The name of carpenter ants is derived from their habit of excavating wood to establish their nests. It is important to note that they do not consume wood, but instead create smooth tunnels by chewing through it. These ants are widespread throughout Australia.
Carpenter ants exhibit a polymorphic behavior, meaning that their worker ants can vary in size, and range in length from 1.3cm to 1.5cm. These ants are segmented and oval, have six legs and two antennae. They can be identified by their black to dark brown or brownish-orange colour.
Carpenter ants establish their nests in wood sources such as tree stumps, decaying fence posts, aged firewood, and beneath stones. The queen, eggs, and juveniles stay in the primary colony, which is typically located outside. Meanwhile, the workers, mature larvae, and pupae reside in satellite nests that stem from the primary colony. Over several years, these satellite colonies can be established indoors or outdoors.
After mating, winged males and females, also known as swarmers, mate during a brief flight. The male dies shortly after mating, and the queen sheds her wings and searches for a suitable nesting site. She prefers to nest in soft and moist wood of hollow trees, logs, or stumps. In the nest, the queen lays about 20 eggs that develop into adult workers in approximately two months.
The first brood of workers is tiny as they receive nourishment from the food reserves stored in the queen’s body. Subsequent broods are larger as they receive enough food from foraging workers. When the workers mature into adults, they take up the responsibility of foraging for food, enlarging the nest, and feeding and caring for the queen and subsequent larvae. Carpenter ants feed on dead insects, small invertebrates, and honeydew secreted by scale insects and aphids.
Carpenter ants have a diverse diet that includes plants, insects, honeydew, meats, sweets, and grease. Their worker ants can travel up to 90 metres from their nest to forage. These ants are primarily active during the daytime, specifically from before dusk until dawn.
Observing large wingless black ants in and around your property is a potential sign of a carpenter ant infestation. But, it’s not a confirmation of their nests inside your home if found indoors. It’s possible that the nest is located outside, and the foraging workers enter your house to search for food and water. The worker ants tend to consume foods that are high in sugar and fat, as well as meats.
At Tom’s Pest Control, our exterminators possess the necessary knowledge and expertise to effectively eliminate carpenter ant infestations. We take responsibility for correctly identifying the ant species, determining their entry points, and developing an integrated plan for long-term control and prevention. Our pest control services are customised to meet the needs of each individual property owner, ensuring a successful outcome.
We comprehend the significance of ensuring your property is secure and free of pests, which is why we put in our best effort to provide safe and tailored solutions that meet your unique requirements. Our proficient technicians can cater to your needs, whether you need a one-time pest control service or continuous support.
Tom’s Pest Control provides complete ant pest control solutions with a team of highly trained and experienced exterminators who are licensed, bonded, and insured to ensure our clients’ peace of mind.
We offer a free quote and ensure that our services get the job done correctly on the first attempt. Whether you are dealing with insect or rodent infestations, Tom’s Pest Control is equipped to handle the situation. Take action now and get in touch with us for a complimentary quote. We are ready to assist you with all your pest control needs.
To prevent carpenter ants from entering your home, it is essential to eliminate standing water or sources of moisture in your home. Sealing all cracks and openings near doors and windows can also restrict their entry. It is also best to store firewood and other building materials away from your property since these ants prefer to build their nests in moist wood.
Carpenter ants possess strong mandibles that can inflict a painful bite. Additionally, when they bite, they can inject formic acid, which may cause a burning sensation. However, it is important to note that while their bite can be uncomfortable, it is not considered dangerous.
If you think there might be an ant infestation in your property, it’s important to seek help from a licensed pest control professional like Tom’s Pest Control. Our professionals can evaluate the problem and recommend the most appropriate solution for eliminating carpenter ants.