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The Ultimate Guide to Rodent Control
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Spotting a carpenter ant with wings near your window can feel alarming. I’ve been a licensed technician since 2015, and I know these swarmers often mean hidden wood damage. Just like the termite bulge I found in Alexandria, winged ants can warn of bigger troubles.
In VA/MD/DC, the main structural pest is Camponotus pennsylvanicus. Other species include C. castaneus and C. nearcticus but they less often invade homes. For more on local ants, see Kinds of Ants: Identifying Different Types in DC Metro.
Workers stay wingless and build galleries. Males and virgin queens become alates. After mating, males die and queens start new nests.
Colonies make alates at around 2,000 workers. This usually takes 3–6 years. Alates wait for warm, humid days to start the mating flight.
Queen alates measure ½–¾ inch. Males span about ⅓–½ inch. Look for bent antennae and a single-node waist.
Front wings outsize hind wings and have few veins. They show a smoky-brown tint. You might find dropped wings on window sills.
Alates have a bulky thorax full of flight muscles. Workers show an evenly rounded profile. For a full chart, check Ant Identification Chart: Types of Household Pests & Control.
A carpenter ant with wings has elbowed antennae and unequal wing pairs. Termites have straight antennae and equal wings in length. You can learn more in Termites vs Flying Ants: How to Tell the Difference.
On the first 70°F day after rain, outdoor swarms appear May–July. Indoors, warm areas can trigger flights in February.
Additionally, mature colonies can release 200–400 alates on warm days, according to NC State Extension. Local NOAA forecasts help predict swarm windows.
Eggs hatch into larvae, then pupae, then adults. This can take several months to complete. See Ant Lifespan: Development Stages and Treatment Tips for details.
Mature colonies set up satellite nests in voids. These spots lack the queen but hold workers and brood. This creates hidden entry points.
Parent nests start in damp or decayed wood, such as porch bases and sill plates. Galleries are smooth, sand-papered with no soil lining. Frass, or shredded wood bits, piles under exit holes.
Carpenter ants hollow wood by mechanical removal, not by eating. Galleries grow slowly but can weaken beams over years. Often, moisture-damaged wood from fungi fails faster.
Homes with poor drainage, flat roofs, or synthetic stucco often trap moisture. Leaks and vegetation contact boost rot. According to the University of Maryland Extension, these spots invite colonies.
If you spot these, inspect for trails and entry points.
Termites eat wood, while carpenter ants hollow it. This means inspection and treatment differ. Baits along foraging trails work better than simple perimeter sprays.
Carpenter ants help break down deadwood and create cavities for wildlife. They also herd aphids to gather honeydew. These roles boost forest health.
A UC IPM pest note recommends sealing wood-to-soil contact and improving ventilation. Seal roof leaks, improve drainage, and add vents. Repair wood rot with borate-treated materials.
Keep plants and firewood off siding. Eliminate earth-to-wood contact.
Use EPA-approved products vetted by our team. Non-repellent insecticides and baits on trail paths work better than barrier sprays. For more tips, see How To Keep Ants Away: Pro Techniques vs DIY Ant Control.
Carpenter ants do not eat wood like termites. Instead, they hollow wood to build galleries. Swarmers leave wings but cause no post-flight damage.
Emerging acoustic sensors may detect chewing early. Genomic research explores ant-fungi gut links. Warmer winters may push swarm dates earlier.
Catching a carpenter ant with wings early can save thousands in repairs. Remember the signs, manage moisture, and seal entry points. If you suspect an infestation, call us for inspection and targeted treatment.
Call us with any questions or for an estimate at 703-683-2000 or email [email protected]
Carpenter ant swarmers are ½–¾ inch long. They have bent antennae, a skinny waist, and unequal wing pairs. Their front wings shade smoky brown.
Yes. Winged swarmers show a mature colony has hidden galleries. Over time, these tunnels weaken structural wood.
Ants have elbowed antennae and unequal wing pairs. Termites have straight antennae and equal wings in length.
Most outdoor swarms happen May–July on the first warm, humid days. Indoor flights can occur in heated areas as early as February.
Seal leaks, improve drainage, and eliminate wood contact. Use non-repellent baits along trails. Fix rot with borate treatments.
Yes. Licensed technicians locate nests, inspect risk areas, and apply targeted treatments. Early action limits damage.
We’ve been family-owned since 1968 and run by the Schulz family. We use products that passed our own research, removing nine harsh chemicals.
With five years of hands-on experience in the pest control industry, George Schulz is a registered technician with the Virginia Pest Management Association and a proud third-generation professional in a family business that’s been protecting homes for over 57 years. He manages and trains a team of service pros while also leading internal research efforts—recently spearheading a deep-dive review of thousands of documents on pest control materials to hand-pick the most kid and pet friendly, most effective solutions tailored specifically for homes in the DC metro area. Read his bio.
