Introduction
If you’re wondering about the 7 signs of a carpenter ant infestation in your house, you’re not alone. Carpenter ants are a major concern for homeowners in Burnaby, British Columbia, where the damp climate creates ideal conditions for these destructive pests. As the leading cause of wood damage in Metro Vancouver—even surpassing termites—carpenter ants can compromise your home’s structural integrity if left unchecked. At Eastside Pest Control, we specialize in identifying and eradicating carpenter ant infestations to protect Burnaby homes. Below, we outline the 7 critical signs of an infestation and how our local expertise keeps your home safe.
1. Rustling Noises in Walls or Ceilings
Carpenter ants carve galleries into wood to build nests, producing faint scratching or rustling sounds. These noises are often heard at night or early morning when ants are most active. If you detect unusual sounds in your Burnaby home’s walls, schedule an inspection with our team immediately.
2. Large Black or Reddish-Black Ants Indoors
Carpenter ants in Burnaby are typically black, but some species have reddish hues. Workers measure up to 0.5 inches, while queens can reach 1 inch. Spotting these large ants indoors, especially near kitchens, bathrooms, or damp basements, signals an active colony.
3. Frass Piles (Wood Shavings) Near Wooden Structures
As carpenter ants tunnel, they eject frass—a mix of wood shavings, insect parts, and feces. Check baseboards, window sills, attic beams, and crawl spaces for these piles. In Burnaby homes with cedar siding or older wood frames, frass is a major red flag.
4. Outdoor Ant Trails in Gardens or Foundations
Carpenter ants forage up to 100 meters from their nests. Look for well-defined trails along sidewalks, garden edges, or your home’s foundation. These paths often connect to nests in decaying trees, stumps, or moist landscaping common in Burnaby neighborhoods like Metrotown or Deer Lake.
5. Winged Swarmers Emerging Indoors
In spring, reproductive “swarmers” with wings emerge to start new colonies. Finding these winged ants near windows, vents, or skylights indicates a mature infestation. Burnaby’s humid springs accelerate swarming, making early detection critical.
6. Discarded Wings Near Entry Points
After swarming, carpenter ants shed their wings. Finding clusters of wings near windowsills, doorways, or vents suggests a nearby nest.
7. Moist or Rotting Wood Around Your Property
Carpenter ants thrive in damp wood. Inspect areas like leaky roofs, poorly sealed windows, or water-damaged decks—common issues in Burnaby due to heavy rainfall.
Why Burnaby Homeowners Trust Professional Pest Control
DIY methods often fail because carpenter ants establish satellite nests in hidden areas like wall voids, insulation, or under floors. At Eastside Pest Control, our licensed technicians use advanced thermal imaging and eco-friendly treatments to locate and eliminate all nests, including hard-to-find colonies in Burnaby’s older homes and heritage buildings.
Explore our carpenter ant extermination services or call 604 916 1437 for urgent infestations.
How to Prevent Carpenter Ants in Burnaby
- Remove decaying wood: Clear stumps, logs, and yard debris near your home.
- Fix moisture issues: Repair leaks, improve drainage, and use dehumidifiers in basements.
- Seal entry points: Caulk cracks in foundations, windows, and doors.
- Trim vegetation: Keep shrubs and trees trimmed away from your home’s exterior.
For more tips, read our guide on protecting Burnaby homes from pests.
Burnaby’s Top Choice for Carpenter Ant Control
Eastside Pest Control has served Burnaby, Coquitlam, and New Westminster for over a decade. Our localized strategies account for Burnaby’s unique climate and housing structures, including:
- Heritage homes with wood siding.
- Condos near green spaces like Central Park.
- Properties with cedar shake roofs or wooden decks.
We offer free inspections, same-day service, and warranties to ensure long-term protection.
Act Now to Protect Your Burnaby Home
Don’t wait for sagging floors or crumbling beams—early intervention saves thousands in repairs. Contact Eastside Pest Control today for reliable, eco-conscious pest control tailored to Burnaby’s needs.
FAQs
Q: How fast do carpenter ants cause damage?
A: Colonies can grow to 10,000+ ants in 2–3 years, causing severe structural issues if untreated.
Q: Are carpenter ants active year-round in Burnaby?
A: Yes! They slow down in winter but remain active indoors. Early spring is peak swarming season.
Q: Do you service areas like North Burnaby or Brentwood?
A: Absolutely! We cover all of Burnaby and Metro Vancouver.