent Carpenter Ant Infestations
Eliminate Moisture Problems
Repair leaks under sinks, in attics, or behind walls. Use dehumidifiers in damp areas, such as crawl spaces and basements.
Store Firewood Away from the House
Keep firewood at least 20 feet away from your home and off the ground. Carpenter ants often nest in woodpiles before moving indoors.
Seal Cracks and Openings
Inspect your home’s exterior for cracks or gaps around windows, doors, and utility lines. Sealing these entry points can help block access.
Trim Trees and Shrubs
Cut back branches and plants that touch your siding or roofline. Ants use these as pathways into homes.
Schedule Regular Inspections
Routine inspections are the best prevention strategy. Our pest control Beverly Hills specialists can identify early warning signs and treat small issues before they become major infestations.
Carpenter Ants vs. Termites: How to Tell the Difference
Many homeowners confuse carpenter ants with termites, but they cause damage differently. Carpenter ants chew through wood to create tunnels, while termites consume the wood itself. If you notice clean, smooth tunnels and piles of sawdust, you’re likely dealing with ants, not termites.
Professional Carpenter Ant Removal in Beverly Hills
DIY sprays or traps rarely solve the problem because carpenter ants build satellite nests deep inside walls and floors. Professional treatment is the safest and most effective way to eliminate colonies completely.
At Facility Pest Control, we’ve been protecting homes across Los Angeles County, including Beverly Hills, Sherman Oaks, and Studio City, for over 15 years. Our trained technicians use targeted, family-safe treatments that not only remove active infestations but also prevent them from returning.
Pest Control Services for Beverly Hills Homes
We offer flexible pest control plans tailored to your home’s needs:
- Monthly maintenance plans for year-round protection
- Bi-monthly services for ongoing prevention
- Hybrid treatments for seasonal pest management
Each plan is designed to protect your home from ants, spiders, roaches, and other pests using environmentally conscious products.
Protect Your Home with Professional Pest Control in Beverly Hills
If you’ve noticed signs of carpenter ants, from sawdust piles to hollow-sounding wood, don’t wait until the damage becomes severe. Our experts at Facility Pest Control can inspect your home, identify nests, and apply safe, effective treatments. Whether you need reliable ant control in Beverly Hills or a trusted exterminator Van Nuys CA, our team is ready to protect your home with proven, family-safe pest management solutions.
Contact us today to schedule an inspection!
We proudly provide pest control Beverly Hills CA, and throughout Los Angeles County.
