Carpenter ant on damaged wood in Central Illinois home

🔍 What Are Carpenter Ants?

Carpenter ants are large, dark-colored ants that often appear black or reddish-black. While they don’t eat wood like termites, they excavate tunnels inside wood to build their nests, which can seriously damage homes.

They thrive in moist, rotting wood, which means homes with water leaks, clogged gutters, or damp basements are especially vulnerable. In Central Illinois, these ants are active year-round—but especially visible in spring and summer.

🏚️ Warning Signs of Carpenter Ant Infestation

1. Rustling Noises in Walls

You might hear faint scratching or crackling noises at night. That’s often the sound of ants tunneling through wood.

2. Piles of Frass (Wood Shavings)

Carpenter ants leave behind sawdust-like debris called “frass.” Look for small piles near baseboards, windowsills, or under sinks.

3. Winged Ants Indoors

Swarmers (reproductive ants with wings) are often spotted in spring. If you see them indoors, that’s a sign there may already be a nest inside your home.

4. Nighttime Ant Trails

Carpenter ants are nocturnal. If you spot large black ants moving along a trail at night, follow them to discover where they’re entering or nesting.

Winged carpenter ants swarming inside Peoria, IL home

🧱 What’s the Risk to Your Home?

Left unchecked, carpenter ants can tunnel through:

Wall studs
Support beams
Window and door frames
Subfloors and ceilings

This structural damage can be expensive to repair and may reduce your home’s value. Plus, the presence of ants can attract other pests like spiders and mice looking for food or shelter.

🧰 How Markley’s Pest Elimination Services Can Help

We offer targeted treatment plans for carpenter ants using eco-friendly products and proven methods. Here's why homeowners across Peoria, Morton, Central Illinois, including Peoria County, Tazewell County, and McLean County trust Markley’s:

🕵️ Free Inspections to locate nests and entry points
🔒 No Contracts – we earn your business every month
🚛 Same-Day Service when you need it most
👷 Certified Technicians who respect your time and your property

🧠 Pro Prevention Tips from the Pros

Keep firewood and mulch at least 20 feet from your home
Trim tree branches that touch the roof or siding
Repair leaky pipes, gutters, or roofs to keep wood dry
Seal all exterior cracks, especially around windows and doors

🚫 Don’t Let Carpenter Ants Destroy Your Investment

If you think you’ve spotted any signs of carpenter ants—or you just want peace of mind—reach out today. Our team will quickly diagnose the issue and eliminate the ants at the source.

📞 Call us at (309) 263-0341
📍 Serving Peoria, Morton, East Peoria, Washington, Metamora, and beyond
🌐 Schedule a Free Inspection

🐜 Carpenter Ants: What Homeowners Need to Watch Out For