The Dirt

Carpenter Ant Facts

Written by Senske Services | June 2, 2015 at 4:00 PM

Here are some helpful facts about carpenter ants: 

Size: Up to 13 mm (One of the largest Ants in the US)

Color: Black but some have reddish or yellowish coloration

Wings: Yes

Diet: Sweets and meats or other insects.

Habitat: Reside in both living and dead trees, stumps and rotting wood. Prefer to live in wood that is subjected to moisture. Found inside and outside of homes.

Nest: Created by cutting galleries into the wood grain to provide the passage way to a nest. They push out the wood chips to provide a clean and neat nesting area.

Signs of infestation:

  • Wood shaving or dead parts or insects.
  • Winged ant activity.
  • Rustling sound resulting from activity inside of the wood.

 

Control: Finding the nest, correcting the moisture condition of the wood, treating the nest with a pesticide.

*The most effective way to remove a carpenter ant colony is to call a professional.

If you would like more information on treatment options and carpenter ant control, please call 1-800-533-6330.