What do carpenter ants look like?
Carpenter ants in Virginia are large, typically ranging from 1/4 to 1/2 inch in length. They are usually black or bicolored with a combination of black, red, or orange. Some species may be brown or yellowish. Carpenter ants have large, strong jaws, called mandibles, that they use to excavate and carry wood.
The reproductive members of a carpenter ant colony are larger in size and have two pairs of wings - front wings that are larger and longer than the hind wings. They have elbowed antennae that extend forward.
- Unlike termites, carpenter ants do not eat wood.
- They are often found in moist, decaying wood.
- Carpenter ants are very tidy and will push frass (sawdust) out of their tunnels as they work.
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What are the risks of a carpenter ant infestation?
Carpenter ants can cause minor to more significant damage to homes and structures by hollowing out wood to build their nests. Over time, their tunneling and excavation can weaken wood and potentially lead to costly repairs. Termites are the more destructive pests, but carpenter ant infestations should not be ignored.
What attracts carpenter ants?
Carpenter ants are attracted to moist or decaying wood, often caused by leaks or water damage, as well as to food sources like sugary substances and proteins.
Where do carpenter ants nest?
Inside homes, carpenter ants can cause significant damage by nesting in wood that is damp, water-damaged, or decaying. Areas with high humidity or leaks are ideal nesting sites, as are wall voids, under floors, behind baseboards, in attics, in insulation, and in other building materials.
Outside, carpenter ants often establish nests in the ground, in rotting stumps, woodpiles, and fallen logs.
How can I identify a carpenter ant infestation?
Signs of a carpenter ant infestation include:
- Finding large black ants in or around the home.
- Seeing sawdust or frass (wood shavings) inside.
- Discovering hollowed-out wood with smooth, polished tunnels inside.
- Rustling noises coming from the walls.
- Uncovering wood damage.
How do I get rid of carpenter ants?
We highly recommend contacting an expert to effectively get rid of carpenter ants. At Evergreen Pest Solutions, we offer residential pest control services and commercial pest solutions that target these wood-destroying ants and prevent new ant colonies from establishing. Contact our local exterminating team today for help getting rid of carpenter ants in Richmond, Charlottesville, Roanoke, and surrounding areas!
How can I prevent carpenter ants from infesting my home?
To prevent a carpenter ant problem, you'll need to remove the things that attract them and make sure they cannot get inside. Here are some carpenter ant prevention tips to get you started:
- Eliminate insects and other food sources in and around your home.
- Address weeds in your yard, as flowering plants provide nectar for these ants.
- Store food in containers with lids.
- Wipe up spills, crumbs, and grease as well as other food debris.
- Fix moisture issues, such as installing a vapor barrier in your crawl space, repairing leaks, improving drainage, and addressing areas of high humidity.
- Seal all potential entry points.
- Address damaged weatherproofing.
- Remove wood debris next to your home.
