Carpenter ants are a problem for many homeowners. These pests can cause extensive damage to your home, making them difficult to get rid of.
In this complete guide to carpenter ants, we’ll discuss their anatomy, where they’re found, what they eat, and how you can get rid of them effectively.
What Are Carpenter Ants?
Carpenter ants are a species of ant that is known for its wood-damaging habits. These ants are often found in homes and other buildings, where they can cause significant damage to the structure.
Carpenter ants are large ants, and they are usually black or dark brown in color. These ants have a long, narrow waist and large, oval-shaped abdomens.
The antennae of carpenter ants are bent, and the front of their heads is large and flat. Carpenter ants get their name from tunneling through the wood to build their nests.
These ants will tunnel through both softwoods and hardwoods, and they can damage a structure in a short amount of time. Carpenter ants do not eat wood, but they will excavate it to create nesting galleries.
These galleries can be very extensive, and they can weaken the structural integrity of a building. Carpenter ants are most active at night and are attracted to sweet foods.
These ants will also feed on other insects, often seen in kitchens and pantries. Carpenter ants can be a nuisance, but they can also seriously threaten your home or business.
If you suspect that you have carpenter ants, it is important to contact a pest control professional right away.
What Do Carpenter Ants Look Like?
Carpenter ants are large black ants. They’re about ¼-inch long, and they have a segmented body.
Carpenter ants also have large heads and mandibles.
Where Do Carpenter Ants Live?
Carpenter ants are one of the most common in the United States. They get their name from their habit of building their nests in wood.
Carpenter ants are black or dark brown in color and can be up to 12 inches long. Carpenter ants live in colonies containing hundreds or even thousands of ants.
These colonies can be found in both indoor and outdoor locations. Carpenter ants prefer to nest in damp or rotten wood, but they will also nest in dry, sound wood if given the opportunity.
Carpenter ants are not known to bite humans, but they can be a nuisance if they invade your home. If you think you have a carpenter ant problem, it’s best to contact a professional pest control company for help.
What Do Carpenter Ants Eat?
They are also one of the most destructive.
Carpenter ants get their name from their habit of eating wood. They tunnel through wood, leaving behind a trail of destruction.
Carpenter ants are attracted to wet or rotten wood. If they find their way into your home, they will likely go for any damp or rotting wood.
This means that they can do a lot of damage to your home if they are not stopped.
So, what do carpenter ants eat?
Carpenter ants are mainly attracted to wood that is high in cellulose. Cellulose is the main component of wood.
It is what gives wood its structure. Carpenter ants have special stomach enzymes that allow them to break down cellulose.
In nature, carpenter ants eat dead wood. This is why they are often found in trees.
They help to break down the wood and return nutrients to the soil. Carpenter ants will also eat live plants.
They are especially fond of soft fruits and sugary foods. If you have carpenter ants in your home, you may find them in your kitchen, raiding your pantry or cupboards.
If you have carpenter ants in your home, getting rid of them as soon as possible is important. If left unchecked, they can do a lot of damage to your property.
If you suspect that you have carpenter ants, contact a pest control professional.
How Can You Get Rid of Carpenter Ants?
They are attracted to damp wood and can quickly cause damage to your home if left unchecked.
Here are some tips on how to get rid of carpenter ants:
1. Remove Any Food Sources That They May Be Attracted To.
This includes sealing up any cracks or crevices where they might be able to find food.
2. Use a Strong Insecticide or Pesticide Around the Perimeter of Your Home.
Be sure to follow the instructions on the label carefully.
3. Call a Professional Pest Control Company if the Problem Persists.
They will be able to identify the source of the problem and get rid of the carpenter ants for good.
Why Are Carpenter Ants a Problem?
They are attracted to wood, so they tunnel through it to create their nests.
This can weaken the structural integrity of your home and lead to expensive repairs.
FAQs About Carpenter Ants
How do you get rid of carpenter ants?
The best way to get rid of carpenter ants is to call an exterminator.
Why do I suddenly have carpenter ants?
There are a few reasons why you might suddenly have carpenter ants. One possibility is that they were already present in your home and you only just now noticed them.
Another possibility is that they have recently moved into your home in search of food or shelter. Carpenter ants are attracted to moisture, so if there has been any water damage in your home, that could be another reason you suddenly have carpenter ants.
What attracts carpenter ants to a house?
There are a few things that can attract carpenter ants into a house. One is if carpenter ants are already infested the house.
Carpenter ants will also be attracted to houses with moisture problems, such as leaks or condensation. Finally, carpenter ants are attracted to soft or rotting wood, as this is an ideal place to build their nests.
Should I worry about carpenter ants?
Carpenter ants are not a cause for worry. They do not bite or sting and are not known to spread disease.
However, carpenter ants can be a nuisance because they can damage wood in homes and other buildings. If you see carpenter ants in your home, you may want to contact a pest control professional to have them removed.