The Common Carpenter Ant
Carpenter ants are larger than the common sugar ant found in the home. Many species exist throughout the world, although the most common ant found in the Eastern United States is black in color. Color is not the identifying trait of the carpenter ant because a particular East Coast species is tan in color. The key-identifying factor, when viewed from the side, is the evenly rounded thorax. No other ant observed around structures, except for the velvetytree ant, hasan evenly rounded thorax. Carpenter ants colonies contain several sizes of workers that can be identified with one node.

Habitat
The ants derive their name from the habit of hollowing out wood in order to build a nest. A moist and humid environment is needed in order to establish a colony. Ants prefer to nest in moist wood, although the nest can also be found in wood that is somewhat dry. They are commonly found in structures where leaks have occurred and water has soaked into the surrounding wood. Wall voids or wood that have more than a high moisture content are prime colony locations. As the ants nest in the wood, they chew off tiny bits of wood and deposit them outside of the nest. A clear indication of the location of a colony is the presence of piles of sawdust or frass, created by the ants nesting behavior. The frass created by carpenter ants can contain the remains of dead ants and other insects mixed with tiny pieces of wood. Carpenter ants feed on a variety of foods including dead insects and the sweet honeydew produced by such insects as aphids.

Similar to all ant colonies, carpenter ants live and work in communities, so that if one ant is discovered, it is assured that many more are present. On the East Coast, a swarm usually occurs in the springtime when the colony is between 2 to 5 years old. A swarming can occur at any time with the presence of the right environmental conditions. Existence of a swarm within a structure is a good indication that a colony is present. Carpenter ants can be very mobile as they move the nest during unfavorable conditions. Satellite colonies can be located in areas away from the colony that contains workers, larva and pupae. Workers move frequently between the main and satellite colony, traveling as far as 100 yards away from the colony in search for food. As carpenter ants move about in the colony, a sound similar to crinkling cellophane occurs. Banging on a wall sometimes stirs up the colony so that it may be heard.

Detecting Carpenter Ants

A correction of the contributing condition to the infestation is the first and most important step in a Carpenter Ant Management Program. Inspection is vital to the control of infestation. Examination of wood structures and wall voids that contain a 20% or greater moisture content is easily confirmed with a stethoscope. Remember, the presence of moisture is a prime indication of carpenter ant colonies. If the structure has two or more readily identifiable colonies, all areas may be suspected of harboring carpenter ants. Several treatment techniques exist and are dependent upon the location of the colony. Techniques include drilling, vacuuming and removal of infested wood, sealing of infested exterior structures and aerosol and microencapsulated insecticides.

Where We Come In

The Professionals at Terminator will be pleased to answer any questions you may have. A complete investigation and description of method of treatment for infestation is provided to our clients.

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