Carpenters ants are a wood-destroying pest that burrows into wood to make their nests. This burrowing can leave costly structural damages that some compare to that of termites. While these pests may just look like your average ant foraging for food, they are not a pest you want infesting your property or home.
What do black carpenter ants look like?
Carpenter ants are a little larger than some of the smaller ant species. They are mostly all black in color but other species can be reddish or a combination of both black and red. They generally nest in moist, decaying wood but can also be seen foraging for food inside of homes and around properties.
Quick black carpenter ant facts
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Are wood-destroying insects
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Prefer rotting or water damaged wood
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Termite swarmers are often mistaken for winged carpenter ants and vice versa
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Are not as destructive as termites but are capable of inflicting extensive damage
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Create satellite colonies inside structures
Black carpenter ant habits and behaviors
Carpenter ants live throughout the Unites States, but are generally more common in the northern states. They prefer wood that has been damp or is already damaged by mold. This makes an easy entrance and then they can burrow to the healthier wood. Carpenter ants come in homes and business through cracks, windows and holes created for wiring or plumbing. They may also use outside vegetation like shrubs or tree branches as a bridge to get onto a building and look for entrance from that point.
Some of their favored outdoor nesting sites include firewood and any landscaping that includes wood. If you are seeing large ants around your home or property, or if you are noticing any signs of wood damage, be sure to contact a pest control professional for a home pest inspection and treatment plan.
Are black carpenter ants dangerous?
Carpenter ants are not dangerous to humans in that they do not bite, sting or spread disease. They can however cause quite a bit of damage to your home and property which is why professional carpenter ant control is necessary to get rid of these pests.
Does Aiken treat black carpenter ants?
Yes, please contact us for more information on how to get rid of carpenter ants.
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