Carpenter ants are aptly named for their ability to damage wood by excavating and creating galleries and tunnels. Unlike termites, these ants do not eat wood – like other ants they forage for sweet foods and proteins. The majority of carpenter ant colonies are located outdoors, in areas such as rotting trees, tree stumps, landscape timbers, and buried wood debris. Carpenter ants are quite common in the environment, and can be considered beneficial overall for their role in recycling nutrients. Generally, wood that is compromised by moisture or rot is susceptible to carpenter ants – so indoor infestations may be indicative of a moisture problem in the structure...but read on!
A carpenter ant…some species are black, this species (Camponotus floridanus) is red and black (thanks to Mississippi Entomological Museum)
The main colony (“parent” colony”) may have one or more “satellite” colonies made up of workers, pupae, and mature larvae. Since these satellite colonies do not contain eggs, they do not require the high humidity that is typical of the nest site for the parent colony. Satellite colonies may reside in sound wood within structures, or in insulation and voids. While they do not eat wood, they do share one characteristic with termites – indoor problems may first become apparent when the winged individuals (males and future queens) fly and are trapped inside the home. Additionally, if carpenter ants are seen indoors during the winter, it’s a pretty good indication that there is a nest in the structure.
Homeowners can take a few specific steps to prevent carpenter ants around the home and reduce the chances of indoor problems. First and foremost, fix any moisture issues (leaky roof, plumbing leaks, etc.). Firewood should be stored well away from the home. Any stumps near the home should be removed, as these are prime areas for the ants to nest. Finally, any overhanging tree limbs that touch the home should be pruned back – the ants can use these as superhighways to access the structure.
Once carpenter ants are present in the home the best treatment method is to locate and destroy the nest. Effective bait products are also available for carpenter ant control. Carpenter ants are most active at night, especially between sunset and midnight, and careful observation during this time period may be necessary to pinpoint nest locations. Other clues to where the ants are nesting can include a rustling noise in voids such as walls, or piles of sawdust created by the ants as they make their galleries. This sawdust will contain bits and pieces of insects fed upon by the ants. Proper treatment may include some drilling of voids so an appropriate product can be introduced into the infested area. Total & long-term control includes finding and eliminating the parent colony outdoors and correcting any conditions indoors that are favorable for the ants.
For additional reading I recommend the NC Cooperative Extension Insect Note ENT/rsc-14. As always, thanks for reading! Next time, we’ll delve into the delightfully disgusting world of the German cockroach…..