Carpenter ants are the defining structural pest of western Washington. They tunnel into damp or weakened wood to nest, and in our coastal, wooded climate they are one of the most common — and most damaging — ant problems on Whidbey and Fidalgo Islands. Salty Dog Pest Control treats the colony at its source and helps you correct the moisture conditions that invite them back.
How carpenter ants are different
Unlike nuisance ants that just raid the kitchen, carpenter ants excavate galleries in wood to nest. They favor damp, softened, or previously water-damaged wood — crawl spaces, siding, window and door frames, decks, and rooflines. A mature colony also builds satellite nests, which is why treating only the ants you see rarely solves the problem.
Signs of a carpenter ant problem
- Large black (or red-and-black) ants indoors, especially in spring
- Fine, sawdust-like frass beneath wood, often with insect fragments
- A faint rustling in walls or ceilings
- Winged swarmers near windows
- Damp or damaged wood around the foundation, deck, or roofline
How we treat carpenter ants
We inspect to locate the parent and satellite nests and the moisture conditions feeding them, then apply targeted treatments to the colony and create an exterior barrier to stop re-entry. We will also point out the moisture issues — leaks, poor drainage, wood-to-soil contact — that make a home attractive to carpenter ants in the first place. For nests tied to crawl spaces, we coordinate with our crawl space restoration and exclusion work.
Why DIY carpenter ant control usually fails
Store-bought sprays kill foragers but leave the parent nest and satellites untouched, and can even cause a colony to split. Effective control means finding and treating the nests — that is where professional treatment pays off.
Carpenter ant FAQ
Do carpenter ants cause as much damage as termites? They work more slowly, but over time carpenter ant galleries can cause real structural damage — especially in the damp wood common in island homes.
Can you keep them from coming back? Yes — combining colony treatment with an exterior barrier and moisture correction is what keeps them out long-term.
Meet your technician
Carpenter ant work is led by Matthew Pasquale, owner and lead technician (WSDA structural pest license #101709).
What our customers say
Get your free estimate
Call (360) 206-3293 or request an estimate below. Serving Oak Harbor, Coupeville, Freeland, Langley, Clinton, Greenbank, Anacortes, La Conner, and the surrounding islands.
