Carpenter ants are a Wood Destroying Organism (WDO). Several species can be found throughout the United States. Carpenter ants cause significant wood damage as they excavate large galleries in structural wood, wall voids, attics, doors, beams, windows, sub-floors and voids beneath kitchen and bathroom cabinets. They are also found in wood that has been dampened by water leaks. They may access homes via natural openings or travel along tree limbs or shrubs that touch the siding and roof. Telephone, electric and cable TV lines also provide easy entry.
Carpenter ants are primarily nocturnal in nature. Blackish in color, ants from one nest can vary between ¼" - ¾" in length and are larger than most ants. Reproductive carpenter ants are often confused with termites, so it is highly advised to capture a sample for inspection.
In addition to wood destruction rivaling that of termites, carpenter ants can contaminate food and bite with their large, jaw-like mandibles when disturbed. Carpenter ant control requires an extensive and thorough inspection and service treatment. One-time ant extermination services are often ineffective for these stubborn pests. Instead, regular inspections and maintenance service plans are frequently recommended, especially for homes that are located near wooded areas.
Moisture ants are a group of wood destroying ants that are attracted to moisture and wood, potentially causing significant damage like that of carpenter ants and termites. Moisture ants; are actually yellow ants or cornfield ants, and enter structures where very moist, rotting wood is found. They are approximately 1/8" - 3/16' long and range in color from yellow to orange or dark brown. Moisture ants are often confused with carpenter ants; however, they can be distinguished by their bumpy back and large dip between the abdomen and thorax, whereas a carpenter ant’s back is rounded and has less of a dip between body parts.
Inside structures, moisture ants will nest behind bathtub wall tiles or in bath traps. They may also live in crawlspaces or under slabs, in and around roof leaks and exposed wooden roof features, and windows. Mature nests in wall voids often fill the void between the studs with carton, which looks like Swiss cheese, except that it is brown. They usually feed on sweets, meats and insects.
CALL ALPHA ECOLOGICAL TO SOLVE YOUR CARPENTER ANT PROBLEM SAFELY AND EFFECTIVELY.
