Carpenter Ant Control Extension

Carpenter ants are so named because these social insects excavate galleries in wood to create nest sites.

Carpenter ant control extension. They are also one of the most difficult to control. This ant can be difficult to control especially for householders. Unlike termites carpenter ants do not consume wood. Carpenter ants are one of the most common ants found in kentucky.

Black carpenter ant worker steve jacobs penn state figure 2. Carpenter ants are controlled through the application of insecticides and sprays in various forms. Baits used on carpenter ant trails. They use their strong jaws mandibles to remove quantities of wood as they expand the size of their nests.

Changlu wang extension specialist in entomology george hamilton extension specialist in pest management rutgers university the most common species is the black carpenter ant. Carpenter ants are among the largest species that you will find in north carolina. Should you have questions regarding a carpenter ant problem contact your county extension agent by calling 1 800 ask uga1 or visit the university of georgia extension website at extension uga edu. Dusts used in voids and galleries.

Carpenter ants vary in size and color but are usually large 1 4 1 2 inch and blackish. It is among the largest of the ant species found in urban environments. Like other ant species carpenter ants are social i e they live in a colony and have several castes or adult forms that perform different jobs in the colony. Carpenter ants use knots cracks holes and old insect tunnels to find entry in to these areas.

Foams used in voids and galleries. Ants foraging indoors feed on all manner of foods ranging from the trash can to the cereal bowl. Non repellent insecticides used as perimeter spray. The better consumer baits to try are syrupy sweet ones such as combat ant killing gel or terro ant killer ii.

Common name scientific name carpenter ants camponotus spp. These forms include liquid concentrates baits dusts and foams. Ants foraging indoors often originate from outside the building. You may want to hire a qualified pest control operator to handle the job for you.

Because of this homeowners may mistake one for the other. Black carpenter ant queen j kalisch u of nebraska figure 3. Carpenter ants undergo complete development egg. Sargent former extension graduate assistant entomology clemson university patricia a.

Because ants from a single carpenter ant colony vary greatly in size ant size alone is usually not a good characteristic for identification. Carpenter ant control. Parts of a tree can rot or become weak because of insects disease or drought. If you do request quotes from two or three companies.

In rotted decayed wood. This publication will help you determine if you have carpenter ants and provide tips on how to control them. The queen usually reaches 9 16 inch in length. In the center heartwood section of a tree.

Carpenter ant control can be very difficult for an untrained person.