CARPENTER ANT TREATMENT IN CROCKETT, PALESTINE & EAST TEXAS
Stop Carpenter Ants Before They Damage Your Home
Seeing big black ants around your house? Finding piles of sawdust near wood? Finding winged
ants in spring?
You might have carpenter ants. And unlike regular ants, these guys are destructive.
They don’t eat wood like termites, but they tunnel through it to build nests. Over time, that
weakens structural wood and causes real damage.
James M
5 Star Google Review
I contacted Critter Gitters this morning to help me eradicate a huge wasp nest on the front of my house and around the eaves of my roof. They kindly came out a couple of hours later, killed all of the wasps, and sent me a picture of the nests. Now THAT’S service!!! Wouldn’t use anyone else!! Thanks Lane for your help and awesome service!
Thai Folta
5 Star Google Review
We have used Critter Gitters for years and wouldn’t think to go elsewhere. They are extremely detail oriented, down to the de-webbing of the whole exterior of our home. They are always extremely professional and punctual (which is a huge must for us). I couldn’t recommend a better company than Critter Gitters!
George Lee
5 Star Google Review
We have used Critter Gitters for years and wouldn’t think to go elsewhere. They are extremely detail oriented, down to the de-webbing of the whole exterior of our home. They are always extremely professional and punctual (which is a huge must for us). I couldn’t recommend a better company than Critter Gitters!
Joy Ione
5 Star Google Review
Joey Baker was highly recommended by the realtor who sold me my house. I saw what looked like termites, but Joey came right away and identified carpenter ants. I saved some dead ones in a zip lock bag for him to look at. He and his team treated the inside and outside of the house. It only took 2 treatments to get rid of the little critters. Don't do what I did. When they first started trailing out of the wall, I sprayed pesticide on them. Joey let me know to let them trail, otherwise they will go back in and make another colony.
Carol Dawson
5 Star Google Review
Critter Getters is always there when I need them!! They are prompt, competent and very reliable! You can certainly trust your staff at Critter Getters! They are the best!!
Wb Byrd
5 Star Google Review
Critter Gitters has provide great service for me for years. The local touch compares to no other. I’m grateful, and my children are as well, to be able to enjoy our backyard year round.
Greg Wassberg
5 Star Google Review
Whether one has bugs inside their home or outside, Critter Gitters offers the complete pest control services. Having mosquito issues outside, they have a service for that. Termite issues, they have a service for that too. Locally owned, and affordable. The technicians are also professional, safe, and understand that each homeowner has their own unique concerns.
Tyler Tabor
5 Star Google Review
We have been using Critter Gitters for years now and wouldn’t recommend anyone else! Joey is very professional yet personable and always has a smile on his face . He tries to make each service as easy as possible. If you’re looking for an amazing pest service experience…look no further!
READY TO GET STARTED?
How to Identify Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants are the largest ants we deal with in East Texas – usually between 1/4 to 1/2 inch long. Black or dark brown (sometimes reddish).
If you see large black ants crawling around, especially near wood, that’s your first clue.
Winged Carpenter Ants (Swarmers)
In spring, you might see winged ants emerging from walls, ceilings, or around windows. These are reproductives leaving the nest to start new colonies.
Seeing swarmers inside your house means there’s an established colony somewhere in the structure. Not good.
Frass (Sawdust Piles)
Carpenter ants don't eat wood – they excavate it. They push the debris out of their galleries, and it piles up below the nest.
Look for small piles of sawdust-like material near baseboards, window sills, or in the attic. Sometimes you’ll see bits of dead insects mixed in (they dump their trash too).
Where Carpenter Ants Nest
Inside Your Home
They prefer damp or damaged wood. Common nesting sites:
- Around leaky windows or doors
- In walls with moisture problems
- Under sinks where plumbing has leaked
- In attics with roof leaks
- Inside hollow doors or cabinets
- In wood that’s touched soil (deck posts, porch columns)
Outside Your Home (Satellite Colonies)
The main colony is often outside – in tree stumps, firewood piles, landscape timbers, or dead trees.
They establish satellite colonies inside your house. Workers travel back and forth between the parent colony and satellites.
That’s why you can’t just spray the ones you see – you need to find and eliminate all the colonies.
Why Carpenter Ants Are Attracted to Your Home
Moisture Problems
This is the number one factor. Carpenter ants love damp wood – it’s easier to excavate.
If you’ve got:
- Roof leaks
- Plumbing leaks
- Poor ventilation in the attic or crawlspace
- Wood touching soil
- Clogged gutters causing water damage
You’re rolling out the welcome mat for carpenter ants.
Food Sources
Carpenter ants eat other insects, honeydew from aphids, and sweets. If you’ve got other pest problems or landscaping issues (like aphid-infested plants touching the house), you’re feeding them.
Access Points
Tree branches touching the roof, overgrown shrubs against the foundation, firewood stored against the house – all give carpenter ants easy access.
Our Carpenter Ant Treatment Process
Thorough Inspection
We start by attempting to find the nests. Not just the ants you’re seeing – the actual colonies.
Check inside – attics, crawlspaces, around windows, under sinks, behind baseboards. Look for
frass, live ants, damaged wood, moisture problems.
Check outside – trees, stumps, firewood, landscape timbers, deck posts, anywhere they might
be nesting.
This takes time. You can’t rush it.
Targeted Treatment
If we locate nests, we treat them directly when possible. Drill and treat wall voids if needed.
Apply dust in attics and crawlspaces. Use non repellent liquid treatments in and around the
exterior and surrounding trees.
For colonies we can’t access directly, we utilize the transfer effect through non repellent
insecticides placed where ants travel.
The insecticides are slow acting allowing ants to return to
the colony and infect the rest of the nest.
Perimeter and Preventive Treatment
We treat the exterior foundation, around windows and doors,eaves and trees anywhere ants are
trailing or gaining entry.
This creates a treatment zone foraging workers walk through before they get inside.
Follow-Up and Monitoring
Carpenter ant control usually can requires multiple visits. We come back to check activity, retreat if needed, and monitor for new colonies.
Takes a few weeks to fully eliminate established colonies. Anyone promising overnight results doesn’t understand carpenter ants.
What You Need to Do (The Moisture Issue)
Here’s the hard truth – if you don’t fix moisture problems, carpenter ants will keep coming back.
We can kill every ant in the colony today. But if you've got ongoing leaks or moisture issues creating perfect nesting conditions, new colonies will move in eventually.
We'll point out the moisture problems we find. Fixing them isn't optional if you want long-term control.
Carpenter Ants vs. Termites – What’s the Difference?
People confuse them because both damage wood. Here’s how to tell them apart:
Carpenter Ants:
- Large, black ants with segmented bodies
- Winged ants have two pairs of wings (back wings shorter than front)
- Leave sawdust-like frass
- Excavate galleries that are smooth and clean
Termites:
- Smaller, pale or white bodies (workers)
- Winged termites have two pairs of equal-length wings
- Don’t leave frass
- Galleries are rough and filled with mud
If you’re not sure which you have, we’ll identify them during the inspection.
Carpenter Ant Damage – How Serious Is It?
Carpenter ants work slowly compared to termites. It takes years for them to cause major structural damage.
But “slow” doesn’t mean “harmless.” They weaken joists, studs, and beams over time. Large colonies with multiple satellite nests can do thousands of dollars in damage.
Plus, their presence often indicates moisture problems that are causing wood rot – which is just as bad.
Deal with them when you first notice them. Don’t wait.
What’s Included in the Elite Plan
Our Elite Plan includes carpenter ant treatment along with your regular pest control and termite protection.
If you're on the Essential or Premium Plan and discover carpenter ants, we handle it as an additional service.
Either way, we're thorough. Carpenter ants aren't like regular ants – they need specialized treatment and follow-up.
Preventing Carpenter Ants After Treatment
Once we’ve eliminated the colonies, keep them from coming back:
- Fix leaks promptly. Address any moisture issues.
- Remove tree stumps and dead wood from your property.
- Store firewood away from the house and off the ground.
- Trim tree branches and shrubs away from the structure.
- Repair damaged or rotting wood.
- Seal cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and foundation.
Carpenter Ant Control Across East Texas
We’ve treated carpenter ants across Crockett, Palestine, Huntsville, Conroe, and everywhere in between.
Older homes with maintenance issues see them more often. Homes with lots of trees or wooded lots have more pressure. Properties with moisture problems are prime targets.
We adjust our treatment strategy based on your specific situation and property conditions.
When to Call About Carpenter Ants
If you’re seeing large black ants regularly – especially around windows, in the kitchen, or in the bathroom – call us.
If you see winged ants emerging inside your house in spring, call us immediately. That means there’s an established colony in the structure.
If you find piles of sawdust near wood, call us.
Early treatment prevents serious damage. Don’t wait until they’ve been chewing on your house for years.
Get Started with Carpenter Ant Treatment
Call (936) 546-7493 and we’ll schedule an inspection. We’ll locate the colonies, assess the damage, identify moisture issues, and give you a treatment plan.
process
Let’s Get Started
Connect & Schedule
Your protection starts with a simple conversation.
Our friendly customer service team listens to your concerns, answers questions, and helps schedule an inspection or service visit at your convenience.
Inspection & Diagnosis
We Identify the Source
Our certified technicians perform a detailed inspection of your property — inside and out. We identify pest types, entry points, and contributing conditions to determine exactly what’s happening and why.
Customized Treatment
Science-Based Targeted Solution
Using proven Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles, we design a treatment plan tailored to your home, pest type, and environment. We use precision applications — not overuse — to ensure safe, effective, and lasting results.
Guaranteed Results
Professional Service Guaranteed
Our trained specialists apply targeted treatments using the latest tools and environmentally responsible products. We treat interior and exterior zones, eliminate nests and harborage areas, and establish a protective barrier around your home.
Certified Local Expertise
Family-Focused Service
Guaranteed Results
WHY CHOOSE US
Why Homeowners Across East Texas Trust Critter Gitters
Science-Based Solutions, Never Guesswork
Science-Based Solutions, Never Guesswork
Integrity-First Service, Always
Integrity-First Service, Always
We lead with honesty and reliability. At Critter Gitters, integrity means fair pricing, clear communication, and doing the job right the first time—every time.
Training That Exceeds Industry Standards
Training That Exceeds Industry Standards
Our technicians undergo continuous training that goes beyond industry requirements, ensuring every service is performed with expert knowledge, precision, and the latest pest control techniques.
Certified Expertise You Can Trust
Certified Expertise You Can Trust
Our team is fully licensed and certified, bringing proven expertise to every job. You can trust Critter Gitters for safe, professional, and effective pest control backed by years of experience.
Guaranteed Results — Or We’ll Make It Right
Guaranteed Results — Or We’ll Make It Right
Your satisfaction is our promise. If the covered pests come back, so will we – 100% satisfaction guaranteed.
About Us
Critter Gitters
Built on Experience, and a Promise to Protect
Family-owned and operated since 2006, Critter Gitters Pest Management has proudly served East Texas with trusted, science-based pest control solutions that protect homes, families, and peace of mind. Founded by Joey Baker, our company was built on the belief that true pest control starts with understanding the problem — not just treating the symptoms.
Experience the Critter Gitters Difference
When you choose Critter Gitters, you’re choosing more than a pest control company — you’re partnering with certified professionals dedicated to protecting your home, health, and comfort with integrity and care.
Our Expertise = Your Peace of Mind.
Our process begins with inspection and diagnosis, not quick fixes. By combining scientific precision, advanced training, and eco-conscious practices, we deliver results that last — not treatments that repeat.
, ACE
Owner & Founder
Packages
Bundle and Save 10% when you add Mosquito Duo Defense or Lawn & Ornamental to any package.
Package Includes
Essential Plan
Essential
Proven protection for everyday peace of mind.
Elite Plan
Elite
Complete coverage. Ultimate peace of mind.
Ants (Argentine, Rover & Odorous House)
Roaches (Peridomestic species)
Spiders, Millipedes, Centipedes, Crickets, Earwigs, Silverfish, Ground Beetles, Pill Bugs, and other occasional invaders
Interior and exterior treatments every 3 months
Targeted crack, crevice, and perimeter applications
Web and wasp nest removal up to 15 ft
Guaranteed re-service between visits if pests return
Rodent monitoring and exterior bait stations
Wasp nest removal up to 30 ft
Fire Ant treatment up to 20,000 sq ft
Full Sentricon® Termite Monitoring System
Carpenter Ant treatment
Additional Services
Need more than standard pest control? Our advanced services deliver customized protection for complex infestations, long-term prevention, and total peace of mind.
- Termite Inspections / WDO Real Estate Reports
- Carpenter Ants
- Fire Ants
- German Roach Clean-out
- Fleas & Ticks
- Rodent Trapping & Exclusion
- Arbor Jet Tree Injections
- Scorpion Plan
- Termite Treatments (Termidor and Sentricon)
- Bed Bugs
- Invasive Bees
- Mosquitoes
- Wildlife Trapping & Exclusion
- Lawn & Ornamental
Locations
Serving Families and Businesses
Throughout East Texas
Anderson County
Anderson County
Leon County
Leon County
Walker County
Walker County
Trinity County
Trinity County
Henderson County
Henderson County
Madison County
Madison County
Montgomery County
Montgomery CountyFAQ’s
Common Questions from Our Customers
What pests are covered in your Essential Plan?
Our Essential Plan covers the most common household pests, including ants, spiders, roaches, silverfish, and occasional rodents. This plan is designed to provide year-round protection for your home and prevent infestations before they become a problem.
How is the Premium Plan different from the Essential Plan?
The Premium Plan offers comprehensive protection beyond the Essential Plan, including coverage for termites and carpenter ant control. It’s the total defense solution for your home and property.
Do you offer termite control or inspections?
Yes! We provide full termite control and inspection services. Our experts use advanced detection methods and safe, effective treatments to protect your home from termite damage and prevent future infestations.
Are your treatments safe for my family and pets?
Absolutely! All our treatments are family- and pet-safe. We use environmentally friendly products and methods that effectively eliminate pests while keeping your loved ones and pets safe.
Can I combine mosquito or lawn services with my pest plan?
Yes! You can easily add mosquito or lawn care services to any of our pest control plans. This lets you enjoy complete protection for your home and yard, all in one convenient package.
What areas do you serve?
We proudly serve Houston County and surrounding areas, providing reliable pest control services to both residential and commercial properties. If you’re unsure whether we cover your location, just contact us — we’re happy to help!
