Carpenter Ants

Latin Name: Camponotus spp.

At Ozane Termite & Pest Control in Toms River, New Jersey, carpenter ants are a common issue for many homeowners. These large ants are one of the most destructive pests when it comes to structural damage, as they carve through wood to build their nests. Here's what you need to know about carpenter ants, how they can affect your home, and how we can help you keep them under control.

Identification of Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants are among the largest ants found in New Jersey, ranging from 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch in length. They are typically black, but some species have reddish or yellowish hues. The most common species in Toms River is the black carpenter ant (Camponotus pennsylvanicus).

Unlike termites, carpenter ants do not eat wood. Instead, they tunnel through it to create nesting galleries, which can weaken the structure of your home over time.

Carpenter Ant Behavior and Habitat

Carpenter ants prefer moist, decaying wood, but they can also infest dry, sound wood if conditions are favorable. In Toms River, they often nest in tree stumps, dead logs, or old wooden structures. However, they can also establish satellite colonies inside homes, particularly in areas where moisture is present, such as:

Inside wall voids
In window and door frames
Behind insulation
Around leaky pipes or roofs

Carpenter ants typically forage for food at night, and their diet consists of proteins and sugars. They are attracted to food spills, pet food, and even sugary substances like honeydew from aphids.

How Prevalent Are Carpenter Ants in Toms River, NJ?

Carpenter ants are quite prevalent in Toms River due to the region's mix of suburban and wooded areas. Homes with damp or decaying wood are particularly vulnerable, especially after periods of heavy rain or moisture buildup. Carpenter ants can enter homes through cracks, gaps, or even branches that touch the structure.

Once inside, they may establish satellite colonies in hidden areas, making it difficult to detect an infestation until significant damage has occurred. Left untreated, carpenter ants can cause extensive structural damage to homes, particularly in wooden framing, decks, and porches.

Signs of a Carpenter Ant Infestation

It's essential to spot carpenter ant activity early to prevent damage. Here are some common signs that you might have a carpenter ant infestation:

Sawdust-like Material (Frass): Carpenter ants don't eat the wood they tunnel through. Instead, they push it out, leaving small piles of wood shavings or frass near their nesting sites.
Hollow-sounding Wood: Tapping on wood that has been infested by carpenter ants will produce a hollow sound, as they carve out galleries inside the wood.
Winged Ants (Swarmers): During the warmer months, carpenter ants produce winged reproductive ants that swarm in search of new nesting sites. These swarmers can be found near windows, doors, or inside your home.
Noises in the Walls: You might hear faint rustling or tapping noises from carpenter ants moving through the wood inside your walls.
Visible Ant Trails: Carpenter ants are often seen trailing in and out of homes as they forage for food. These trails are usually most active at night.

Why Carpenter Ants Are a Problem

While carpenter ants don't eat wood like termites, they can still cause significant structural damage to homes. Over time, their nesting activity weakens wooden structures, leading to costly repairs. Additionally, carpenter ants can create secondary colonies inside homes, making it even harder to control them without professional help.