12 Jan The Myth Behind Carpenter Ants
Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants are large ants that tend to invade homes in Texas starting in late winter and early spring. The common myth about Carpenter Ants is that they invade homes by eating wood the same way termites do. This is proven to not be true. Although Carpenter Ants are an annoying nuisance that can invade your home, they do not eat wood. Instead they usually nest somewhere in homes where there is already structural damage in cool damp areas like a bathroom, kitchen, or around windows and doors. Carpenter ants love to move into areas that already have structural damage from termites, and rotting wood, and/or they will excavate tunnels in insulation. These ants can be found in certain parts of a house such as hollow core doors, around and under windows, roof eaves, decks, and porches. These areas are more likely to be infested because they are most vulnerable to moisture.
Here are a few interesting facts:
- Carpenter ants do not eat wood, but they will feed on a variety of foods people eat—particularly sweets and meat. They will also feed on other insects and insect honeydew.
- The queen lays 9 to 16 eggs in her first year and may live up to 25 years.
- Development time from egg to adult is at least 60 days.
- Carpenter ants will forage for food up to 300 feet away from the colony.
- Have multiple colony locations (satellite colonies).
- Swarmers are not produced until the colony is 2 years old and usually 3 to 4 years old.
Would you know the difference between an ant and a termite if you saw one? Click here to compare the visible differences.
Homeowners usually notice Carpenter ants when the worker ants are foraging for food or if there are visible dead ants or debris; many people describe this debris as looking like coffee grounds. Also, they may see a swarm of ants inside or around their home. Carpenter ants will not structurally hurt your home but are a major nuisance to homeowners. If you see any sign of an ant infestation contact Western Exterminating Company for pest control service as soon as possible as it is proven that this issue cannot be ridden off easily. For a residential or commercial estimate call us at 817-834-3121 to set up an appointment.