Easily identifiable by their large, typically black, bodies, in this family of ants, the workers are polymorphic (ranging in size and appearance) and can be between 1/4 and 3/4 inches in length. They establish nests in several locations, usually with a primary nest that houses the queen (typically only one egg-laying queen per nest) and additional satellite nests not intended for reproduction. Foraging ants will travel 100 yards or more from the nest for food, with most of their foraging activity taking place at night. As they wander (possibly through your house or place of business), workers can lay down pheromone trails that lead to foraging areas, much like the proverbial follow the yellow brick road concept.
Where will you find these carpenter ants? Outside sites include stumps, logs, telephone poles, fence posts, decks or other large wood formations. Indoor nests may be found in windowsills, baseboards, hollow doors, wooden beams below and above patio doors, porch substructures, siding bandboards and roofs. You will find their nests in wood; however, they do not use the wood as food. They prefer softer, moist wood, especially if it has been partially decayed and softened by fungi which is perfect for nesting since it’s easier for the workers to remove shreds of wood.
Carpenter ants have a varied diet, from both animal and plant sources They cause damage to the structures they inhabit and weaken the structural integrity of the building. Just as disturbing, they cause damage to the food they contaminate. Signs of carpenter ant indoor activity include wood debris, dead ants ejected from the colony, small openings to the nest called windows, damaged timbers and visible sightings of ants foraging in kitchens, pantries and other areas where food is eaten or stored, such as office cubicles, conference rooms, recreational rooms and kids’ rooms.
Abra Kadabra technicians understand carpenter ant patterns and have been trained to eliminate the ants and minimize the risks to your home or business in a safe, effective manner.
