Identify Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants play key ecosystem roles, particularly by aiding in the decomposition of decaying trees. They also can infiltrate homes and other buildings, nesting in moist, rotting wood and causing significant structural damage. Being able to properly identify and distinguish carpenter ants from other species is an important factor in determining whether you have an infestation. You can look at physical characteristics, as well as signs of an infestation.

Steps

Noting Physical Characteristics

  1. Look at the color. Carpenter ants are usually brown or black. Some are a combination of black and orange. While you need more than color to figure out if you have carpenter ants, noting color is a good place to start.[1]
  2. Note size. As you observe ants, try estimate their size. Carpenter ants are not very big. Normally, you will see worker ants around your home. They are generally 3/8 to 1/2 an inch.[2]
    • However, in some areas carpenter ants tend to be smaller. In Minnesota, for example, some carpenter ants are only 3/16 of an inch. When noting size, look to other characteristic as well.
  3. Watch for a round thorax. The thorax refers to the segment of an ant just below its head. Carpenter ants have a rounded thorax. The upper surface should be evenly rounded throughout.[2]
  4. Look at the antenna and waist. The midsection of a carpenter ant should be pinched and slim in appearance. Their antennae will be bent slightly.[3]
    • Noting the antennae and waist helps distinguish carpenter ants from termites. Termites have straight antenna and a broad waist.

Watching for Signs of Carpenter Ants

  1. Look for piles of wood shavings. Carpenter ants do not eat wood, but they do burrow in it. They will burrow into wood furniture in your home, such as desks or cabinets. If you have a carpenter ant infestation, you may find piles of wood shavings just below wooden objects like desks.[4]
  2. Listen for ants in the walls. Gently tap against the walls in your home while pressing your ear against the wall. Tapping often disturbs an ant nest. If you have an infestation, you may hear a light rustling sound.[5]
    • While carpenter ants can nest anywhere in your home, they tend to prefer areas near window frames or water sources. It's not uncommon to find carpenter ants in a kitchen or bathroom, for example. Try tapping in these places to find nests.
  3. Check for workers at night or early. If you suspect you have an infestation, look for workers. Carpenter ants tend to come out after dark, so search for them near where you heard rustling in the early morning or late at night. Use a flashlight to scan for carpenter ants in these places.[5]

Dealing with an Infestation

  1. Try baited traps. A mild carpenter ant infestation can be treated at home with baited traps. You can buy such traps at a hardware store. You can set up traps in areas where you have seen carpenter ants traveling.[5]
    • This usually works best if you have carpenter ants somewhere outside, like your porch. This will prevent the ants from moving indoors.
    • Make sure to check the labels of any traps you use. You may need to keep them out of reach of children and animals.
  2. Use commercial bug sprays. Sprays can be used to keep an infestation from moving in doors. Purchase bug sprays specifically designed to repel or kill carpenter ants at a local hardware store. Sprays are usually applies in a perimeter around your home.[5]
    • Make sure to read the label for safe use. Most sprays should be kept out of reach of children and animals.
  3. Call in a professional. If you have an infestation that does not go away using traps and sprays, call in a professional. Professional exterminators can help locate ant nests and strategically knock out an infestation.[5]
    • While most exterminators use chemicals and pesticides, if you're uncomfortable with sprays you can discuss natural options with an exterminator.



Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ http://citybugs.tamu.edu/factsheets/household/ants-house/ent-2013/
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/insects/find/carpenter-ants/
  3. ↑ http://www.orkin.com/ants/carpenter-ant/carpenter-ant-identification-how-to-identify-a-carpenter-ant/
  4. ↑ http://www.orkin.com/ants/carpenter-ant/carpenter-ant-infestation/
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 http://pestkilled.com/how-to-get-rid-of-carpenter-ants/
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