About The Pest
Carpenter ants get their name because they excavate through wood in order to build their nests. They do not eat wood, but forage for sweet and protein-rich foods to maintain and grow their colonies.
These are large ants – workers range in size from 1/4″-3/4″. Swarmers, or winged ants, are produced once a year. All species of carpenter ants primarily target wood that is either wet or damaged. Even though wet or damaged wood is initially their target, they will still excavate through dry wood on occasion.
They enter structures through cracks around doors, windows, or holes for wires and pipes. They also use overhead power lines and tree limbs that touch nearby structures. Carpenter ants build their main nest outdoors in various wood sources, including trees, stumps, or firewood.
These main nests are known as parent colonies. Satellite nests are created from the same colony, except these are usually found anywhere inside a structure. Access to water is necessary to maintain the high nest humidity required for colony survival. Carpenter ants do not require wood in order to build a nest; they can also seek out rigid foam or behind fiberglass insulation.
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Seasonality
Carpenter Ants tend to be busy throughout the year, mainly during February through November.