Eastern Black Carpenter Ant

(Camponotus pennsylvanicus)

Pest Stats

Color

Black with slight reddish-brown shading on legs

Size

Workers range from 6 to 13 mm, with winged reproductives reaching up to 20 mm

Shape

Large, elongated body with a single-node waist, powerful mandibles, and a smoothly curved thorax

Region

Found across the eastern United States, including Florida, the Midwest, and as far north as Canada

What is Eastern Black Carpenter Ant
(Camponotus pennsylvanicus)

The Eastern Black Carpenter Ant 
is one of the largest and most common carpenter ants in North America. Unlike termites, these ants do not eat wood, but they excavate tunnels in damp or decaying wood to establish nests. They are primarily nocturnal, making them difficult to detect until an infestation has grown. Homeowners often notice them foraging indoors at night, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. If left untreated, their tunneling can weaken wooden structures, leading to costly repairs.

What Do Eastern Black Carpenter Ants Look Like?

Eastern Black Carpenter Ants are entirely black, sometimes with reddish-brown legs or slight yellowish hairs on the abdomen. They have a large, robust body with a smoothly curved thorax and a single-node waist (petiole). Their mandibles are powerful, allowing them to chew through wood, and their long, elbowed antennae help them navigate their environment. Winged reproductives, which appear in spring and summer, can grow up to 20 mm, making them one of the largest ant species in North America.

Similar Ants

Biology of Eastern Black Carpenter Ants

Eastern Black Carpenter Ants live in large colonies containing thousands of workers and a single queen. They prefer damp, decaying, or hollow wood but will also nest in wall voids, attics, and outdoor wooden structures. Unlike termites, they do not eat wood but hollow it out to create galleries. Colonies expand over time, sometimes forming satellite nests inside homes while the primary nest remains outdoors. Winged reproductives swarm in spring and summer, signaling an established colony nearby.

Habits, Behaviors, Threats, and Dangers of Eastern Black Carpenter Ants

Eastern Black Carpenter Ants are primarily nocturnal, meaning they forage at night and are often unseen during the day. They do not sting but can bite with their strong mandibles and spray formic acid, causing irritation. Their biggest threat is structural damage, as their excavation of wood weakens walls, beams, and wooden furniture over time. They can also invade homes in search of food, often appearing in kitchens and pantries. If left untreated, their colonies can expand into multiple nests, making them harder to eliminate.

These ants are opportunistic feeders, foraging for sugary foods, proteins, and moisture. They feed on honeydew from aphids, plant nectar, and a variety of household food sources, including sweets, meats, and greasy foods. They follow invisible chemical trails to food sources, often returning to the same locations night after night. Their foraging trails can extend up to 100 yards from the nest, making it difficult to locate the source of an infestation.

5 Ways to Prevent Eastern Black Carpenter Ants in Your Home

Preventing and eliminating Eastern Black Carpenter Ants requires a combination of exclusion, habitat modification, and professional treatments. But if you’re still seeing signs of these ants, the professionals at Wise House Environmental Services are just a call away.
number one

Eliminate Moisture and Wood Decay

Fix leaks, improve ventilation, and remove rotting wood or damp structural elements.

number two

Seal Entry Points

Use caulk, weather stripping, and mesh screens to block small cracks and gaps.

number three

Trim Vegetation

Keep trees, shrubs, and mulch away from the home’s foundation to prevent access.

number four

Reduce Food Sources

Store food in sealed containers, wipe down counters, and clean up spills.

number five

Use Professional Pest Control

Since carpenter ants can have hidden satellite nests, professional pest control services are the most effective solution for complete elimination.

Need Help Getting Rid of Eastern Black Carpenter Ants?

If you suspect an Eastern Black Carpenter Ant infestation, contact a licensed pest control expert for inspection and treatment to prevent structural damage and keep your home protected.

Contact Wise House Environmental Services at 561-727-8239 for more information and a free quote on ant control services.

5 Ways To Keep Eastern Black Carpenter Ants Out Of Your Home

Following these tips can help prevent Eastern Black Carpenter Ants from becoming a problem. If they’re still persistent, Wise House Environmental Services is ready to provide professional support and keep your home ant-free.
number one

Store Food Properly

Ants are highly attracted to food inside the home. Keep food stored in airtight containers, clean up crumbs or spills immediately, and regularly empty trash bins with food waste.

number two

Clean Regularly

Ants are resourceful and will find even the smallest bits of food. Regularly sweep, and wipe down countertops, especially in the kitchen and dining areas, to remove potential food sources. Pay attention to corners and crevices.

number three

Reduce Moisture

Fix leaks and eliminate damp areas to remove the moisture that Eastern Black Carpenter Ants seek out. Repair dripping faucets, leaky roofs, or poor drainage, and replace any damp or rotting wood.

number four

Seal Cracks and Gaps Indoors

Just as with the exterior, inspect your home’s interior for small cracks or gaps where ants could enter. Seal any visible openings, especially around windows, door frames, baseboards, and along the edges of cabinets.

number five

Don’t Leave Pet Food Out Overnight

If you have pets, avoid leaving their food out overnight. Ants are attracted to pet food, so clean up any leftover food, or place pet dishes in a shallow tray of water to create a barrier.

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