Carpenter Ants: Quick Facts What does a Carpenter Ant look like? What do Carpenter Ants eat? Where do Carpenter Ants live? Are they dangerous? How can I prevent a Carpenter Ant infestation? How do I get rid of Carpenter Ants?
• Get their name from the fact that they excavate wood to make their nests
• The excavation leads to smooth tunnels inside the wood
• Usually, black, red, or a combination
• Worker ants about ¼”
• Queen ants about ¾”
• 6 legs
• Antennae
• Segmented, oval-shaped
• Unlike termites, the ants do not actually eat the wood, as the wood has no nutritional value to them.
• The ants forage for food such as honeydew (secreted by aphids), juices from ripe fruits, and other insects
• Indoors, they feed on sweets, meat, cake, grease, and moist kitchen refuse
• Outdoors: Carpenter Ants live in various wood sources including tree stumps, firewood, or landscaping (such as mulch)
• Indoor: they often enter through wood that is damp, wet, or has previously been damaged because of the dampness
• Yes. The damage they do to the wood in the process of building their nest can weaken the wood and ultimately lead to a structural failure of that wood.
• The ants require a source of water. Eliminating the ants can be as easy as preventing or eliminating sources of moisture and standing water.
• Keep tree branches and other plants cut back from the house
• Seal cracks and holes around the foundation (ground level) of your house
• Store firewood or building materials at least 20 feet or more from your home
• If you suspect an infestation, it is recommended that you contact a licensed pest control specialist. Please call DKS Pest Control at (724) 478-5344.