Carpenter ants are the largest species of ant and the most common species of ant that can be found in New Jersey as well as the entire United States. Carpenter ants typically nest outdoors in rotting wood sources that are rich in moisture. Carpenter ants are omnivores that will feed upon plant matter or insects and can be found foraging up to 300 feet away from their colony. These giants in the ant world are a particular foe to termite nests as they will fight to the death when they come face to face with their bitter enemy.
Unlike termites, which devour wood to survive, carpenter ants do not eat wood. Instead carpenter ants will hollow out decaying wood to expand their galleries and tunnels. Once carpenter ants have finished with the decaying wood, they move onto invading any other solid wood sources that is in their path.
Carpenter ants that are found indoors are worker ants that are foraging for food and water. These ants will instinctively set up a satellite colony in wall voids, roofs, window sills, or areas where water has damaged wood within a home. Carpenter ants are a significant pest to homeowners due to the considerable structural damage that they cause once they make their invasion.
Eradicating carpenter ants is no easy task. Failure to eliminate all satellite nests as well as the main nesting site will allow the colony to rebound and continue their destructive behavior. Hiring a Monmouth County, NJ pest control expert will give you the peace of mind knowing that insecticides will be applied safely to your home or business.
