|
|
The
Black
Carpenter Ant : Camponotus pennsylvanicus
|
|
|
Appearance: Carpenter ants are
polymorphic meaning they come in different sizes called major and minor
workers. The worker ants
range from 1/4" to 5/8" long for the workers and up to 1/2" to 1"
for
the reproductives . The queen ants are larger then the male
reproductives and the female's head is wider than the thorax. The males
head is narrower than the thorax. The most common species of carpenter
ant on Long Island is
dark black in color. There are some species that are red/brown to
yellowish in color or they can be a combination of black and red. |
| |
Biology: Carpenter ants are social
insects which means they live together in colonies. A colony is made of
king and queen reproductives and major and minor workers. Nests are
usually started in mid spring through late summer and even into early
fall. King and queen ants emerge from existing colonies and mate, after
which the queen will search for a suitable shelter. The most common
areas are listed below. At first the colonies are small with
only a few minor workers. As the nests grow and mature both major and
minor
workers are produced. A mature colony will have several hundred to
several
thousand ants. Winged reproductives are usually produced either during
or
after the second year. Swarming ants are sometimes confused with
swarming
termites see comparison.
[comparison link] |
| |
Conducive Factors: Carpenter queens are
drawn to areas that usually include moist wood such as leaky roofs
or gutters, improperly caulked windows and doors, air conditioner
frames, steady or intermittent plumbing leaks, dishwashers, washing
machines, improperly caulked bathtubs, showers, sinks or improperly
grouted tile showers are common nesting areas. Exterior common nesting
areas include stored firewood in or near a structure, infested railroad
ties, wood decks, overhanging tree limbs, hollow tree trunks
and rotten stumps. |
| |
Damage: In nature carpenter ants hollow
out the center of trees and stumps producing a network of tunnels in
which they build their
nest or colony. A telltale sign is a pile of saw dust at the base of a
tree
or stump. Indoors carpenter ants will hollow out and nest in the
timbers
of your home. This includes the timbers around windows, doorways,
garage
doors, wall studs and roof rafters. Carpenter ants will also nest in
plywood
that has seperated from excessive moisture. If a carpenter nest is not
found
and eliminated quickly costly damage may occur. |
| |
Control: The first step in carpenter ant
control is a thorough inspection in and around the structure. You want
to inspect all areas
that are conducive to carpenter ants from the ground level to the roof
peak.
Carpenter ants are most active at night. Sometimes an evening
inspection
is necessary to locate a difficult carpenter ant problem. The key to
eliminating
carpenter ants is locating the colony. This is often difficult as the
carpenter
ants usually locate their nest inside wall or ceiling voids where it is
hard
to get at. Also where carpenter ants trail into a building is not
always
where the main colony is located. Carpenter ants sometimes form
satellite
colonies where they enter and exit a structure. Satellite colonies are
in
between the main colony and food locations or swarming locations. The
ants
may enter at a location and then climb through walls and rafters to
where
the nest is really located. After the nest or entrance ways have been
determined
the wall or ceiling void may be drilled and treated to eliminate
the
entire colony. There are also several new ants bait products available
which
can also be used to locate and eliminate a nest.
Contact Us
|
Back
1800/427-0002
|
|
