Carpenter ants are notorious pests that form highly organized colonies. One of many species of ants, construction ant colonies consist of queens, worker ants, and males, each playing a unique role. These ants are a very common pest, but are often mistaken for termites, however, unlike termites they do not eat wood; instead, they tunnel through it to create their nests.

Infestations of carpenter ants can cause significant damage to your property: to ensure a complete extermination, it is best to leave it in the hands of pest control professionals.

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Description of Carpenter Ants (Construction Ants)

The queen, the largest insect in the colony, lays eggs, while worker ants, varying in size, handle different activities such as foraging for food. Due to these size differences, identifying the species of carpenter ants solely by their size can be challenging. Here are characteristics of this ant species:

• Size and Color: Carpenter ants vary in size, ranging from 1/4 inch to 3/4 inch. They are typically black, but some species can be red or a combination of red and black.
• Antennae: They have bent, or elbowed, antennae, which distinguish them from termites, whose antennae are straight.
• Waist: Carpenter ants have a narrow waist, another feature that helps differentiate them from other insects.

Behavior and Diet

• Nesting Habits: These ants do not consume wood; instead, they excavate it to build their nests, creating smooth tunnels and galleries within the wood. They prefer moist or decayed wood but can also damage sound wood.
• Diet: Carpenter ants forage for a variety of foods, including sweet substances, proteins, pet food, and dead insects. They do not eat wood but can cause significant structural damage through their tunneling activities.

The Difference Between Carpenter Ants and Termites

Carpenter ants and termites are frequently confused, but several key differences exist. Carpenter ants have bent antennae, while termites have straight antennae. Carpenter ants cause damage by producing sawdust as they tunnel through wood to create nests. In contrast, termites consume wood, leaving behind small pellets. Recognizing these distinctions is crucial for proper pest management.

Development and Behaviors

Carpenter ant colonies, such as those formed by the black carpenter ant, feature a single queen. The colony's lifecycle begins with "swarming," where sexually mature adults mate during flight. After mating, the queen loses her wings and seeks a suitable site for laying her eggs, such as a decayed tree stump or inside wooden structures. Unlike termites, carpenter ants do not consume wood; they create hollow spaces within moist wood or decayed wood for their nests. Over time, a colony matures, housing up to 2,000 worker ants, and the queen produces winged ants to establish new colonies.

Carpenter ants create nests in areas favorable for their expansion, such as sound wood affected by moisture. They may establish satellite nests without a queen, which can still cause significant structural damage. These indoor nests are often found in places like wooden doors, baseboards, and foam insulation.

Ant Infestation Routes in a Building

Carpenter ant infestations can occur through various means, making it crucial to understand how these pests gain entry into homes and buildings. The primary routes of infestation include:

• Queen Entry: A carpenter ant queen may enter a building through small cracks or gaps in the structure. Once inside, she finds a suitable location, often in moist or decayed wood, to start a new carpenter ant nest. The queen then lays eggs, giving rise to a new colony.
• Colony Relocation: A portion of an existing carpenter ant colony may relocate due to stress factors such as environmental changes or disturbances. This segment of the colony, including worker ants and possibly larvae, can migrate to a new site within the same building or a nearby structure, establishing a satellite nest.
• Infested Materials: Carpenter ants can be introduced into a building through infested materials like firewood, wooden furniture, or construction materials. Bringing these items indoors can unknowingly transport ants and facilitate the spread of infestation.
• Satellite Nests: In addition to the main colony, carpenter ants often create satellite nests. These satellite colonies, which do not contain a queen, can form in various parts of a building, especially in hidden or less accessible areas such as behind walls, under floors, or in attics.

Recommendations for Infestations

If a carpenter ant infestation is already present, consider the following recommendations:

• Conduct a thorough inspection to locate the carpenter ant nest.
• Address conditions that favor ant activity, such as removing decayed wood and repairing moisture damage.
• Use bait and insecticides, such as pyrethrin, boric acid, or borax, to manage the infestation. Orkin pest control products and professional pest management services can also be effective.
• For severe infestations, consult an ant exterminator. An expert carpenter ant exterminator from EagleBugs can create a customized pest control plan, ensuring safe and effective extermination of the pests.

Contact a Carpenter Ant Extermination Service

If you suspect a carpenter ant infestation in your home, contact us for a free estimate. Eaglesugs' team of professional exterminators offers comprehensive carpenter ant extermination services, tailored to your specific needs for both indoor and outdoor pest control. Working with experts is the best way to get rid of the entire colony and prevent future ant infestations!

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Learn more about Carpenter Ants

What are signs of an ant infestation?

Recognizing the signs of a carpenter ant infestation early can help prevent extensive structural damage and facilitate timely pest control measures. Here are the key indicators of a carpenter ant problem:

• Sawdust Trails: Sawdust-like material, known as frass, near wooden structures is a byproduct of the ants' tunneling activities as they excavate wood to expand their nests.
• Visible Ant Trails: Carpenter ants often travel in well-defined trails, especially between their nest and food sources. These trails can be seen along baseboards, walls, and other surfaces.
• Damaged Wood: Structural damage to wooden components such as beams, doors, and window frames is a significant sign of carpenter ant activity. The ants create smooth, hollowed-out tunnels within the wood, compromising its integrity.
• Winged Ants (Swarmers): The appearance of winged carpenter ants, or swarmers, indoors is a sign that a colony is mature and attempting to establish new nests.
• Rustling Sounds: Faint rustling noises coming from within walls or wooden structures can indicate the presence of a large carpenter ant colony.
• Moist or Decayed Wood: Carpenter ants are attracted to moist or decayed wood for nesting. Inspecting areas with water damage, leaks, or high humidity can help identify potential nesting sites.
• Dead Insects: Carpenter ants feed on other insects. Finding dead insects near suspected nest sites can be an indirect sign of carpenter ant activity.

How can I prevent a carpenter ant infestation?

Preventing carpenter ant infestations involves several steps:

• Store firewood away from the house.
• Remove wood debris and repair structural damage to prevent moist or decaying wood, which attracts ants.
• Keep food sources in sealed containers and clean kitchen areas regularly.
• Trim tree branches to avoid contact with the house.

Seal cracks and gaps around doors and windows to block entry points.