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CARPENTER ANT PREVENTION
Carpenter ants require a water source. To prevent black carpenter ants in the house, eliminate sources of moisture or standing water. Keep tree branches and other plants cut back from the house. Sometimes pests use these branches to get into your home. Make sure that there are no cracks or little openings around the bottom of your house. Sometimes pests use these to get into your home. Make sure that firewood and building materials are not stored next to your home. Carpenter ants like to build nests in stacks of wood.
Carpenter ants get their name because they excavate wood in order to build their nests. Their excavation results in smooth tunnels inside the wood. These are large ants ranging in size from one-quarter inch for a worker ant to up to three-quarters inch for a queen.
Habits
The boxelder bug population lives and thrives on maple and seed-bearing boxelder trees during the warmer months where they lay their eggs and feed on leaves, flowers and seeds. Occasionally, they will feed on the fruits of plum and apple trees.
Habitat
Carpenter ants build their nests outdoors in various wood sources, including tree stumps, firewood or landscaping. They need a constant water source to survive. Carpenter ants will enter the house through wet, damaged wood.
Threats
Carpenter ants damage wood through their nest building. If they gain entry to a structure, they pose a property threat.
If you notice black carpenter ants, contact a professional immediately to discuss a proper course of ant control.
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CARPENTER ANTS CAMPONOTUS SPECIES
Pest Stats
Color:
Usually red, black or a combination
Legs
6
Shape
Segmented; oval
Size:
5/8″
Antennae:
Yes
Region:
Throughout U.S., most common in the North
States:
CO
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