Carpenter ants have a habit of digging into damp, damaged, or decaying wood and using it for nesting sites. These insects can pose a significant threat when infiltrating living spaces, which include 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 in Saint Cloud. Licensed pest experts will have the tools and expertise required to correctly identify and eliminate carpenter ants before extensive damage is done.
WHAT DO CARPENTER ANTS LOOK LIKE?
All species of ants have six legs, as they are all classified as insects. Each ant has a three-part body where their legs attach. These three sections are divided into the head, the thorax and the abdomen. Their heads are the largest, paired with big eyes and connected to jointed antennae. In terms of size, ants are small creatures. Their size can range from a millimeter or two up to an inch. Although they are very small, they have great strength. Experts report that ants can carry anywhere between 10 and 50 times their own weight. Ants use their strength to their advantage and are often seen pooling their strength alongside other worker ants in their colony.
Their color and description vary based on the species. The bigheaded ant, Florida carpenter ant and pharaoh ant are typically red, while the crazy ant and the red imported fire ant are more of a reddish-brown color. The ghost ant is frequently bicolored, with a dark brown and white body. Some ants are easier to identify than others. For example, the bigheaded ant can be detected because of its large head. However, many ants require a professional to identify which species is present.
WHERE DO CARPENTER ANTS LIVE?
Carpenter ants earn their name from nesting in damp or decaying wood. Trees, logs, and fallen branches are their most common nesting areas. Unfortunately for homeowners, they can also nest in building materials. If a wooden structure has been weakened over time by moisture, the ants may take their stay. Siding, roofing, sheds, porches, and support beams are all possible targets for an infestation. While digging through wood, they push excavation waste known as frass out of the nest. It is possible in some indoor nests to spot frass below one of their tunnels. The spot where ants push out frass is known as the kickout hole.
Carpenter ants will live together in colonies consisting of a single queen and thousands of worker ants. Since the queen is solely responsible for producing eggs, colonies can take between 3 to 6 years to mature fully. Once the colony grows larger, however, it will continue to persist. Waiting for the ants to die is not a viable solution, as the queen can live for up to 15 years while each worker ant lives up to 5 years.
Carpenter ants may also have multiple nesting sites near one another. If a colony is found nesting inside of the home, it may be considered a satellite colony. These smaller colonies consist only of worker ants, alates, and pupae. The main nest, including the queen, might be outside in a more established tunnel network.
WHAT DO CARPENTER ANTS EAT?
Unlike termites, carpenter ants do not eat wood. Rather, they only chew through wood to create tunnels for nesting. That being said, the diet of a carpenter ant is essentially the same as other ant species and primarily consists of proteins and sugars.
Outdoor carpenter ants feed on insects, animal carcasses, and occasionally honeydew. As soon as the ants come indoors, they begin scouting for any nutrient replacement they can find. Carpenter ants will feed on anything from leftover pet food to syrup stains on countertops. This makes it increasingly difficult to manage an ant problem, as the slightest traces of sugar or crumbs can signal a developing satellite colony.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY CARPENTER ANTS
Carpenter ants play a big role in the ecosystem by aiding in the decomposition of rotten trees. However, it is detrimental when they conduct the same behaviors indoors.
The damage caused by carpenter ants can be extensive over time if not addressed promptly. Since they consume wood from the inside out, the damage they cause initially goes unseen. It may take several months to a year for property owners to notice potentially severe structural damage inflicted by these ants, resulting in warped, wobbly, and overall unstable properties.
ARE CARPENTER ANTS AGGRESSIVE?
Carpenter ants will bite to defend their nests. The discomfort of their bite can be attributed not only to their comparatively larger size but also to the deposition of formic acid when biting. While the majority of people experience only initial pain, some may endure additional reactions such as swelling, burning sensations, and itching. This is particularly true if the victim has preexisting allergies.
Despite this amplified pain, the formic acid is generally non-toxic to humans. However, prompt medical evaluation may be necessary to ensure no underlying complications. If symptoms continue to persist or if new symptoms arise, contact a healthcare professional immediately.
DO CARPENTER ANTS CARRY DISEASE?
Usually, ants do not transmit illnesses as other pests do. However, they can still be the culprit behind sickness if they are inside. Primarily, ants are likely to spread food-borne illnesses, such as salmonella or E. coli. Ants are not clean pests, in that they frequently spend time in dirty places, such as garbage cans, sewers and other unsanitary spots. As ants walk throughout a home or building, they can frequently carry bacteria on their feet.
Both E. coli and salmonella are bacteria that can cause food poisoning. When they are ingested, they can lead to mild or severe digestive issues. While these illnesses are typically short-lived, they can cause severe issues in older adults or immunocompromised individuals. Typically, food poisoning causes abdominal cramping, vomiting and diarrhea.
HOW TO DETECT CARPENTER ANTS
Signs of a carpenter ant infestation include:
• Frass detected around window ledges, doors, or baseboards • Trails of ants foraging towards a food source • Faint rustling sounds between wall voids or near wooden beams • Small tunnels within moist or decayed wood • Schedule a free inspection with ant control companies in Saint Cloud
HOW TO PREVENT CARPENTER ANTS
To help prevent an ant infestation, the following steps should be taken:
• Refrain from leaving dirty dishes unattended in the sink overnight • Mop and disinfect kitchen surfaces to remove sticky syrup residues • Store firewood in an outdoor location such as a shed or garage • Seal any holes or cracks that the ants might be using to gain entry • Remove dead or rotting wood especially if close to the property • Maintain a clean environment around food storage • Seek local ant control services
HOW WE TREAT FOR ANTS
Ants are the number one pest control issue and can prove virtually impossible for home and business owners to solve on their own. Ending an ant infestation typically requires proper ant identification, locating and destroying the nest or colony, as well as the use and application of specialized products.
As such, it is not advisable for property owners to attempt to eradicate an ant infestation without assistance from a professional pest control provider.
