HABITS:
They are nocturnal. Carpenter Ants usually nest outside in moist wood or partially decayed wood in that they prefer the "softened wood" to hollow out their nests called "galleries". These galleries are quite clean and have a sandpaper appearance. (Termite galleries are rough looking in comparison.) Wood which has been damaged by Carpenter Ants contains no mud-like material, as is the case with termites. Nests are especially common in such places as moist, hollow spaces - like the wall void behind dishwashers. Nests are usually found in areas where water leakage could occur - around bathtubs, sinks, roof leaks, poorly flashed chimneys, or poorly sealed windows or door frames. Outdoor nests can occur in stumps, hollow logs, and fence posts or in dead portions of standing trees; however, cracks and crevices may be used to start nests in sound wood.

Carpenter Ants may establish nests in a number of different locations. It is important to understand than you can have both inside and outside nests. Carpenter Ants construct two different kinds of nests: parent colonies which, when mature, contain an egg-laying queen, brood and 2000 or more worker ants, and satellite colonies, which may have large numbers of worker ants, but no queen, eggs or larvae. The Carpenter Ants inside a home may have originated from the parent nests located outdoors in a tree stump, timber or woodpile for example, or from one or more satellite nests hidden behind a wall in the kitchen or bathroom, or perhaps from wood dampened by a roof leak in the attic. Although large Carpenter Ant colonies can cause structural damage, the damage is not normally as serious as termite damage.

HOW TO DETECT GALLERIES:
Many times you can see "sawdust" near these Carpenter Ant galleries. This "sawdust" or "frays” are shredded fragments of wood that has been ejected from the galleries."This is a good indication that a nest is nearby, but sometimes this evidence is not seen. Taking a screwdriver, probing the wood may reveal the excavated galleries. Also, you could take the blunt end of the screwdriver to tap along baseboards and other wood surfaces listening for the hollow sound of damaged wood. If a nest is nearby, many times the Carpenter Ants will respond by making a "rustling" sound within the nest, similar to crinkling of cellophane.

FORAGING CARPENTER ANTS FROM THE OUTSIDE:
Many times, the Carpenter Ants that you see inside your home are simply foraging for food; you won't see large numbers typically. Foraging ants can travel 100 yards from nest to food and can be simply found wandering throughout your house. However, there can be indoor nest found in hollow doors, window sills, behind baseboards, or other natural hollow areas. Carpenter Ant damage usually indicates water damage and wood decay. Treating Carpenter Ants effectively depends, most of the time, upon finding the nests and treating them directly, to eliminate the entire colony. This is the best way. If we are not sure of where the colonies are to treat them directly...BAITING is the best way. We inspect wooden structures associated with high moisture where there may be water damage-producing softened wood. They like windows, door frames, and sills, as well as tub enclosure walls, and kitchen and bath plumbing walls. Many times you can observe Carpenter Ants more after sunset, when their activity is increased, particularly in the spring and summer months. You may want to use a flashlight to observe any obvious trails and patterns.

POSSIBLE STEPS FOR CARPENTER ANT PREVENTION:

   •   Correct moisture problems:, roof leaks, plumbing leaks
   •   Cut back tree limbs or branches that could serve as a bridge to your structure.
   •   Seal cracks and openings around the foundation, especially where utility pipes and wires enter from the outside.
   •   Firewood needs to be stacked away from the house - elevated off the ground if possible. Carpenter Ants love to nest in firewood.

APPEARANCE:
Carpenter Ants are quite large, from 1/4 to 3/8" long, dark brown to black, but some may have a red or yellowish coloration. The usual Carpenter Ant is large and black, but you can have the Florida Carpenter Ant, which is smaller with a range in colors...yellow, red-brown or black.

DIET:
They eat a variety of plant and animal foods and sweets. These ants will also feed on other insects.

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