Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants get their name because they excavate
wood in order to build their nests. Their excavation
results in smooth tunnels inside the wood. Carpenter ants range in
size from one-quarter inch for a worker ant to up to three-quarters
inch for a queen.
Habits
All species mainly attack wood that is or has been
wet and damaged by mold. Even though these ants first invade wet,
decayed wood, they may soon begin building paths through dry, undamaged
wood. They usually come into buildings through cracks around doors,
windows, or through holes for wires. They will also crawl along overhead
wires, shrubs, or tree limbs that touch the building far above the
g
Habitat
Carpenter ants build their nests outdoors in various
wood sources, including tree stumps, firewood or landscaping. They
need a constant water source to survive. They will enter homes through
wet, damaged wood. s.
Threats
Carpenter ants damage wood through their nest building.
If they gain entry to a structure, they pose a property threat.
Prevention:
Because carpenter ants require a water source, eliminate
sources of moisture or standing water. Keep tree branches and other
plants cut back from the house. Sometimes pests use these branches
to get into your home. Make sure that there are no cracks or little
openings around the bottom of your house. Sometimes pests use these
to get into your home. Make sure that firewood and building materials
are not stored next to your home. Pests like to build nests in stacks
of wood.
Call today for a no cost inspection of your home. 1-800-560- ABELL (2235)
