Knowledgebase

Carpenter ants? #472116

Asked July 20, 2018, 10:30 PM EDT

Hello, are these carpenter ants? They are about 1/4” - 1/3” long, aggressive/ biting, and I found them outside on my deck around rotting wood, and these pictures were taken on my wood siding near the ground.  Thanks! Rebecca

Multnomah County Oregon

Expert Response

Thank you for the images. It is not entirely clear from the images if these are carpenter ants; a well-focused side view showing the connection between the thorax ( chest) and abdomen could clinch the ID. Even so, your description does fit them.

If the nest is among rotting wood, and near your house, they do pose a potential threat to the structure. This is true because the early portion of their life cycle is in the main nest (a dead tree, dead stump, or rotting timbers) whereas the latter part of their life cycle is in a warmer, drier place such as your house, garage, or a shed.

You would be wise to interview several pest control companies that are familiar with treating carpenter ants. Invite them to your property for an on-site evaluation, and for their suggestions for treatment. Then choose the company you are mos comfortable with.

When you opt for treatment, understand that both the main nest (in the rotting wood) and the secondary nest in the structure must be treated. If the rotting wood and nest can be removed, do so. Also remove and replace the affected structural wood.

And if the house is invaded, determine why the wood became moist which, in turn, allowed the ant infestation.
- Perhaps a roof leak?
- Mulch, shrubs, or other organic matter against the house?
-  Sprinklers that hit the house?

Whatever the reason, correct it to help decrease the likelihood of another infestation.

These publications may be useful to you:
1. Selecting a Pest Control Company at http://npic.orst.edu/pest/selectpco.html.




Jean R. Natter; Master Gardener Diagnostician (metro counties, Oregon) Replied July 23, 2018, 2:43 PM EDT

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