Where Do Carpenter Ants Live?
WouterOftentimes, you’ll find carpenter ants around your house. These ants are often mistaken for termites, but there are important differences. For starters, carpenter ants are usually single queen species, whereas termites are colony-based.
Carpenter ants are common in North America. They can range from 1/4 to 3/8 inches in size, and are often black or brown in color. Their wings are usually larger and reddish in color.
Carpenter ants build their nests in moist wood or wood that has rotten and decayed. Carpenter ants also build satellite colonies for their larvae. The larvae feed on sugar-rich cellulose and honeydew, a substance secreted by aphids. They are most active during the summer months.
Carpenter ants are usually found near wood moisture sources, such as pipes and roof leaks. They are also known to make homes in the vicinity of chimneys, window casings, and poorly sealed window frames.
Carpenter ants also create galleries in wood. They bore through wood and leave a pheromone trail as they move. These galleries are a protective shelter for the ants’ eggs. Carpenter ants also make homes in dry wood and on the surface of wood, as well.
Carpenter ants can cause great damage to your property. These insects are often seen in and around buildings, kitchens, bathrooms, and even dead trees. They eat aphids and other insects and are especially attracted to sweets. They also feed on meat, meat by-products, and human food. They can be very damaging to your property, and it’s important to have them taken care of as soon as possible.
