06/03/2026
Carpenter ants are active across Georgia right now, and they are easy to confuse with termites.
In Georgia, the most common species is the black carpenter ant, which is dull black with yellowish hairs on its abdomen and can grow up to half an inch long. They are most active from spring through early fall, often foraging at night in large numbers.
UGA Extension entomologists note that carpenter ants do not eat wood like termites. Instead, they excavate it to create nesting galleries, which is why their damage looks smooth and clean compared to the mud-filled tunnels termites leave behind.
If you see large black ants indoors, especially near window frames, door frames, or damp wood, that points to a colony nearby. The key to elimination is finding the nest, which is rarely where the workers are seen.
Source: University of Georgia Extension, Carpenter Ants (Circular 929)
This resource discusses the most effective methods to prevent and control carpenter ants in and around your home.