Carpenter Ants

The red carpenter ant and the black carpenter ant are among the most common carpenter ant species in Canada. The presence of carpenter ants may reveal a problem of moisture or decomposition of wood structures in your home.

Appearance

The red carpenter ant is blackish with a thorax with red and brown shades
The black carpenter ant is uniformly black with shades of brown
The carpenter ant measures between 6 and 25 mm in length (0.24 to 1 inch)

Behaviour

Causes damage to wooden structures
Prefers moist and rotted wood
Search for food in homes

Life cycle

Form large colonies composed of hundreds of workers
Possibility of several breeding males and females and one or more queens
Can establish satellite nests in neighboring structures
Can be housed in dead tree trunks, in stumps or logs

Diet

Workers are attracted to protein and sweet foods
Does not feed on wood but digs galleries
Requires access to a water source

A colony of ants can build its nest in a house, without attacking the lumber, infest empty spaces between walls, attics or hollow doors.

Have you identified a carpenter ant? Call us immediately before the infestation becomes more serious! An expert will be available to answer your questions and indicate the right steps to follow.