Close-up of a black carpenter ant

Carpenter ant on damaged wood

Damage to structural wood caused by carpenter ant infestation

Carpenter Ant Identification

Carpenter ants are among the largest ants found in North America. The worker carpenter ants range in length from 3 mm to 13 mm in length while the queen may be more than 25 mm (1'') long. The most common color is black, but some species are red and black, solid red, or brown. Carpenter ants have a circle of tiny hairs on the tip of the abdomen and one node in the petiole. From the side, the thorax is evenly rounded. Carpenter ants are the most studied species of ant in North America and distributed throughout. Antennae are elbowed and they have large heads with strong mandibles (jaws) used for chewing. Reproductive carpenter ant species have wings.

Carpenter Ant Habitat

In their natural surroundings, carpenter ants are beneficial insects. Excavation of galleries in wood has earned them their name. They are beneficial since they feed on many pests. In late spring and early summer, mature carpenter ant colonies produce winged adults. These swarm in mating flights, and may be a nuisance around homes at these times. You are most likely to see swarms of winged (reproductive) carpenter ants in May and June as this is their mating season.

Outdoors, carpenter ants nest in any wood that is in close contact to a moisture source, for example, stumps, landscape ties and wooden fence posts. In buildings, they often make their nests in hollow doors, in wood cabinets near dishwashers, in damp locations behind baseboards, fireplaces, window frames, and in basements and attics. Carpenter ants usually limit the size of the colony to the area of the damp wood. Several so-called satellite colonies may, however, be constructed in the same structure.

Carpenter ants may be seen in infested buildings at any time of the year searching for food at considerable distances from their nest. In some colonies, a dormancy period occurs for several weeks during the winter months. Although they chew their way through wood, leaving frass particles resembling sawdust, they do not eat wood. Instead, they feed on a wide range of insects, plant materials and, occasionally, on household foodstuffs. Carpenter ants tunnel in wood to build their colonies, an infestation can cause serious structural damage if left unchecked.

Carpenter Ant Life Cycle

Carpenter ants are social insects, living in colonies. Within the colony, winged reproductives are not produced until the colony is established, which takes about 2 to 3 years. After mating, the winged reproductive ants leave the colony to establish new ones. Once established, an average colony contains 2,000 to 3,000 carpenter ants.

Carpenter Ant Prevention

The elimination of moist conditions by providing good ventilation and isolating wood from any direct contact with the soil will aid in carpenter ant prevention. Foods should be kept in sealed containers and areas where food is stored kept free of spillage or crumbs. Eliminate old lumber, logs and stumps from around your property and do not store firewood inside the building. In the case of new construction, only properly treated lumber should be used.

Both the detection and elimination of carpenter ants can be a difficult and lengthy process. It is recommended that an pest control professional be contacted to eliminate carpenter ants.

Questions & Answers About Carpenter Ants

Where am I most likely to find carpenter ants?

Carpenter ants prefer moist areas and may construct their nests anywhere in the home including walls, ceilings, attics, doors, sills, shingles and insulation. Carpenter ants are most active during the night when they forage for food.

Are carpenter ants hazardous to humans?

Yes. Since carpenter ants are attracted to foods such as honey, jelly, fruit and meat, they can carry disease germs from one area to another. Although they do not sting, they can inflict bites.

Do weather conditions affect the size of a carpenter ant infestation?

Yes. Warm, moist weather presents ideal conditions for carpenter ant colonies to establish themselves.

How can I tell if I have a carpenter ant infestation on my property?

The presence of worker ants in your home is one of the first indications of an establishing carpenter ant colony. Check all areas where you suspect moisture. The presence of frass (chewed wood similar to sawdust) is an indication of an active nest. Any flying insect in the home is cause for concern and a professional in pest control should be consulted.

Preparation Guidelines for a Carpenter Ant Treatment

1. In areas where ants are seen and in particular the kitchen, empty bottom of cupboards and the bottom of closets. Dishes and food should be kept out of the way.
2. If ants are seen in the washroom, the vanity should be emptied.
3. Sometimes it is necessary for the Abell pest control professional to drill into walls and ceiling areas to access a carpenter ant nest. Holes will be sealed at the time of service.
4. If bait stations are used during the time of service, they should be left where the Abell professional places them. Please do not move or disturb the bait stations.
5. Vacate the premises during service and do not re-enter until at least 4 hours after treatment. Persons with underlying health conditions should consult their family physician where they have concerns regarding re-entry. Open windows for 20 to 30 minutes after re-entry is possible.

If you require professional carpenter ant extermination or control, please send us your information and we will be happy to help!