After a cold and snowy winter, everything comes back to life in the spring in Massachusetts, including carpenter ants. From leaves on the trees to flowers emerging in our backyard, we feel new life among us.
Carpenter ants also feel this renewed life in Massachusetts when the temperature rises. As early as late February, we see a dramatic rise in carpenter ant infestations in Massachusetts. People often contact us asking, "What does a carpenter ant look like?" 
Carpenter ants look like a typical black ant to most people. They are one of the largest ant species in North America and have large mandibles and antennae. However, unlike other species of ants, carpenter ant damage can be extensive. They thrive in damp conditions and nest in damp, decaying, or dead wood. Carpenter ants build nests by excavating wood, which leaves behind a sawdust that looks like pencil shavings.
- Exterminating carpenter ants may involve gel, liquid or dusting products
- Carpenter ant swarms can happen in the spring in Massachusetts
- A carpenter ant looks like a large black ant with large mandibles
Massachusetts carpenter ant swarms are also a common occurence in our region. Carpenter ant swarmers usually emerge when the colony is mature enough to reproduce and expand. For that reason, a Massachusetts carpenter ant swarm is in indication that the infestation may be extensive.
Unlike termites, carpenter ant colonies do not eat wood. However, Massachusetts carpenter ants can cause considerable damage to the structure of your home. It is generally not advisable to exterminate carpenter ants on your own due to the complex nature of their nesting habits. Carpenter ant exterminators like Burgess Pest Management are trained in the best methods to solve the problem.
