Why You’re Seeing "Giant Ants" in February: The Early Carpenter Ant Wake-Up

It might feel too early for "bug season," but in New Jersey, the 2026 calendar is telling a different story. Over the last two weeks, we’ve seen a spike in calls from homeowners in Morris and Sussex Counties reporting large, black ants wandering across their floors.

If you’re seeing ants inside right now, they didn’t just come in from the cold. They were likely already there, and they’ve just woken up. It might feel too early for "bug season," but in New Jersey, the 2026 calendar is telling a different story. Over the last two weeks, we’ve seen a spike in calls from homeowners in Morris and Sussex Counties reporting large, black ants wandering across their floors.

Why Are They Active Now?

Carpenter Ants don't truly hibernate; they enter a state of diapause. However, when your home’s heating system keeps wall voids at a consistent temperature, or a mid-February sun hitches a ride on your south-facing walls, these colonies "wake up" early. They are hungry, looking for moisture, and unfortunately, they are already scouting your home’s structure.

Here is what you need to know about this early activity:

1. They Aren't Just "Lost"If you see one or two large ants (roughly 1/2 inch long) in your bathroom or kitchen, it usually indicates a parent or satellite colony is nested within your wood framing. In February, they aren't coming from the yard; they are coming from your walls.

2. The Moisture ConnectionCarpenter ants love wood that has been softened by moisture. With the heavy snow-and-thaw cycles we’ve had this winter, any small roof leak or window seal gap has provided the perfect environment for them to thrive while the rest of the world is frozen.

3. Don't Reach for the SprayUsing a retail "bug spray" on the ants you see will only kill the scouts. This often triggers a "budding" response, where the main colony senses danger and splits into multiple smaller colonies, making the problem harder to solve.

The Hennebry Advantage

At Hennebry Pest Solutions, we don't just treat the ants you see on your counter. We use specialized tracking methods to find the source of the colony inside your structure.

Our 365 Comprehensive Plan is designed for exactly this moment. We transition your protection from winter rodent defense to spring wood-destroying insect prevention seamlessly, ensuring that as the ground warms up, your home remains a fortress.

‍Don't let a small February sighting turn into a major May repair.‍👉 Schedule your Carpenter Ant inspection today