Biology and Habits. Carpenter ants, vary in size and color but are usually large (1/4-1/2 inch) and blackish. Occasionally, swarms of winged carpenter ant reproductives will emerge inside a home. Carpenter ant swarms usually occur in the spring and are a sure sign that a colony is nesting somewhere inside the structure ...

How far do carpenter ants swarm?

Carpenter ants may travel as far as 100 yards from their nest to a food source; you can sometimes follow foraging carpenter ants to find their nest. During the inspection, you may find other wood- infesting insects or damage they caused.

When should I worry about carpenter ants?

If you see a single reddish or black ant, with a single node between its abdomen and thorax, anywhere inside your home, it is time to be worried about carpenter ants. ... You're likely to only see a single ant here or there. It is only when carpenter ants find a food source that they will mobilize into large numbers.