In your Spring and Fall house check, be sure to check the attic of your home, rafters and any wood in your home or garage for the presence of carpenter ants. Unlike termites they don't eat wood, they just hollow out channels for their living space. The can do a lot of damage, just like termites. If you live in Iowa you can submit insects for identification - check out the link.
If you plan on selling your home it is important that you remove any pest present in your home, whether that is bats, termites, carpenter ants or something else. We don't recommend harsh chemicals that can soak into materials and cause future problems.
The best method is prevention, keep trees back off your home, clean gutters at least 2 times a year, remove all debris that gathers around any structure, keep your attic, house, basement and garage dry. Keep all food off counters, and check your home at least 2 times a year.
A home inspection by a buyer should turn up signs of carpenter ant and other pest damage, the presence of these ants and termites along with other pests can end a sale. Prevention is always the best idea, before something becomes a costly problem.
http://www.ipm.iastate.edu/ipm/iiin/node/3
Damaged wood from a carpenter ant colony
These are large ants
