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Carpenter Ant Control
Description: One of the most efficient wood destroying insects! Carpenter Ants (Camponotus spp.) cause damage to homes by tunneling and nesting inside wood structures. As a result, carpenter ant control is often similar to that of termites. However, unlike termites, they do not feed on wood, but burrow into it to build their nests. They usually prefer damp, decaying lumbar that is easy to excavate and rarely cause harm to sound structures. Carpenter ants are large (3/8 - 3/4 inch long) when compared to most ants and black, reddish brown or yellowish in color, depending on the species.
Note: Carpenter ants are commonly found inside during spring. However, their presence is not sufficient enough evidence to conclude that there is a nest inside your home. Concerned homeowners should try to determine whether the ants are coming from an outdoor or an indoor nest, although this can be difficult. To do so, you may be able to make a more accurate determination based on when you first see the ants.
According to the University of Minnesota Extension Service, if you find carpenter ants in your home during late winter or early spring, that suggests the ants are coming from a nest inside your house. However, if you see activity later in the year, it is less clear if the nest is inside. In almost all cases, carpenter ants seen indoors during winter are an indication that there is an inside nest. One exception is when ants are brought indoors in firewood.
Life Cycle: Carpenter ant colonies are founded by a single fertilized queen which lays approximately 15-20 eggs after establishing a nesting site in a cavity in wood. She feeds the developing young with salivary secretions and does not eat or leave the nest during this time. The queen has few duties except to lay eggs. The workers which are reared first assume the task of gathering food with which to feed the younger larvae. They are also responsible for excavating galleries to enlarge the nest and tending the eggs, larvae and pupae of the next generation. Colonies grow very rapidly and reach a peak population (approximately 3,000 workers) within 3-6 years. At this time, winged reproductive females are produced and fly off to establish new colonies.
Control: Few pests cause more panic among homeowners than those involving wood-destroying insects. Fortunately, there are a number of control options available for carpenter ants that pose little risk to people, pets and the environment. Prevent excess moisture accumulation in wood through good maintenance of the house structure and surroundings. Repair existing damage, then cut off ant access routes. Eliminate potential ant-nesting areas by repairing damaged trees and removing decaying stumps and wood debris. Prune branches that touch the house and eliminate wood/earth contact with structures. Apply Bora-Care to all exposed wood faces. Locate nests by trailing workers and searching for frass piles (insect feces) and saw-dust like wood shavings. If nests are found, apply diatomaceous earth and boric acid to eliminate colonies. Use botanical insecticides as a last resort. Check firewood carefully for insects prior to bringing inside and monitor closely once the wood warms.
Tip: Store firewood off the ground and as far from the house as practical.
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