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What Are Carpenter Ants?
Unlike most ants, such as odorous ants and other nuisance ant species, carpenter ants are very large. They range from 1/8 to 1/2 of an inch in length. Carpenter ants are typically black in color, although some may also exhibit a red or yellow coloration.
Most carpenter ants are wingless. However, during April and May in Middle Tennessee, you are likely to notice swarms of flying ants. These ants are the reproductive members of the carpenter ant colony.
Carpenter ants are often mistaken for swarming termites, but if you know what to look for, you can distinguish the two. Winged carpenter ants have elbowed antennae with front wings that are longer than their hind wings. They also have a constricted waist. Termites, on the other hand, have beaded antennae, equal-sized front and hind wings, and a broad waist. However, like termites, carpenter ants are capable of damaging the wood in which they nest.
Are Carpenter Ants Dangerous?
Carpenter ants are not venomous, and for the most part, they are harmless to people’s health. Although they may bite, the result generally feels like a pinch, and in most cases, medical treatment is not required.
The damage carpenter ants inflict on structures, however, is quite extensive. Carpenter ants will excavate inside structures in order to create galleries where they will establish their nests. They do this inside of the wooden elements in your house by digging tunnels and building nests. If carpenter ant infestations are not treated, damage to wood grows significantly. If left long enough, the damage can become bad enough to weaken your home’s structural integrity.
What Causes Carpenter Ants?
Unlike termites, carpenter ants do not eat wood. Instead, their diets are similar to other ants, eating insects and other proteins, as well as sweet foods, like honeydew and sugary drinks. They are likely to enter your home via window frames, eaves, and door frames in search of food.
Though carpenter ants dwell outdoors in dead or rotting wood where they establish their main (or parent) colony, they can also set up satellite colonies inside homes. Carpenter ants prefer wood that has been damaged by leaks or that has been exposed to severe moisture, but may also move into sound wood.
If your home offers a steady food supply and wooden elements where carpenter ants can nest, these pests are likely to get into your home.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Get Rid Of Carpenter Ants Myself?
In order to successfully resolve your carpenter ant problem, you must find the source of the colony. This is not something property owners and managers have much success with. Oftentimes, DIY treatments target the foraging carpenter ants and don’t address the whole infestation. This leads to temporary relief, but a return of the infestation after some time. At the first sign of a carpenter ant problem your best bet is to contact All-American Pest Control.
How Do I Prevent A Carpenter Ant Infestation?
You can prevent a carpenter ant infestation in several ways:
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Remove rotten or decaying wood from your property
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Replace damaged wood in your home
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Correct moisture issues inside and outside
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Seal any cracks in the foundation of your home
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Close openings where utilities enter, along with any other openings or gaps around doors, windows, etc.
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Limit food sources in and around your house
For 24/7 protection against carpenter ants, you need pest control from All-American Pest Control.
Why Choose All-American Pest Control?
We are a locally owned and family-operated Nashville pest control company with over 60 years of experience. When you partner with our team, you'll receive trained pest control specialists, a serious commitment to excellence, and thorough, effective treatments.
Our carpenter ant control is included in our home pest control services. We provide quarterly services to rid your home of active carpenter ants and protect it from new infestations. Get our comprehensive home pest control by contacting us.
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