Keys to carpenter ant control

Carpenter ants (Camponotus spp.) PHOTO: HENRIK_L / ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS / GETTY IMAGES

As weather temperatures rise, we can expect to see ant activity increase, too. Finding any ant inside a structure is unwelcome, but uncovering carpenter ants (Camponotus spp.) can add a layer of concern because of their destructive nesting behavior.

Costly carpentry skills aren’t the only behavior that separates carpenter ants from other pest ants. Understanding these differences and how to use them to your advantage can be the key to staying one step ahead of carpenter ants this spring.

Unlike some species that like to nest in soil, most carpenter ants prefer to excavate nests in wood with a high moisture content. These nest sites often are associated with moisture, so look for signs of water damage. Use a moisture meter to uncover hidden problem areas to aid in locating potential nesting sites. In addition, worker ants leave behind telltale wood shavings as they excavate galleries. These shavings can be easy to spot and can be used to zero in on the source.

Even after successfully locating and treating a nest, you may still have some work left to do, because most carpenter ant populations have multiple nests.

Colonies begin with a parent nest and will split off to create satellite nests as the colony grows. Parent nests contain all life stages of a colony, including the queen, eggs and larvae, while satellite nests only contain larger larvae and pupae. Additionally, parent nests have a high moisture requirement and often are associated with water-logged wood, such as stumps or leaky windowsills and door frames.

Satellite nests, meanwhile, often are found in drier, warmer areas such as under insulation in attics, wall voids and crawlspaces. Being able to distinguish between nest types can confirm whether the nest you’ve eliminated is the primary or a satellite nest.

A well-rounded carpenter ant control program starts with finding the source. Using these tips to improve your ability to locate and identify carpenter ant nests can be an easy way to elevate your ant control program this spring.

<p>The post Keys to carpenter ant control first appeared on Pest Management Professional.</p>

from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2025/02/12/keys-to-carpenter-ant-control/
Sacramento CA