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Carpenter Ants vs Garden Ants – Which Species Is Damaging Your Bromley Property?
Not all ants are the same — and the species invading your Bromley home determines how serious the infestation really is. While most households deal with common black garden ants, carpenter ants can cause far more damage, especially if they start nesting inside timber.
At Zero Pest Control, we help Bromley residents identify the species correctly so we can deliver the right treatment and protect your property long-term.
Garden Ants vs Carpenter Ants – What’s the Difference?
Here’s a quick comparison of the two species most commonly found in and around homes:
| Garden Ants (Black Ants) | Carpenter Ants |
|---|---|
| Small (3–5mm), black or dark brown | Larger (6–12mm), black or dark reddish |
| Nest in soil, patios, lawns | Nest in wood, cavities, and damp timber |
| Cause annoyance but no structural damage | Can hollow out wood and damage structures |
| Common in kitchens, bathrooms, and gardens | Often found in walls, lofts, beams, and flooring |
Are Carpenter Ants Found in the UK?
Yes — although less common than in other countries, carpenter ants are increasingly found in UK homes, especially where there is damp, rotting, or untreated timber. Bromley’s older housing stock and shaded garden areas provide ideal conditions for them.
Why Carpenter Ants Are a Serious Problem
While garden ants mainly cause inconvenience, carpenter ants can cause structural damage by hollowing out timber to build their nests.
- Damage to beams and joists
- Weakening of wooden floors or frames
- Hollow-sounding timber
- Costly repairs if left untreated
If you see large ants indoors, especially in damp areas, it’s important to get a professional inspection quickly.
Signs You May Have Carpenter Ants
- Large black or reddish ants appearing indoors
- Rustling sounds inside walls or wood
- Fine wood shavings (frass) near skirting boards
- Soft, damaged, or hollow timber
- Ant activity near damp areas or leaks
These signs usually point to a nest hidden behind walls, under floors, or inside the loft.
Garden Ants – A Nuisance, But Still a Problem
Garden ants don’t damage wood, but they:
- Invade kitchens in large numbers
- Contaminate food and surfaces
- Build nests under patios, causing sinking slabs
- Return every year without proper treatment
They’re persistent and frustrating, but far easier to treat than carpenter ants.
How Zero Pest Control Treats Different Ant Species
Our technicians use species-specific treatments so the infestation is removed permanently.
Garden Ant Treatment:
- Bait gels carried back to the colony
- Residual sprays for high-activity areas
- Outdoor nest treatment where needed
Carpenter Ant Treatment:
- Thorough inspection to locate hidden nests
- Professional-grade baits for colony elimination
- Targeted cavity wall treatments
- Advice on timber repairs and moisture control
When to Call a Professional
You should book a pest control inspection if:
- You see large ants indoors
- There is damage to timber or flooring
- You find frass or wood dust in your home
- Ant infestations return yearly
- You hear clicking or rustling sounds in walls
Book an Ant Inspection in Bromley
If you’re unsure whether you’re dealing with garden ants or carpenter ants, let the experts at Zero Pest Control take a look. We’ll identify the species, locate the nest, and apply the correct treatment.
Click here to request your inspection
Ant Identification FAQs
1. How can I tell what type of ants I have?
Size, colour, behaviour, and where the ants appear are all important clues. Our technicians can identify the species during a survey.
2. Do carpenter ants eat wood?
No — they don’t eat it, but they hollow it out to create tunnels, which can weaken structures.
3. Are carpenter ants dangerous?
They’re not dangerous to people, but they can cause costly structural damage if left untreated.
4. Can garden ants bite?
Garden ants don’t bite and are generally harmless — but they can contaminate food and surfaces.
5. Do both species require different treatments?
Yes. Carpenter ants require more specialised and targeted treatments to reach hidden nests.
6. Are carpenter ants common in Bromley?
They’re becoming increasingly common in damp or older properties, especially where timber has begun to rot.
7. How quickly can Zero Pest Control treat an infestation?
Most treatments can be carried out the same day, with fast results within 24–48 hours.
