Carpenter ants are one of the largest ants found in North America and are distributed world-wide. The carpenter ant family has three castes -winged and wingless queens, winged males and workers of different sizes.
Carpenter Ant Identification
Carpenter ants are mostly of black color with some species in red and black color. When viewed from side they are of smoothly rounded arched thorax. Worker’s size ranges in lengths from 3 mm to 13 mm while the queens can be more than 25mm long in length. They have large heads and strong jaws that they use chewing. The whole family has a round of small hairs on tip of the abdomen.
Carpenter Ant Habitat
Carpenter ant is one of the most beneficial insects in natural surroundings as they feed on a wide range of other insects. They are popular because of their excavation of galleries in wood. Outside the house, Carpenter ants nest in the woods close to moist areas but inside they nest in hollow doors, in wood cabinets near dishwashers, in damp locations behind baseboards, fireplaces, window frames, and in basements.
Carpenter ant colony produce winged adults only in late spring and early summer, mature carpenter ant colonies produce winged adults. During their mating, carpenter ants can be nuisance around homes.
Carpenter Ant Life Cycle
Carpenter ants are the most common pest found in the homes. After mating, the female carpenter ant sheds her wings and the male dies off. Then the queen searches for a new place to establish a colony. It approximately takes 2 to 3 years for the queen to establisha colony .Once established, an average colony contains 2,000 to 3,000 carpenter ants.
Carpenter Ant Prevention
A number of steps should be taken to prevent your house from Carpenter Ant.
Carpenter ants are most attracted to moist areas. Correct roof leaks, plumbing leaks and other moisture problems.
Make sure your furniture is not in contact with soil.
Make sure tree limbs and vegetation is not touching the roof or siding of the house.
Ensure that cracks are sealed and openings in the foundation are closed.
Never store firewood in the garage or in other areas of the home.
Questions & Answers About Carpenter Ants
Where am I most likely to find carpenter ants?
In homes, carpenter ants can be seen everywhere. You can check the wood near moist places. They can nest anywhere in the home and most common places are- walls, ceilings, attics, doors, sills, shingles and insulation.
Are carpenter ants hazardous to humans?
No, carpenter ants are not hazardous to humans. They do not sting. Carpenter can carry germs from one place to other.
Do weather conditions affect the size of a carpenter ant infestation?
Yes. Carpenter ants are can establish their colony in warm, moist weather as this weather is perfect for them to grow.
How can I tell if I have a carpenter ant infestation on my property?
Presence of sawdust is an indication of presence of carpenter ants. You can check in moisture areas and the presence of worker ants in your home indicates the establishment of carpenter colony.
Preparation Guidelines for a Carpenter Ant Treatment
If ants are seen in the kitchen or other areas, vacate the bottom of cupboards and the bottom of closets.
Food should be kept out of the way.
In washrooms, vacate the vanity if you have seen them in washroom.
It may require drilling into walls and ceiling areas to remove ant nests.
Do not move the bait stations used during the time of service
Vacate the areas.
Do not enter in the areas during treatment and after for minimum of 4 hours or until the product dries.
After re-entry if possible open windows and doors for about 20 minutes.
Pregnant women, infants and people suffering from heart, kidney, and other such major ailments should consult doctor before service and if possible avoid the areas for at least 24 hours.
Carpenter Ants
