Carpenter Ants are large ants that destroy wood
but do not eat the protein substance derived from wood particles like termites
do. However, they are classified as a wood destroying insect. The most common in
North Texas is the Red and Black Texas Carpenter ant.
The only
external indication of infestation other than of workers and/or swarmers is the
appearance of small openings or windows on the surface of the wood. Through
these, the workers expel debris which consist of saw-dust like material or
shavings and/or fragments of insulation and dead ant body parts.
This is the result of enlarging a void cavity in order to move the queen and/or
queens in and to also make room for the care of brood.
The first sign of an infestation is usually
seeing foraging workers outside along the structure of your home. The workers
usually forage up to 300 ft. from the nest. They typically enter structures
around door and window frames, plumbing areas, utility lines, shrub and tree
branches in contact with the structure. Sometimes you can even hear the rustling
sounds in walls produced by the workers moving wood to expand the nest. Their
sightings are minimal during the day because carpenter ants are more active
between dusk and dawn with peak activity between 10:00 P.M. and 2:00 A.M.
Carpenter ants do not have a stinger but will bite
and have the ability to inject formic acid while doing so. This can be quite
painful when injected into the wound at the time of the bite.
If you think that you have a problem with these
pest call us today to schedule an inspection.
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