Carpenter Ants

Facts & Information

Carpenter ants or the big black ants are

known for their wood-destroying habits.

Learn everything about carpenter ants, including their behavior, lifecycle and diet.

Carpenter Ants Identification & Behaviour

Carpenter ants are among the largest ants, and Carpenter ant workers come in a surprising variety of colours and sizes, which can be quite alarming if you find them in your home. These ants can be black, dark brown, red-black, yellow, or even a striking red, ranging in size from a tiny 3.4 mm to 13 mm.

What do Carpenter Ants eat?

Carpenter ants are famous for digging into the wood to make their homes, which can damage buildings and trees over time. However, Carpenter ants do not eat wood. They prefer eating insects because of the sweet liquid, honeydew, that the insects produce. Inside homes, carpenter ants like to eat sweet things like honey, syrup, sugar, and jelly. They might also snack on pet food and meat they find indoors.

Carpenter Ants Lifecycle

The lifecycle of a carpenter ant begins with a queen laying eggs. These eggs hatch into larvae, which then pupate and emerge as adult ants. The process from egg to adult can take several weeks to months, depending on environmental conditions. A single queen can live for several years and produce thousands of offspring.

Types of Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants come in various types, each with unique traits. The Black Carpenter Ant is all-black, while the Red Carpenter Ant combines red and black. In the Southeast, the Florida Carpenter Ant is notable for its orange and black coloring.

The Western Carpenter Ant, found in the western U.S., is usually black with reddish hues. Yellow Carpenter Ants have a yellowish-brown color, and Camponotus vicinus can be black, red, or a mix of both, all nesting in wood.

Sub-species

How to Get Rid of Carpenter Ants?

Dealing with carpenter ants can be stressful, but don’t worry—we’re here to help! For Effective carpenter ant treatment, it’s important to inspect your home and identify where the Ant nest is. Look for wood shavings, which are a telltale sign of their burrowing.

Moisture control is crucial, so reduce moisture around your home by fixing leaks and ensuring proper ventilation. Baiting and insecticides can help by attracting and killing worker ants; insecticides can be applied around entry points and suspected nest areas. If you think your home has carpenter ants, don’t hesitate to seek professional ant control services.

Carpenter Ant Facts

Carpenter Ant FAQs

  • How dangerous are carpenter ants?

    Carpenter ants can be quite destructive to homes and buildings. While they do not directly threaten humans, ant infestations can cause significant structural damage over time. Carpenter ants are found in all 50 states, with higher prevalence in humid areas. Homeowners in the USA spend an estimated $5 billion annually on termite and carpenter ant damage control and repairs. If you think your home has carpenter ants, contact the carpenter ant exterminator near you today for a free estimate and protect your home from damage!

  • Do carpenter ants live in walls?

    Yes, carpenter ants often make their nests in wall spaces. They also like to nest in hollow doors, windows, and foam panels. Carpenter ants prefer moist, decaying wood, which makes them common in forests, near water sources, and within buildings that have moisture problems. They are frequently found in homes, especially in areas with water damage such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.

  • What do carpenter ants eat?

    Carpenter ants eat insects for honeydew and enjoy sweets and pet food found in your home. However, they dig into wood to make nests, damaging structures. Contact the Ant control service if you suspect there might be a carpenter ant infestation.

  • Is it normal to have carpenter ants in the yard?

    Yes, it is normal to have carpenter ants in the yard. They often nest in trees, stumps, and other decaying wood found outdoors. While their presence in the yard isn't usually a concern, it's important to monitor them to ensure they don't move into your home and cause damage. Carpenter ant removal is crucial.

  • Should I be concerned if I see carpenter ants?

    Yes, seeing a carpenter ant can be concerning if you spot them at your home. They can cause structural damage by excavating wood. If you notice signs like wood shavings or rustling in walls, contact a carpenter ant exterminator service.

  • How do you tell if it's a carpenter ant?

    You can identify carpenter ants by their large size. Carpenter ants are large, usually 3.4 to 13 mm in size. They can be black, red, or a combination of both. Look for a smooth, rounded thorax and a heart-shaped head with large mandibles.

  • How do you locate a carpenter ant nest?

    To locate a carpenter ant nest, look for wood shavings (frass) near walls or wooden structures and listen for rustling sounds in walls or ceilings. Follow ant trails, especially at night, and check moist areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and basements where they prefer to nest.

  • How do you get rid of carpenter ants?

    If you notice signs like wood shavings or rustling in walls, a carpenter ant’s nest is likely nearby. Locate the nest, try DIY methods, and adopt moisture control. If DIY methods fail, contact an expert pest control service for effective treatment.

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