Carpenter Ants
Learn More About Carpenter Ants
One of the largest ant species in the United States, these critters can reach up to 13 mm in length. Winged, dark in color, and residing in moist, damaged woods, it's common that homeowners mistake carpenter ant swarms for termite colonies. Though they aren't likely to cause much damage to the exterior of your home, they are a major nuisance once they get indoors. Feeding on sweets and meats, they are likely to contaminate your food supply. To find out how to deal with carpenter ants, learn more about our pest control services.
Pest Identification:
Size
6 to 13 mm in length
Color
Black to reddish to orange to black/red combinations
Body Structure
Head, thorax, and abdomen with a small node on the pedicel.
Characteristics
Generally, there is a single queen in the colony but often supplementary queens as well. Colonies typically are around 15,000 workers when mature, but potentially could be over 100,000 workers. Foods are both carbohydrates and protein, with insects a major part of the diet.
Habitat & Behavior
The usual habitat of a colony of carpenter ants is within wood, often wood buried or partially buried in the soil. They also commonly establish “satellite” colonies that may be in a structure, maintaining contact between the two colonies with the workers who travel to and from over well-defined trails.
Commonly Active
Active year-round, including the winter.
Prevention & Treatment
The first step is to get rid of their nests, or else they will continue to come back. Make sure the moisture in your home is under-control, damp cold places attract these pests and will go to the dark places in the home. Make sure that all cracks are sealed! Even the smallest of cracks can grant carpenter ants access to your home.