Ants vary greatly in size, from less than 1/16th of an inch to over an inch in the various species. They are almost all black, brown, or reddish in color. They are different from most other insects in that they have a distinctly “elbowed” antenna. Ants have a highly developed, very complex social structure. There is a worker class, usually made up of sterile females, and a reproductive class consisting of both males and females with wings. A few also have a soldier class. They live in colonies, usually found underground or in dead wood, but may adapt to other habitats. Seasonally the winged male and females emerge from the colony to reproduce-the males then die, and the females go on to form a new colony.

Workers obviously have the task of doing the work of the colony-gathering food, tending to the eggs, larvae, and pupa, and defending the nest. Most ants are considered scavengers or predators, however there are types that are harvesters, gathering seeds from plants or tending aphids to obtain their sweet, sticky secretions. Many ants are capable of biting and stinging people. Ants have the ability to communicate, and can even learn simple tasks. They communicate both by touch (tapping the antennas), and by leaving a chemical odor trail. The odor trail usually marks a path between the nest and a food or water source. Argentine Ants have spread rapidly because they are friendly to other colonies, unlike other ants. All ants in the United States are fortunate because they have no natural enemies-so they can spread wherever they wish

Carpenter Ant

Carpenter ants are among the largest ants found in the United States, ranging from ¼- to ½- inch long. They are usually black. The queens are the largest ants in the colony and the workers in a established colony will be of two sizes. Carpenter ants usually have a thorax that is evenly rounded when seen from the side. They have one node in the petiole and a circle of tiny hairs on the tip of the abdomen.

Carpenter Ants take their name from their habit of chewing passageways (called “galleries”) inside wood. They live in these galleries and make excursions to hunt for food and water. These ants often set up satellite colonies inside homes from parent colonies located outside in a tree or landscape timber.

Carpenter ants love damp climates and moist areas in your home you are likely to find carpenter ants nesting around a sink in the kitchen or bathroom. Unlike termites, carpenter ants do not eat wood. They search for syrup, honey, jelly, meat, fruit, grease fat, and other domestic foods if these are not available in your home, the ants will feed on dead or living insects or any other type of organic matter.

If you suspect carpenter ants invaded your home its best to seek immediate treatment. A-1 Federal will make a thorough inspection of your home inside and out. Depending on your home’s construction and the location of the main nest and satellite colonies we will use a variety of methods to treat the problem.

Be aware that re infestation by carpenter ants is a constant threat only regular inspections and preventive service can keep them out
call A-1 Federal today to begin ridding your home of these pests.