Carpenter Ant

How do I identify Carpenter Ants?
Color: Carpenter ant heads and thorax (or middle section) is ash brown to rusty-orange in color, the tail end is black.

Size: Workers are up to 2/5" long Queens are up to 8/10" long

They are among the largest ants in the state of Florida making them easily identifiable as they fly indoors or out.

Have Carpenter Ants infested your home?
Carpenter ants are one of the most commonly reported indoor insects in the state of Florida. They are known to swarm during the Spring months of April to June. They are often found near moisture sources at window or door openings or in other moist areas accessible to them but mostly difficult to access by humans. Carpenter ants are commonly mistaken for termites.

Will Carpenter Ants bite?
Carpenter Ants do bite, however they do not sting.

Will Carpenter Ants damage my home or structure?
Unlike it's Northern counterpart the Florida Carpenter Ant does not cause damage to a structure. They typically nest in existing wood voids where they will hollow out only the rotted wood or Styrofoam to nest.

Recommendations for control: Locating and treating the nest is critical to controlling Carpenter Ants. However, nests are often difficult to locate due to the nature of their site preference. Watch for trailing ants returning to the nest just before or after sunset.

Also, be sure to trim trees and ornamental plants and shrubs so that they do not come into contact with the house. Caulk any openings into the structure including those around electrical wires and pipes.