Learn how to effectively get rid of carpenter ants with our comprehensive guide.
But these large ants become nuisances when they forage or nest inside our homes.
They excavate it to make a nest for their babies.
Credit:Clemson University - USDA Cooperative Extension Slide Series , Bugwood.org
Having multiple nest sites helps protect the colony.
If you discover carpenter ants in your home, its probably an indication you have a moisture problem.
However, you will need to eliminate the colony.
If youre only treating the satellite nest or nests, youre not getting rid of the problem.
The workers range in size from 14-inch long to 5/8-inch long.
In late winter to early spring, carpenter ants swarm to mate and start new colonies.
These reproductives will have two sets of wings with the front pair longer than the hind pair.
Termites have a thicker body and antennae that are not elbowed.
Workers also are white and smaller than carpenter ants, about 1/8 to 3/16 inch long.
When termites swarm, they have two sets of wings which are the same size and length.
But if you discover a whole trail, its time to investigate further, says Benson.
