Carpenter Ant Identification: How to Identify a Carpenter Ant
Carpenter ants are common sights in America, Europe and other parts of the world. Because carpenter ants cause damage to wooden areas where they nest, their presence can be mistaken for a termite infestation. However, while termites eat wood, carpenter ants merely make galleries in wooden areas for shelter.
All species of carpenter ants prefer decayed wood for their nesting sites, as these areas provide proper and consistent humidity and temperatures. Although carpenter ants do not eat wood, damage can be severe when nests remain active for several years. Over time, a colony can expand into several satellite colonies near the parent colony. Workers excavate wood for extra space, causing extensive damage to structures and woodwork.
There are eighteen recorded species of carpenter ants in the United States alone. For this reason, carpenter ant identification can be difficult. Size and color of carpenter ants can vary between species and even between individuals within one colony. Carpenter ants measure between two to 20 millimeters in length and feature black, red, brown, yellow, orange or red and black coloration. Although carpenter ants are among the largest ant species worldwide, size is not a reliable factor in carpenter ant identification.
The most common winged carpenter ants have reddish brown thorax and heads, black abdomens and black bodies. Carpenter ants are usually mistaken for termites, particularly during swarms when winged male and female ants fly out of their colony to mate. The most important characteristics to look for when identifying a carpenter ant are elbowed antennae, a pinched or constricted waist, an evenly rounded thorax and a single node between the thorax and abdomen.
Carpenter ants develop by complete metamorphosis: from eggs to larvae, larvae to pupae and pupae to adults. Adult carpenter ants have six legs, a constricted waist, three distinct body regions and a ring of hairs at the tip of the abdomen. The colors of eggs, larvae and pupae may vary depending on the species of carpenter ant.
Locating carpenter ant nests can be accomplished by following the trail of the worker ants themselves. Search for a clean and smooth cavity in the infested area, as well as slit-like windows in the surface of the damaged wood. Small piles of wood shavings can often be found below the openings. After identifying a colony, it is advisable to contact a pest control professional, as several satellite colonies may exist elsewhere within the home or building.
Carpenter Ant Identification: How to Identify a Carpenter Ant
What Does a Carpenter Ant Look Like?
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