Carpenter ants burrow into wood to make nests, but do not feed on the wood. They commonly nest in dead portions of standing trees, stumps, logs, and some-times wood in houses. Normally they do not cause extensive structural damage. Most species start their nests in moist wood that
has begun to decay.

Where do they attack?

They attack both hard-woods and softwoods. The most obvious sign of infesta-tion is the large reddish-brown to black ants, 6 to 13 mm long, inside the house. Damage occurs in the interior of the wood. There may be piles or scattered bits of wood powder (frass), which are very fibrous and sawdust-like. If the frass is from decayed wood, pieces tend to be darker and more square ended. The frass is expelled from cracks and crevices, or from slit-like open-ings made in the wood by the ants. It is often found in base-ments, dark closets, attics, under porches, and in crawl spaces.

How do they differ from termites?

Do's & Dont's To Avoid Carpenter Ants

Up | Down
 
 

Treatment

The most effective way to control carpenter ants is to locate the nest and kill the queen in colonies in and near the house with insecticides. It is sometimes also helpful to treat the voids in walls, etc. Another strategy involves laying out poison baits for the worker ants to take back to the nest(s). If you suspect your home or building to be infested with carpenter ants, just call CMC Termite Control services to help you be free of these insects.