Carpenter Ant Identification Melbourne
Identify carpenter ants — large, timber-damaging ants in Melbourne buildings.
Carpenter Ant in Melbourne — Quick Answer
Carpenter ants are among Melbourne's largest ant species, with workers measuring 7–14 mm. They excavate galleries inside timber to nest, causing structural damage similar to termites but without eating the wood. Sawdust-like frass near timber is a key sign. Carpenter ants are black to dark brown and most active at night. T47 Pest Control locates carpenter ant nests using targeted inspection techniques and eliminates colonies with direct nest treatment and dusting.
How to Identify Carpenter Ant
Size
7–14 mm worker body length — one of Melbourne's largest ants
Colour
Black to dark brown; sometimes with reddish-brown thorax
Behaviour
Excavates timber galleries for nesting (does not eat wood); nocturnal foraging; single queen per colony
Habitat
Damp or decaying timber in walls, fence posts, tree stumps, window frames, decking
Look-Alikes & Confusion Notes
May be confused with bull ants due to size, but carpenter ants are less aggressive, do not have large mandibles, and are typically found near timber rather than in open ground nests. Unlike termites, carpenter ants leave clean galleries with sawdust (frass) outside.
Risk & Urgency
High. Carpenter ants cause structural damage to timber framing, window frames, and decking. While they don't eat wood, their gallery excavation weakens structural members. Prompt treatment prevents progressive damage.
Where Found in Melbourne
Carpenter ants are found across Melbourne, particularly in homes with damp or decaying timber. Properties near bushland, those with older timber construction, and homes with moisture problems in wall cavities are most at risk.
What to Do Now
Look for frass (fine sawdust) near timber, repair moisture damage, and replace decaying wood. Do not disturb the nest — contact T47 Pest Control for targeted nest treatment. Early intervention prevents significant structural damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do carpenter ants eat wood?
- No. Carpenter ants excavate galleries inside timber to create nesting space, but they do not eat the wood. They feed on insects, honeydew, and food scraps. The telltale sign is clean sawdust-like frass ejected from their galleries.
- How can I tell carpenter ant damage from termite damage?
- Carpenter ant galleries are smooth and clean with no mud or soil. Termite damage typically has mud packing or soil-filled tunnels. Carpenter ants also leave visible frass (sawdust) outside their nest entrances, which termites do not.