Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants are usually large insects that vary in size and color. The workers are normally black and red and can range in size from 3/8 to ½ inch, while the winged queen ant could be as large as 1 inch. You can determine the carpenter ants from other species of ants by their characteristics, as their waist only has one node and a thorax with an evenly rounded upper surface, while other common ants have two nodes.
- Unlike termites, carpenter ants do not eat wood. They prefer sweet nectars, plants and fats. Carpenter ants destroy wood by making tunnels in wood for their homes.
- They favor damp, warm environments to build their colonies.
- The presence of carpenter ants is noted by small sawdust piles near the entrances to their colonies.
- A colony can have as many as 2,000 workers.
- They can range in color from red to black.
- Have elbowed antennae, small waists and two wings of a different size.
- Carpenter ants burrow smooth tunnels in wood.
- Worker ants burrow mostly at night, after midnight.
- Carpenter ants will forage for food up to 1,000 ft. away from the colony.
- A colony begins with a fertilized queen. Very often a satellite colony will be built, but it contains only workers.
If you suspect that you may be experiencing a problem with carpenter ants or any other insects or rodents in your home, apartment, or commercial building in RI or Southeastern MA (Fall River, New Bedford, Seekonk and Swansea), help is just a phone call away. Let the experienced professionals at Falcon Pest Services LLC diagnose and treat your pest control issue and put your mind at ease. Call us today at 401-739-1322 or 888-232-5266.
