Carpenter Ant Information
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Carpenter Ant (Camponotus pennsylvanicus)
Pest911 is highly experienced in Treating Carpenter Ants. We regularly carry out treatments in both commercial and domestic properties in Toronto and the GTA to control Carpenter Ant infestations.
Although the nesting habits make it difficult to locate and treat carpenter ants, we at Pest911 with our extensive experience have manage to become very effective in treating this very tenacious pest. Your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Description.
C. pennsylvanicus can be distinguished by the dull black color of the head and body
All castes of this species (including the major and minor workers, queens, and males) are black or blackish.
Foraging workers are black and quite large--1/4-5/8 inches.
Colonies have workers that are not all the same size (polymorphism).
The antennae are elbowed, usually with 6-13 segments.
Reproduction Cycle.
When a colony gets very large (6-10 years old and has more than 2,000 workers), it may produce winged reproductives, called swarmers.
Black carpenter ant swarms are more commonly observed from March-June.
After mating, a single queen seeks out a suitable nesting site and lays only a few eggs whichhatch into maggot-like larvae.
Importance.
In their natural environment, carpenter ants nest in dead trees and other dead wood. This enhances decay, which has ecological benefits. However, the ant achieves pest status when a colony invades the wood of a house, damaging its integrity.
More General Info
Ants are found in every natural setting; among the most destructive of them are the carpenter ants. They are the most efficient wood-destroying insects in North America and are the largest of our common ants. Outdoors they generally live in colonies, extensively honeycombing the wood in old trees or stumps in which rot is present. In their natural habitats in forests, they are important decomposers of decaying trees. However, they often make their nest in damp woodwork in buildings and their tunnelling weakens structural members.
The most commonly encountered carpenter ant is the black carpenter ant, Camponotus pennsylvanicus. They do not eat wood, but remove it to produce galleries that serve as their nests. The natural food of the black carpenter ant consists mostly of dead and live insects, honeydew, sap, juices of overripe fruit, and refuse. It will also feed on household foods such as sweets, raw and cooked meats, and fruits.
Most adult carpenter ants are black but some may be reddish brown to yellowish. The young are grub like and must be cared for by other colony members. Overwintering males and females in colonies over 3 years old take part in nuptial flights that occur from May to late July. Fertilized females then establish nests. The first brood of workers are raised to maturity on salivary secretions and are smaller than normal. Subsequent broods are fed by workers and the individuals are larger. Long-established colonies have workers of various sizes consisting of a reproductive female or queen, winged males and virgin females.
Live trees are infested occasionally when the ants are able to enter through cracks, scars, knotholes, and decaying areas. Once inside the wood they remove the faulty part and often extend their galleries into adjacent sound wood. Infested trees are subject to wind breakage and the wood is usually useless for lumber or pulpwood.
Houses are often invaded by carpenter ants coming from nearby nests. The most commonly damaged parts include support timbers, porch pillars, sills, girders, joists, studs, window casings, and external trim. Their presence in wood is usually indicated by the piles of wood particles ejected from their tunnels. You can look for these piles of wood particles if you suspect that carpenter ants are nesting in your home. Then use a hammer to sound the suspect wood for the presence of the nest. The wood will sound hollow if a nest is present.
We are able to provide a FREE no-obligation quote over the phone or by E-Mail. Simply Call Us at 647-520-3987.
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