Size:
¼ - ½" (6-12 mm)
Color:
Varies depending on species, from red to black or a combination. The two most common species are black.
Carpenter ants excavate nest galleries in wood. These galleries somewhat resemble the work of termites but can be distinguished by their entirely clean and almost sandpapered appearance. Carpenter ants do not use wood for food.
- Outdoor sites include stumps, hollow logs, telephone poles, fence posts or other similar large pieces of wood. Wood that is moist or partially decayed is preferred by many species.
- Indoor nests may be found in hollow doors, windowsills, porch substructures, roof, baseboards, fireplaces, shingles, or other naturally hollow area.
Carpenter ants foraging ants will travel 100 yards or more from the nest for food, and they may wander throughout the house. Worker can lay down trail pheromones, at least on major foraging trail, but they are often seen scattered about and foraging without any noticeable effect of a trail pheromones. Food may be carried back to the nest, but more often is taken into the crop near to where it is found.
Great Variety of both animal and plant foods. These ants will feed on other insects,living or dead, and nearly anything people eat. Aphid honeydew is particularly attractive. Many sweet and meats found in kitchens and storage areas are fed on, including syrup, honey, jelly, sugar, meat, grease, and fat.
Carpenter ants are of economic importance because of the damage they do to structures, the food they contaminate, and their unsightly and unwanted movement inside and outside of building. Their nesting activities can weaken building structures, although not usually as seriously as termites.
Carpenter Ant Prevention Tips
Because carpenter ants require a water source, eliminate sources of moisture or standing water. Keep tree branches and other plants cut back from the house. Sometimes pests use these branches to get into your home. Make sure that there are no cracks or little openings around the bottom of your house. Sometimes pests use these to get into your home. Make sure that firewood and building materials are not stored next to your home. Pests like to build nests in stacks of wood.
Protects Your Business And Your Reputation