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Carpenter Ant
| Color |
Varies depending on species, from red to black or a combination. The two most common species are black. |
| Legs |
6 |
| Shape |
Segmented; oval |
| Size |
5/8" |
| Antennae |
Yes |
| Region |
Found throughout U.S.; most common in the Northern half of the country. |
Carpenter ants get their name because they excavate wood in order to build their nests. Their excavation results in smooth tunnels inside the wood. Carpenter ants range in size from 1/4" for a worker ant up to 3/4" for a queen.
Habits
All species mainly attack wood that is or has been wet and damaged by mold. Even though these ants first invade wet, decayed wood, they may soon begin building paths through dry, undamaged wood. They usually come into buildings through cracks around doors, windows, or through holes for wires. They will also crawl along overhead wires, shrubs, or tree limbs that touch the building far above the ground.
Habitat
Carpenter ants build their nests outdoors in various wood sources, including tree stumps, firewood or landscaping. They need a constant water source to survive. They will enter homes through wet, damaged wood.
Threats
Carpenter ants damage wood through their nest building. If they gain entry to a structure, they pose a property threat.
Prevention
Because carpenter ants require a water source, eliminate sources of moisture or standing water. Keep tree branches and other plants cut back from the house. Sometimes pests use these branches to get into your house. Make sure that firewood and building materials are not stored next to your home. Pests like to build nests in stacks of wood.
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