CARPENTER ANT FACTS & INFORMATION
How do I get rid of Carpenter Ants?
Finding the nest is the first step in eliminating a carpenter ant problem. After identifying it, it can either be removed or chemically treated. You must eliminate any and all moisture sources that the ants were taking advantage of.
Serious structural damage can be avoided if treatment is initiated early enough in the process. Nevertheless, these ants can cause significant damage to structures if left undiscovered for an extended period of time.
Improper treatment can allow the colony to return to its previous infestation state once they resume foraging.
Wood-destroying pests like carpenter ants are no match for On Demand’s expertise. Because no two structures or residences are the same, your On Demand professional will create a custom carpenter ant treatment plan just for you.
Frequently Asked Questions.
Wood that is damp, undisturbed, or decaying is a common place for these insects to build their homes. Carpenter ants are attracted to homes that have moisture problems due to leaks. Tree branches that hang over buildings’ roofs can also be used as a bridge by pests to gain entry. The most common entry points are the unsealed openings around the utility pipes and wires.
Foraging carpenter ants damage wood from the inside out as they form their colonies by tunneling into the material. It’s common for a long-term infestation with several colonies in a property to cause structural and cosmetic damage.
Swarming ants (winged ants) and worker ants are the most common signs that homeowners see.
- Workers may be seen foraging for food.
- Colonies create swarmers when they are ready to start forming new colonies. A well-established colony is generally indicated by the presence of winged individuals.
- In addition to their tunneling, you can see the debris they leave behind. Nesting activity is indicated by the presence of wood shavings mixed with the remains of dead ants from the colony.
- The “rustling” sound made by the ants as they work through the wood of a house may be a last indicator.
On Demand does NOT charge for inspections. Our objective is to provide each customer with a personalized strategy. We know where to look for certain types of bugs, and we will perform a full inspection to find them. Additionally, we will also check for any other type of pest that may have made their way into your home. Each strategy takes into account the specifics of the property, issue, and the surrounding area. You may request an inspection by contacting (954) 947-0805.
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Understanding Carpenter Ants
Appearance
Color: Black is the most common color, but some species are reddish or yellowish. The color can be anything from jet black to dark brown, red, black, yellow, orange, yellowish tan, or light brown. Oftentimes, these ants are black and red at the same time.
Size: Carpenter ants, which can be anywhere from 3.4 to 13 mm long, are some of the biggest ants in the United States.
Mandibles: Large mandibles are visible on the worker ants.
Diet
Carpenter ants, unlike termites, do not consume wood, but rather remove it from their nests and put it in little mounds outside of the colony. There is no specific meal that they won’t eat, however they tend to prefer sweets and meats. They will eat other insects as well.
Reproduction
The first year a queen produces 9 to 16 eggs, and she may live for up to 25 years. A typical egg’s life span is between six and 12 weeks.
More Information
Wood deteriorating or hollowed out by moisture is ideal habitat for carpenter ants, both on the outside and within. It’s not uncommon to come across carpenter ants on the dead or decaying wood of both live and non-living trees. It is also possible for them to set up shop inside of houses and structures that have been exposed to excessive wetness.
