Red and Black Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants, particularly red and black carpenter ants, are among the most common wood-infesting pests. While they do not consume wood like termites, their ability to burrow into wooden structures can lead to significant structural damage. These ants prefer moist or decaying wood, making homes with water damage or excessive humidity ideal nesting sites.  In this article, we’ll learn to identify these ants early and appropriate control measures can that help prevent costly repairs and long-term infestations.

What Are Red and Black Carpenter Ants?

Carpenter ants belong to the Camponotus genus, which consists of over 1,000 species worldwide. These ants establish their nests inside the wood, tunnelling through the material to create smooth passageways for their colony. They do not eat wood but instead excavate it to expand their nests. Their colonies can become quite large, leading to extensive damage over time.

Key Differences Between Red and Black Carpenter Ants

Though similar in behavior and habits, red and black carpenter ants have distinct characteristics:

Feature	Red Carpenter Ants	Black Carpenter Ants
Color	Reddish thorax, black abdomen	Entirely black
Size	7 to 20 mm	7 to 20 mm
Preferred Habitat	Moist, decaying wood	Both moist and dry wood
Diet	Honeydew, sweet foods, dead insects	Honeydew, proteins, dead insects
Aggressiveness	Less aggressive than black carpenter ants	More aggressive, particularly when disturbed

Where Do Carpenter Ants Nest?

Carpenter ants are social insects that thrive in moist, decaying wood. They do not build mud tubes like termites but create extensive tunnels inside wooden structures. Their presence is often a sign of water damage in a home. Carpenter ants establish their nests both outdoors and indoors, depending on the availability of suitable conditions. Outdoors, they commonly build nests in trees, logs, and wooden stumps, often residing in decaying or moisture-damaged wood.  They are also frequently found in firewood piles. Indoors, carpenter ants burrow into wooden beams, attics, floors, and walls, preferring areas with high humidity or water leaks that soften the wood, making it easier to excavate.

What Do Carpeneter Ants Eat?

Carpenter ants don’t feed on wood but instead tunnel through it to create nests. Their diet primarily consists of dead insects, honeydew (a sugary substance secreted by aphids), and various sweet foods such as fruits, syrups, and sugary substances. They are nocturnal foragers, often traveling significant distances in search of food sources.

Signs of a Carpenter Ant Infestation

Detecting an infestation early is crucial for preventing long-term structural damage. Watch for these warning signs:

Sawdust or Frass

Carpenter ants leave behind tiny piles of sawdust-like debris, known as frass, near wooden surfaces. This is a result of their tunneling activity.

Rustling Noises

In some cases, you may hear a faint rustling or scratching noise coming from inside walls or wooden structures, especially at night when the ants are most active.

Winged Ants (Swarmers)

During mating season, winged carpenter ants emerge from nests to establish new colonies. If you notice large, flying ants indoors, it’s a strong indication of a well-established colony nearby.

Hollow or Weak Wood

Tapping on a wooden structure and hearing a hollow sound suggests internal damage caused by carpenter ants burrowing inside.

Damage Caused by Red and Black Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants can cause serious structural issues over time. Their excavation weakens beams, flooring, rafters, and wooden supports, making homes vulnerable to long-term damage.

Preventing and Controlling Red and Black Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants are drawn to moisture and wooden structures, so controlling these factors is key to keeping them out of your home. To stop carpenter ants from entering your home, follow these best practices:  

Myths and Facts About Red and Black Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants are often mistaken for termites due to their ability to damage wood, but they have distinct behaviors and characteristics. Many misconceptions exist about the differences between red and black carpenter ants, their diet, and their nesting habits. Understanding the facts can help in early detection and proper control measures. Below, we debunk common myths about these wood-damaging insects.

Myth	Fact
Red carpenter ants are more dangerous than black ones.	Both red and black carpenter ants can be responsible for significant damage if left unchecked.
Carpenter ants only eat wood.	Carpenter ants feed on a variety of substances, including proteins and sugars.
Black carpenter ants are not as destructive as red ones.	Both species can cause serious damage to wooden structures.
Carpenter ants are only found in damp wood.	Carpenter ants can nest in both damp and dry wood.
All carpenter ants are the same species.	There are several species of carpenter ants, including red and black varieties, each with distinct behaviors and preferences.

If you are unsure which pest is infesting your home, contact our pest control experts and get a free estimate today!