Well recognized as formidable wood destroying insects, carpenter ants are among the largest ants in the U.S and a common invader of homes. Highly interesting insects…
1. Carpenter ants can lift 7 times their own weight.
With some studies suggesting they have the capability to lift up to 50 times this weight. Their small muscles offer greater cross-sectional area, providing ants significantly more pound-per-pound force. That’s like lifting a car with your teeth!
2. Carpenter ants are neat-freaks.
Very hygienic, carpenter ants remove all deteriorated foods and deceased ants from their nests. They even create their own disinfectant, collecting resin to chemically disinfect them as well.
3. Carpenter ants could find their way into your home blind.
Really. They mark their journey using chemical substances, finding the way via their antennae. They can even send messages via pheromones and recognize each other by the chemicals on their bodies.
4. Carpenter ants don’t tickle.
They are capable of delivering nasty, painful bites by injecting acid into the skin. Some species even explode! Several Southeast Asian species of carpenter ants produce sticky toxic glue that they spray in the event of imminent danger like nature’s little suicide bombers.
5. Carpenter ants are tough to tackle.
One queen can live up to 25 years, establishing many satellite colonies and having millions of babies. This makes carpenter ants difficult to eliminate and prevent from attacking your home.
Carpenter ants munching through the structure of your home? Contact Allison Pest Control today. Allison Pest Control offers year-round protection from carpenter ants, and can help you take the measures necessary to keep them out of your home – for good!