Carpenter Ant
Description
Carpenter ants are among the largest of ants with workers often over a quarter to three quarters of an inch in length with queens slightly bigger. They are commonly black in color; however, some species are red to brownish in color. Reproductive ants are winged.
Habitat
These ants excavate large galleries in trees, poles or buildings; espeically in areas near moisture sources. They seem to prefer voids around windows, doors, baseboards, fireplaces and bathtubs. Mature colonies range in size from several thousand workers to 10-15,000. They are nocturnal ants forging for food well after sunset continuing into the early morning hours. Reproductive Swarmers do not appear in the colony for several years, which means you may have had carpenter ants for several years before even noticing.
Hazards
*Extensive damage to wooden structures.
*Contamination of foodstuffs.
*Ants may bite when disturbed.
