Carpenter ants have a habit of digging into damp, damaged, or decaying wood and using it for nesting sites. These pests pose a significant threat when infiltrating living spaces, including residential homes, commercial buildings, garages, sheds, and other properties.
The best method for removing carpenter ant infestations is by enlisting the services of ant control professionals. Licensed pest control experts have the tools and expertise required to correctly identify and eliminate carpenter ants before extensive damage is done.
Carpenter ants are relatively large, with worker ants measuring up to ½ an inch and queen ants reaching up to one inch in length. Similar to other ant species, they have six legs, a segmented body, and elbowed antennae.
In total, there are eight species of carpenter ants in the United States. The most common species, Camponotus floridanus, is reddish brown with a black abdomen. Some species may be completely black or yellow. Reproductive carpenter ants have wings.
Carpenter ants are often mistaken for termites, as both wood-destroying insects have wings and swarm together. However, termites eat wood, whereas carpenter ants only excavate it for nesting. Additionally, carpenter ants have larger front wings than back wings, while termites have equal-sized wings.
Carpenter ants nest in damp or decaying wood, such as trees, logs, and fallen branches. Unfortunately for homeowners, they can also nest in building materials. If a wooden structure has been weakened by moisture, ants may invade. Common infestation sites include siding, roofing, sheds, porches, and support beams.
Carpenter ants push out excavation waste known as frass from their tunnels. In some cases, frass can be seen below their nests, near what is known as a kickout hole.
Carpenter ant colonies consist of a single queen and thousands of worker ants. Since the queen is solely responsible for laying eggs, colonies can take 3 to 6 years to mature. However, once established, they persist. The queen can live up to 15 years, while worker ants can live up to 5 years.
Unlike some pests, carpenter ants do not carry diseases. However, they can transport bacteria that cause food-borne illnesses.
In their search for food, ants explore various areas, including unsanitary locations like toilets, sewers, and trash cans. If they later crawl over food or kitchen surfaces, they can spread bacteria, increasing the risk of contamination.
Food contaminated by carpenter ants may carry bacteria like salmonella, E. coli, strep, and Shigella. If ants are found near food, discard the affected items and contact a pest control service.
Carpenter ants play a role in nature by aiding in wood decomposition. However, their excavation behavior indoors can cause structural damage.
If left untreated, carpenter ants can cause severe damage by hollowing out wood. Because they burrow from the inside out, infestations may go unnoticed for months or even years, leading to unstable structures.
Carpenter ants bite to defend their nests. Their bites can be painful due to their size and the formic acid they release. While most people experience only minor discomfort, some may develop swelling or itching, especially if they have allergies.
Though formic acid is generally non-toxic to humans, persistent or worsening symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Unlike termites, carpenter ants do not eat wood; they simply tunnel through it to create nests. Their diet consists primarily of proteins and sugars.
Outdoors, they feed on insects, animal carcasses, and honeydew. Indoors, they seek alternative food sources, such as pet food or sugar residues, making infestations challenging to control.
Signs of an infestation include:
To reduce the risk of carpenter ant infestations, follow these steps:
Effective treatment requires identifying and eliminating all nests, including the main colony and satellite nests. DIY solutions are often ineffective, leading to reinfestation.
Professional pest control is recommended for complete eradication. At Newtown Termite & Pest Control, we use a multi-faceted approach, including sprays, dusts, and strategic drilling and sealing.
Schedule a FREE inspection today.
For more information, visit: CARPENTER ANTS
View our Privacy Policy
©
Newtown Termite & Pest Control, Inc.
All Rights Reserved. Since 1993.
