The answer to 'why is my carpenter ant recurring problem' is that carpenter ants are persistent pests that can be difficult to fully eliminate. Carpenter ants are attracted to damp, rotting wood where they build their nests and colonies. If the underlying moisture issues in your home are not properly addressed, the ants will continue to return and reestablish their presence.
Common causes of recurring carpenter ant problems include untreated wood damage, leaks, and poor ventilation that allow moisture to accumulate. Symptoms include seeing large black ants, piles of wood shavings, and damage to wooden structures. To solve the problem, you'll need to identify and fix the moisture sources, treat the affected areas, and potentially call in a professional exterminator for a full inspection and treatment plan.