Excel Termite and Pest Control o

Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants damage wood by hollowing it out for nesting. Wood which has been damaged by carpenter ants contains no mud-like material, as is the case with termites. Shredded fragments of wood, similar in appearance to coarse sawdust, are left behind in cracks and crevices. Carpenter ants nest in both moist and dry wood, but prefer wood which is moist. Nests are more likely to be found in wood dampened by water leaks, such as around sinks, bathtubs, poorly sealed windows/ door frames, roof leaks and chimneys.

LOOK FOR: All over New Jersey. In fact, carpenter ants are one of the most common ants found in New Jersey. Winged carpenter ants can be distinguished from termites by their larger size and shape of their three part bodies and shorter wings.

SATELLITE COLONIES: The best way to control carpenter ants is to find and destroy the nests.

DON’T SPRAY THEM: Let a professional take care of the colony.

Carpenter Ant Prevention: A number of steps can be taken by homeowners to reduce the potential for future carpenter ant problems.

1. Fix roof leaks, plumbing leaks and other moisture problems which will attract carpenter ants.

2. Eliminate wood-to ground contact such as mulch and railroad ties.

3. Clip back tree limbs. Branches serve as “bridges” between carpenter ants nesting in tree limbs and your home

4. Stack firewood away from the foundation and elevate it off the ground.