Phylum: Arthropod
Class: Insect
Order: Hymenoptera
Family: Formicidae
Genus/species: Camponotus pennsylvanicus

In North America, the Black Carpenter Ant can be found in the eastern region of the United States and was the first ant in America to be given a scientific name. The abdomen is covered by long yellowish hair. The ant itself is dull black in color. Foraging workers could range from a 1/4 of an inch to 5/8 of an inch in size. Queen carpenter ants may grow to 3/4 of an inch in length. The workers contain very large mandibles or mouthparts. Since they possess mandibles, they can inflict a mild bite and cause structural damage.

In a Carpenter Ant colony the establishment begins with one queen. A key element in which a Carpenter Ant needs in order to establish a nest successfully is moisture. The nest itself may begin in the soil, beneath a rock, in a tree or in utility poles to name a few areas. In the beginning, the queen will lay only a minimal amount of eggs. The eggs will eventually hatch, forming workers. Workers are responsible for foraging for food for the young and the queen. To develop a large colony of Carpenter Ants, it takes approximately three to six years. As the colony grows the workers will excavate galleries in the wood enlarging the nest. The reproduction phase continues in late spring and early summer. The mating process takes place in midair. At this time the queen loses its wings and then seals itself in a small segment of wood. She will remain in there alone until the first offspring develop into adult workers.

Workers are omnivorous and will attack live athropods. They will also feed on dead athropods, which may include other carpenter ants for protein. Other food sources may include flowers, fruits and food in homes. During their active season there are different food preferences. Food preference is related to the colony and its activities. Remember Carpenter Ants do not consume wood, they simply destroy it for nesting purposes.

Carpenter ants can cause a substantial amount of damage if left undetected and untreated. If a carpenter ant colony is present, you may see ants individually. Another indication may be sawdust material which is also known as frass. This frass material may contain other ant parts, insects and can be found on any floor surface inside a home. Carpenter ants may also be present on the exterior of a structure.

From tree branches that are in close proximity of the roof line of a structure. These ants may emanate from a tree then enter the structure from the roof.

Utility lines that are connected to the house or building.

Fire wood or any type of lumber that is stored outside then brought inside of the structure for use.

Phsyically walking up the structure and using vulnerable access points of entry. (Window casings, doorways, utilities, fractures in the foundation, etc.)

Landscape adjacent to the structure.

Crawlspace vents.

They can travel as far as 300 feet away from their nest.

Scent trails are laid between food sources and the nest.

Satellite colonies often nest inside a structure while the main colony may be found outside.

To successfully prevent and eliminate a carpenter ant infestation, a thorough inspection needs to be conducted. This inspection is done inside of the structure as well as on the outside. The surrounding landscape may also be inspected for potential colonies and activity.

has various types of baits and methods that can successfully be implemented in order to eliminate your problem.

To schedule an inspection and estimate
please call 1-888-6-AMBUSH, or contact us.