Carpenter ants
Color: Varies, ranging from red to black
Legs: 6
Wings: Varies
Size: 5/8″
Shape: Oval
Antenna: Yes
Carpenter ants distinguish themselves by not consuming the wood they excavate during nest construction; instead, they deposit it in small piles outside the colony entrances. Their diet encompasses both live and deceased insects, as well as meat, fats, and a range of sugary foods, including honeydew and nectar from plants.
Carpenter Ants are notorious for the extensive damage they inflict on homes and structures, often necessitating costly repairs. Found throughout the US, these ants come in various sizes, ranging from 1/4″ to 3/4″. Each colony is initiated by a single fertilized queen. She establishes her nest in a wood cavity, devoting herself entirely to raising the first brood of workers. During this time, she feeds them her saliva and refrains from leaving the nest or tending to her own needs. These initial workers take on the role of foraging for food to sustain the colony's rapid growth, which can ultimately yield 2,000 or more workers.
Carpenter ants are highly adaptable when it comes to nest locations. They establish colonies wherever water sources, damp wood, tree stumps, firewood, or house plants are present. They can also infiltrate buildings through moist, damaged wood.
While Carpenter ants do not transmit diseases, their nest-building activities involve creating smooth tunnels within the wood. This can lead to significant wood damage and potential structural weakening, resulting in substantial repair costs.
1. Remove standing water, and a magnet for pests like ants, mosquitoes, and termites.
2. Trim back tree branches and other plants near your home to block potential entry points.
3. Seal any cracks or small openings around your foundation.
4. Avoid storing firewood and building materials adjacent to your home.
Ant
