Carpenter Ants

​What are they?The red carpenter ant and the black carpenter ant are two of the most common types found in Canada. The red carpenter ant has a dark brownish-black body, with a reddish-brown upper body. The black carpenter ant is dark brownish-black all over.
Carpenter ants are from 6 to 25 mm (.24 to 1 inch) long. A carpenter ant's body is divided into three segments, with a very slim waist separating the upper body and lower body. Their antennae are bent and in sections. Male and female adults have wings at mating time.

Should I be concerned?Carpenter ants are well known for their ability to damage wooden structures. They are also a nuisance in homes as they search for food. Carpenter ants eat both plant and animal matter. Their natural food sources are insects, other small invertebrates, and sweet body fluids from aphids and other insects. Protein and sweet foods found in and around homes also provide food for foraging workers.
Carpenter ants build nests by burrowing into wood. They dig tunnels (called galleries) much longer than those created by termites. The wood is not eaten, but thrown from the nest as sawdust-like shavings.

How can I get rid of carpenter ants?Physical control

• Clear away any decaying or infested wood from around buildings.
• Remove firewood from inside buildings and away from the sides of buildings.
• Do not bury stumps or other wood debris close to your house.
• Pay attention to the state of landscaping props (like decorative bark, retaining walls, and driftwood).
• Correct humidity problems in your home.
• Replace decaying or infested structural wood with sound material.
• Remove food sources to discourage ants from invading buildings.
• Keep food in sealed containers and regularly sweep up all crumbs and other food fragments.
• Keep your home clean to prevent re-infestation.
• Call a pest control technician ASAP.