Carpenter Ants Are Back

Here’s What Missoula Homeowners Need to Know

As spring settles in, Missoula wakes up—with blooming trees, longer days, and unfortunately, a spike in pest activity. One pest we always expect to hear about this time of year? Carpenter ants.

They’re big. They’re sneaky. And they’re more damaging than you might think.

One of the homes we're treating right now in Missoula is a perfect example of why carpenter ants shouldn't be ignored. The homeowner first noticed ants five years ago. They figured it wasn’t serious—just a few ants here and there. But what started small turned into a major issue. The photos below show just how far the damage went. Entire beams had been hollowed out. Walls had to be opened. Repairs are now costing thousands of dollars.

This didn’t happen overnight—but it did happen quietly. That’s the danger with carpenter ants. They stay out of sight while tunneling through your home.

What Makes Carpenter Ants a Problem?

Carpenter ants don’t eat wood like termites, but they do tunnel through it to build their nests. Over time, this can seriously weaken wooden structures—especially if they’ve been nesting there for months or even years.

They’re usually:

• Black or dark brown

• 6 to 12 mm long

• Found in damp or decaying wood (like window frames, decks, or attics)

  
  

Why Do They Show Up in Spring?

As the ground thaws and temperatures rise, carpenter ants become more active. You’ll often spot them foraging at night or see winged “swarmers” flying around inside. That’s a major red flag—it could mean they’ve already set up shop inside your home.

Watch for These Signs:

• Soft or hollow-sounding wood

• Sawdust-like material (called frass) near baseboards or windows

• Large black ants—especially winged ones—indoors

• Faint rustling sounds inside walls at night

• Ant trails leading in and out of your home

  
  

Here’s What You Can Do:

1. Check for MoistureLook around leaky windows, decks, or crawlspaces. Damp wood is prime real estate for carpenter ants.

2. Look for TrailsFollow any ant trails. They often lead to entry points or nests.

3. Skip the Store SprayDIY sprays might kill a few ants, but not the colony. And if you miss the nest, the problem keeps growing.

   
   

Call the Experts

At Montana Pest Solutions, we’ve dealt with carpenter ants all across Western Montana and the surrounding areas. We know where to look, how to get rid of them, and how to keep them from coming back.

Whether you’ve just spotted a few or suspect a deeper issue, don’t wait.

Call us today at 406-830-8752

Visit www.bigskypest.com

Let’s keep your home strong, dry, and ant-free this spring.

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