Ants
Carpenter Ant
Description: 1/4" to 5/8" in length generally black, may appear as red & Black. The queen is about 3/4". Large mandibals on the head. Light gold hairs on the the abdomen. Damage/Signs of Presence:Capenter Ants do not eat the wood like termites but they do excavate it to form gallaries in which they live and support the colony. They can affect the structual integrity of wood. Cause holes in materials in which moisture can accumulate thus causing more damage. Carpenter Ants have been the cause of million of dollars in damages through out the United States.
Signs of their presence: Most people never realize they have Carpenter Ants in their home until it's too late and damage has been done. Signs to look for and act quickly: 1. See live ants in your home or outside on your home. 2. Find wood shavings (Frass) with insect parts mixed in. 3. Remodeling and come accross damage or a nest.
Life Cycle:
Carpenter Ants go through a complete life cycle of Egg, Larva, Pupa & Adult. They have minor and major worker ranging into the thousands per nest. Often form satelite colonies close by to the main colony.
Winged Ants (Swarmers) are a reproductive ant with the responsibility of mating in the air and establishing a new nest.