Carpenter Ants




CARPENTER ANT CONTROL NEWTOWN, PA



There are many wood-destroying insects that can troublesome for homes and businesses throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. One such example is that of the carpenter ant which can prove quite problematic. The black or eastern carpenter ant (Camponotus pennsylvanicus) is the most prevalent carpenter ant in the U.S. 

Carpenter ants like to build their nests in dead, damp wood. Unlike termites, however, carpenter ants do not consume this wood.  Outdoors, the ants will usually hollow out segments from trees and nest within them. Indoors, carpenter ants like to nest around bathroom tiles, sinks, tubs, dishwashers, showers, in attic beams, under roofing, and in doors, wall voids, and curtain rods.  Additionally, carpenter ants can nest within foam insulation.

Carpenter ants are most active and frequently detected at night upon leaving the nest. They will often travel nearly 100 yards when searching for food or water.  Additionally, moderate-to-large populations of carpenter ants can be heard by the cackling noises they emit from walls and other places while building their nests.

Another sign of a carpenter ant infestation is the presence of small piles of wood shavings or coarse sawdust.

An existing carpenter ant colony can consist of 2,000-3,000 workers.  Another 200 to 400 winged ants can develop from the colony during the summer, hibernate over the winter, then leave to create satellite nests.  While carpenter ants typically hibernate in the winter, populations can remain active throughout the year if situated in heated homes and businesses.


WHAT DO CARPENTER ANTS LOOK LIKE?



Carpenter ants come in many sizes, and can be anywhere from 3/16 of an inch to 1/2 inch. Generally, carpenter ants are red and black or simply black. The black carpenter ant worker typically ranges in size from 1/4 to 1/2 inch in length, while the winged reproductive will grow to 3/4 inch long.

These ants are distinguishable from other similar insects because of their narrow waists, dark-colored bodies, and bent antennas. When the carpenter ants have hind wings, they are shorter than the front wings.


WHERE DO CARPENTER ANTS LIVE?



Carpenter ants can be found both indoors and outdoors. They reside in decaying, hollow, or moist wood. In order to provide passages that enable movement from one section of the nest to another, carpenter ants cut galleries into wood.  Because decks, porches, roof eaves, and the areas under windows are more susceptible to moisture, carpenter ants are more likely to populate these places.

WHAT DO CARPENTER ANTS EAT?



Carpenter ants eat a variety of things, including sweets such as honey, syrup, jelly, sugar, and honeydew. They also eat meats and insects, both dead and living. Although many people assume that carpenter ants consume wood, this is not the case. Rather, the ants chew wood and thereby transform it into sawdust during the process in which they create tunnels and galleries.


CARPENTER ANT DAMAGE



Carpenter ants can do substantive damage to the wood within a home. This damage transpires when the ants create their tunnels and galleries. The amount of damage will vary based on several factors.  For example, the more time a colony spends in a wood structure, the more damage it can do.  Additionally, wood that is structurally weakened enables carpenter ants to do more severe damage to it.

ARE CARPENTER ANTS AGGRESSIVE?



Although carpenter ants possess the ability to bite, they are not known to actively seek and attack humans.

DO CARPENTER ANTS CARRY DISEASE?



While carpenter ants are not known to spread disease, they can bite and leave painful welts. Moreover, carpenter ants are capable of contaminating food by the waste they produce.

HOW TO PREVENT CARPENTER ANTS



At Newtown Termite & Pest Control we advise implementing the following suggestions as a proactive measure in preventing carpenter ant infestations:

•  Repair leaks in pipes, roofs, and eliminate other sources of moisture.
•  Seal around utility pipes and lines leading into the structure.
   Seal cracks in foundations.
•  Prune tree limbs and vegetation away from structures.
•  Stack firewood away from foundations and structures.  Avoid storing
   firewood in house or garage.
•  Clean food scraps from counters, floors, and storage areas.
•  Cover unused pet foods.

HOW WE TREAT FOR CARPENTER ANTS



Proper carpenter ant treatment involves the detection and elimination of all existing nests, including that of the main colony and all of the related satellite colonies.  Failure to accomplish this will often result in re-infestation.  Additionally, the complete eradication of carpenter ant populations is typically not possible with most do-it-yourself products.

As such, successful carpenter ant eradication should be left to a professional pest management provider.

Here at Newtown Termite & Pest Control we take ant control seriously. For this reason, we utilize a multi-faceted treatment process, which includes sprays, dusts, along with strategic drilling and sealing.

When implemented by our experienced technicians, our comprehensive treatment plan will work to ensure that your home remains free of carpenter ants.

Schedule a FREE inspection today.

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  CARPENTER ANTS

Courtesy: Newtown Termite & Pest Control, Inc.
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