Why Do I Have Carpenter Ants In My Home?

I keep seeing large, dark ants near my kitchen sink and noticed what looks like tiny wood shavings along the baseboards. What's going on, and should I be worried?

When you see ant trails in your kitchen or pantry, it usually means ants have found a reliable food or water source. However, carpenter ants are specifically drawn indoors by moisture and softened wood, not just food. Leaks under sinks, condensation around plumbing, or damp areas behind appliances can create conditions they use to travel or nest. 

They are typically large, dark ants that leave frass (small piles of wood shavings) and can make faint rustling noises within your walls. Entry points are often small gaps around windows, doors, or utility lines. Their original nests are usually located outside, in mulch, firewood, or tree stumps near the home. 

Carpenter ants become a serious problem the moment they begin excavating wood to expand their galleries, which can lead to structural damage over time. 

Ant Removal and Prevention

Wiping away trails and sealing obvious gaps can help reduce activity, but if ants continue to return, it often indicates an established nest. A professional inspection can help trace the source, locate nesting areas, and set up a targeted plan to eliminate the colony and reduce the risk of future trails.