Here is a link to an informative article about "Carpenter Ants". It touches on
Characteristics
Life Cycle
Signs of Infestation
Prevention
Treatment and Control
Here are some bullet points of the article:
Characteristics:
Life Cycle
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Capenter ants swarm in spring
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After 3 - 6 years colony will contain 2,000 - 3,000 workers and will start to produce "swarmers".
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Swarmers produced in autumn (wait until spring to emerge)
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Mature colony usually contains one queen with 200 to 400 winged swarmers
Signs of an Infestation
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Swarmers found inside house is a likely sign of a nest in or under house.
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Swarmers found outdoors or on porches sign of nearby colony.
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In early spring worker ants may be found looking for water around sinks
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Ant trails may extend 300 feet from nest
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Can hear sound from a colony that infest house
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Sawdust is tell-tale sign of carperter ant infestation
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Damage appears as slit-like opening
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Do not eat wood; they tunnel while building nest
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Perfer wood with 15% moisture content
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Invade through foundation cracks, windows, doors or heating/AC vents
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Primary food for Carpenter Ants is honeydew
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Water is also important
Prevention
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Nearby trees or tree stumps breed potential for carpenter ant infestion
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Inspect property
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Insecticides OK but don't overdo
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Key is to remember Carpenter Ants are usually associated with moisture and wood
Treatment and Control
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Carpenter ants found in home does NOT necessarily mean there is nest inside
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Step 1 - determine if nest is indoors
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Alternative to spraying - bait ants outdoors
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Concentrate on first on areas around home most vulnerable to moisture
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In general, baits are best approach to dealing with ants
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May require full week before activity declines
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Do NOT spray where you place bait
Much more can be discovered by reading the full article on Carpenter Ants