Pest ID Learn about the pests that impact homes and businesses across Central Massachusetts.

Are Black Carpenter Ants In Your Home?

Carpenter Ants can be black or combination of red and black or red and brown. Workers vary in size and can range from ¼ to ½ inch and the queens range from 1/2 to 5/8ths. These ants are an important part of recycling and composting wood in their natural setting, but are destructive and unsettling when they invade our homes and businesses. Most carpenter ant queens start a nest in decayed or water-damaged wood that is softened by fungus. Normally, we find a major nest containing thousands of ants and smaller satellite colonies containing fewer ants. These satellite colonies can be found anywhere. The presence of winged ants (a swarming) indicates a mature colony close by.

Controlling Carpenter Ants

Our Pest Management Professionals are experts in eradicating carpenter ants. They will ask questions to try to deduce where the ants may have set up the primary nest. Their questions may include: Have you had any water leaks or water problems in general? How many ants do you see and in what area do you see the most? Do you see ants every spring or do you see any with wings?

Our professional will also look for conducive conditions such as mulch up against the foundation, excessive leaf litter, woodpiles and scrap wood, bushes and trees which touch the home and any earth-to-wood contact. Based on inspection, the way a technician proceeds in the service is based on his or her judgment.

If you are a do-it yourself person and continue to have ants yearly, you may be causing a small problem to become a big one. Contact us at (774) 418-4908 today to resolve your carpenter any problem!

Ants vs. Termites

Most homeowners see a cloud of swarming flying insects and immediately think they have a termite infestation. What they might not realize is they may be looking at flying ants. See the simple identifiers below to help determine what pest is bugging you.

Northeastern Subterranean termites are the main species of termite that affect our region of the country.

Termites have:

straight antennae
equal length wings
straight waist
2 body segments

Flying Ants have:

bent antennae
unequal length wings
pinched waist
3 body segments

Central Mass Trusts Us. See Why.

J
Paul was very friendly
"Paul was very friendly and took some time to explain what he will be doing on his 1st visit of the season."

James Burke
4/01/26
D
Very Passionate and Knowledgeable
"He explained everything that he was doing and effectively answered our questions."

David Reno
3/21/26
J
Professional and On Time
"He was professional and on time."

James Ramsey
3/05/26
D
I Love Ford's Hometown Services
"They provided me and my family with another visit on the rodent protection program that I have each year."

Donna Pina
3/03/26
A
Not a peep of a mouse all winter
"I'm pleased to say it is 2/28/26, and not a peep of a mouse has been heard all winter!"

April L
2/28/26
K
Professional and Explained Everything
"Zack was professional and explained what he was doing and what I could expect."

K M
2/11/26
K
Professional and Explained Everything
"Zack was professional and explained what he was doing and what I could expect."

K M
2/11/26
J
Gold Standard!
"I've used Fords Hometown Services a few times for carpenter Ants and I have always been impressed with the results. They are the Gold standard in pest control!"

Josh R.
1/25/26
M
Ford Hometown Services Helped Me Out
"Ford Hometown Services helped me out when I really needed it."

Mary Parker
1/23/26

View All Reviews

Talk with Ford's Hometown Services Today

Call (774) 418-4908 or send the form and we will help you sort out pests, wildlife, or lawn concerns with a plan that fits your property. At Ford's Hometown Services, we treat your home or business with the care we use for our own.

First Name
Last Name
Phone
Email
Address
Are you a new customer?
How can we help you?
By submitting, you agree to be contacted about your request & other information using automated technology. Message frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Text STOP to cancel. Acceptable Use Policy

Local Care Backed by 85+ Years of Doing the Right Thing

Voted the Area's Top Choice for Pest Control

We were voted the #1 pest control company in Central Massachusetts in 2024, something we achieved by putting people first and providing lasting results.
85+ Years Of Know-How

With us, you get practical, tailor-made solutions that are backed by over eight decades of industry experience.
Cleaner Visits, Every Time

We follow a four-step cleanliness process to keep homes and businesses neat and tidy, all while delivering effective pest control and lawn care.
Comprehensive Care, One Team

We're your one-stop shop for complete pest and wildlife control and lawn care, all under one roof.

Stay Ahead of Pests

Explore tips, local advice, and real answers from our Worcester team to help you protect your home, family, and property all year long.

Visit Our Blog