Carpenter Ants are a frequent pest in South Florida and commonly infest both interior and exterior environments around homes and other structures. Carpenter Ants are among the largest of the ant species; and take a minimum of two years to develop wings that give the swarming ant a greater range of infestation. These foraging workers can establish up to 20 satellite nests from one main colony.

Winged Carpenter Ants are most often noticed by homeowners and are also commonly mistaken for a species of termites. Unlike Termites, Carpenter Ants do not eat wood, but they can still do significant damage as well. Their colonies can be as large as 100,000 workers with multiple queens. They prefer to nest in wood, preferably dead and or moist wood, inside galleries they develop by chewing their way through the wood. This nesting process is what leads to costly repairs for South Florida homeowners.

We have outlined a few characteristics of the Carpenter Ant below to help you better identify these insects. We have also provided a few helpful tips to help avoid Carpenter Ant infestations around your property. If you feel that your home or business may have an infestation; we offer a variety of full service pest control solutions with the best services in the industry to help you maintain a safe, pest free home or business. Call us today at 954-945-5050.

Carpenter Ants Characteristics:

• 1/4 – 3/4 inches long
• Range in color: black, brown, and red, orange
• Carpenter Ants prefer to nest in logs, stumps or dead trees where wood contacts the soil and moisture is plentiful, they will infest structural wood of homes and buildings.
• Deadwood areas of living trees are susceptible to infestation.
• Carpenter Ants do not eat wood but nest with products consisting of cellulose. Their diet consists of protein, grease and sweets from a variety of both animal and plant foods.
• They prefer wood that has been damaged by termites or by decay but once established may invade sound wood.
• Gallery excavation creates “sawdust” like evidence near the nest. These piles consist of wood fragments, bits of soil and sand, portions of insects, dead ants and other debris.
• A typical nest will contain several thousand individuals and can exist for several years if not treated.
• Foraging ants will travel 300 feet or more from the nest in a trail and will set up satellite nest.
• These ants are mostly active at dawn and dusk.

At Florida Pest Control Center we have specially trained and licensed pest control professionals that can provide the detection of the infestations, the treatment, as well as the prevention and extermination methods needed to eliminate these pests for good. Call us today at 954-945-5050.