This blog talks about work done by carpenters that would fit into the category of "unwelcome work." These carepenters are not human. They are insect carpenters -- the well-known and much feared ant known as the carpenter ant. The photos below are evidence of a significant carpenter ant infestation. This cottage was located in the woods and the ants were in the process of setting up a satellite colony inside the home.  The first photo was taken inside a closet, up at the ceiling.

This frass is typical of what you might see when the ants are working. Because carpenter ants do not "eat" the wood -- remember they are building a house -- they toss out shavings or frass. In reality, maybe before a person would even notice the shavings above, he or she would see the "under" photo. What comes from above, ends up below. In this case the shavings from above were collecting on the shelf below. Any inspector in the northwest ought to be able to identify that as carpenter ants at work, with a single glance.

How were they getting up into the attic? That question was answered too. They were marching up a decayed column at the garage -- entering the corner of the roof, under the sheathing, and doing as they pleased which involved lots of chewing and spitting.

The last photo, that might surprise you, was actually the first sight I had of the ants. When I opened the electric panel I saw all this distinctive carpenter ant frass. I said: "Ah, no, too unlikely." Then as I looked around more, I saw dead workers. No doubt about it, C modoc carpenter ants, the most common variety in the state, had met their maker in this panel. They were, obviously, working away on wood above this panel. To read about treatment options for an infestation of wood destroying insects, please click here.

Steven L. Smith

Bellingham WA Home Inspections