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Carpenter Ants

Do I Have Carpenter Ants?

Carpenter ants amass in very large colonies with multiple queens (sometimes up to a dozen or more depending on colony size).  Because of the size of the nest, their ability to nest within any type of wood within the home, and the fact that carpenter ants forage within 300’ of the nest it’s possible for a home to be quickly overrun.
Conventional trap methods are aren’t always effective with large colonies, so it’s important to seek out professional elimination of these colonies or you may risk repopulation.

Size & Appearance

There are numerous species of carpenter ant that can be found in and around your home as well as other buildings you may have on your property.  Typically, the carpenter ant is black but may also be red and black in color.  They tend to range in size from 3/8 to ½ inch in length. Some carpenter ants may have wings with the ability to fly.

Behavior

Carpenter ants typically nest in moister environments including rotting trees, roots, logs or boards found lying on the ground, etc.  They will also find their way into decayed wood of buildings, often caused by leaks, poor conditioning or condensation.  Carpenter ant nests have often been found beneath bathroom tile work, around tubs and sinks, dishwashers, beneath roofing, within attic beams and within subfloors with inadequate insulation.

Contrary to popular belief, carpenter ants don’t eat wood.  They actually feast on sweet items such as honeydew and sugars – primarily any source of high protein and sugar content.  They do however burrow through wood in order to generate their nests.

Impact Of Pests On The Home

Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants will burrow through wood in order to establish their colony throughout a home.  Depending on the severity of the tunneling and size of the colony the ants could severely weaken the structural integrity of the home.  Because there is no way to determine how quickly a colony will grow, if you suspect an infestation you should contact pest control immediately to destroy the colony before it spreads to the living space of your home.

Health Risks Of Pests

Carpenter Ants

It is possible for them to invade a food supply, causing spoilage.  Likewise, if a colony of carpenter ants is stirred up by pets or people they may become agitated and begin to bite.  This can be painful, especially if the ants begin to swarm out of agitation.