Carpenter ants are large, dark brown to black ants with a single node between their thorax and abdomen. They measure about 1/4 inch long. Carpenter ants often build nests in wooden structures such as decks or fences. They chew through wood to create galleries for their colonies and may also excavate tunnels through soil to reach tree roots. The tunnels they create can cause damage to trees as well as structural problems with buildings.
Identifying Carpenter Ants
There are more than 700 ant species found in the U.S., although only about 25 species commonly infest homes. Ants are social insects that typically live in underground colonies, made up of workers and a queen. Ants will eat practically any kind of food, but are especially attracted to sweets. Ant identification is relatively simple due to their three distinct body regions: head, thorax and abdomen, as well as antennae. Despite similar construction, ants vary in overall appearance. Small or large ants and brown or black ants are common nicknames for different species.
If you do find signs of an ant infestation in your home, contact a pest professional promptly. They will be able to inspect your home, perform proper ant species identification, and recommend a course of ant control and extermination.
Ant Identification – What Do Ants Look Like?
While there are about 25 different ant species known to infest homes, they all share similar characteristics including antennae and six legs, while their size may differ by species. Ants are social insects, meaning they live in colonies that can house up to hundreds of thousands of individuals, so you’ll likely see more than one at a time. Inside the home, ants can primarily be found in the kitchen and bathrooms, as these areas provide access to food as well as moisture.
Carpenter ants are among the largest ants in Minnesota. There are several species that may be found infesting homes and other buildings.
How to recognize carpenter ants:
- They have a waist with one node (petiole) and a thorax (area behind the head) that is evenly rounded when viewed from the side.
- Workers are black or red and black.
- Workers usually range in size from 3/8 to 1/2 inch long; one species is only 3/16 inch.
- Even carpenter ant workers of the same species vary in size (major and minor workers).
- Queens and males are larger than workers and have wings. Queens lose their wings once they start a new nest.
- Queens may be as large as one inch long.
Other ants can be mistaken for carpenter ants. They have one or two nodes and an uneven thorax when viewed in profile. They usually do not infest wood.
Correct identification of the ants is important for control strategies to work effectively.
Quick facts
- Carpenter ants are very common in Minnesota.
- They can potentially damage homes and other wooden structures.
- The best method for controlling carpenter ants is to deliver insecticide into their nest.
- Because controlling carpenter ants is complex, it’s best to hire a pest management professional (pest control technician) to eliminate nests.
Identifying Carpenter Ants
Ants are social insects that are found throughout the world and live in colonies. They have a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Ants can be identified by their size, shape and the way they live.
Ants range in size from 1/8 to 3/4 inch long, depending on the species. The largest ant is the bulldog ant, which can grow up to 1 inch long. Ants can be identified by their size, shape and the way they live.
Ants have three main body parts: head, thorax and abdomen. The head houses the brain and eyes; it also has two antennae that are used for smell and touch. The thorax contains six legs as well as two pairs of wings on some species. A queen’s wings are usually longer than those of a worker or male worker ant. The abdomen is where all of an ant’s reproductive organs are located; it also has two stingers at its tip that inject venom into prey or enemies when threatened or attacked by predators such as birds or humans!
List Of Identifying Carpenter Ants
- Attracts & Kills – Kills common household ants including acrobat, crazy, ghost, little black, odorous house, pavement, and other sweet-eating ants
- Kills the Ants You See & the Ones You Don’t – As worker ants discover the bait, they share it with the rest of the colony to eliminate them all
- Works Fast – You should see a significant decrease in the number of ants visiting the bait stations within just a few days
- Ready to Use – Place the bait stations, watch it attract ants, and eliminate the entire colony
- Use Throughout Your Home – Place stations near areas where you’ve seen ant activity including along baseboards, in corners, on counters, and more
Additional Info :
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 4.5 Inches |
| Width | 6.6 Inches |
| Length | 1.2 Inches |
| Weight | 0.27 Pounds |
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Additional Info :
| Item Dimensions | |
| Weight | 1 Pounds |
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- Eliminate & Prevent – The deeply penetrating vapor fills enclosed spaces to kill visible and hiding insects and prevent new infestations
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Additional Info :
| Color | Black |
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 0.5 Inches |
| Width | 1.73 Inches |
| Length | 2.68 Inches |
| Weight | 0.06 Pounds |
- Attracts & Kills – Kills common household ants including acrobat, crazy, ghost, little black, odorous house, pavement, and other sweet-eating ants
- Kills the Ants You See & the Ones You Don’t – As worker ants discover the bait, they share it with the rest of the colony to eliminate them all
- Works Fast – You should see a significant decrease in the number of ants visiting the bait stations within just a few days
- Ready to Use – Insert stakes and break the tab, then watch it attract ants and eliminate the entire colony
- For Outdoor Use – Place the bait stakes in outdoor areas where you’ve seen ants to target them outdoors before they can enter your home
Additional Info :
| Color | Clear |
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 7.75 Inches |
| Width | 2.75 Inches |
| Length | 4.5 Inches |