Acrobat Ants vs Carpenter Ants: Why the Confusion?
Ants are one of the most common pests we’re called out for in Dallas-Fort Worth, and when customers see them crawling around wood or inside walls, they often worry about carpenter ants. The truth is, not every ant you see near wood is a carpenter ant — Acrobat ants look and act similar but are far less destructive.
Let’s break down the key differences so you know what you’re up against.
Acrobat Ants
Acrobat ants get their name from their unique habit of raising their heart-shaped abdomen over their head when disturbed, almost like a little gymnast.
Appearance: Smaller ants, often brown to black, with a distinct heart-shaped abdomen.
Nesting: Move into old termite galleries, rotting wood, and voids inside walls or under stones. They don’t create new tunnels — they reuse what’s already there.
Behavior: When crushed, they emit a foul odor. They’re more of a nuisance than a structural threat.
Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants are the real concern when it comes to property damage. While they don’t eat wood, they excavate it to build smooth, clean galleries for their colonies.
Appearance: Larger (¼–½ inch), smooth and shiny bodies, with long legs.
Nesting: Tunnel through damp or softened wood, often in decks, eaves, or inside walls. Over time, this can weaken structures.
Behavior: Most active at night, they forage for sweets and proteins, leaving telltale sawdust-like shavings behind.
Why It Matters
The biggest distinction is damage. Acrobat ants may be annoying, but they don’t destroy wood the way carpenter ants do. If you notice ants near wood and aren’t sure which type you’re dealing with, a professional inspection can prevent costly mistakes and structural issues down the line.
Protect Your Home
Whether its Acrobat ants sneaking into old termite tunnels or Carpenter ants carving out space in damp wood, both species are a sign that pests are too close for comfort.