These two groups are easy to confuse at a glance, especially since both can appear black. But size, nesting habits, and the damage they can cause set them apart significantly. For comparison purposes, we’ll take a look at carpenter ants and the odorous house ant, a common black ant species.
Carpenter ants (Camponotus spp.) are one of the largest ant groups of ant species you'll encounter in the U.S. They're a wood-nesting species, which makes them a more serious concern for homeowners and businesses alike.
The odorous house ant (Tapinoma sessile) is one of the most common black ant species found in U.S. homes. Named for the rotten-coconut-like smell they emit when crushed, these ants are persistent indoor invaders.
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The signs differ depending on which ant you're dealing with. Carpenter ants leave behind sawdust-like frass near wood they've excavated. Look for it around baseboards, window frames, or wooden beams. You may also hear faint rustling inside the walls.
Odorous house ants are more visible: look for foraging trails leading to food sources in kitchens and pantries, or ants appearing near pipes and moisture sources inside the home.
Keep moisture in check. This is because carpenter ants are drawn to damp or decaying wood, so fix leaks, improve ventilation in crawl spaces, and replace any damaged timber around your home. Store firewood away from the house and trim back tree branches that touch the structure.
For odorous house ants, focus on food and moisture. Keep surfaces clean, fix any leaking pipes or damp areas, store food in sealed containers, and seal gaps.
Both species can be persistent, so if DIY measures aren't working, our ant removal services can help get things under control.
If you're seeing ants around your home or business, our technicians can identify the species and recommend the right treatment.
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