What species are the ants in my basement & what to about them - Ask Extension
after living in our 100 yr old 3 story bungalow in S. Mpls for 20 years ants have just appeared, a few every day, in the basement & 1st floor. Ca...
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What species are the ants in my basement & what to about them #789702
Asked May 07, 2022, 5:27 PM EDT
after living in our 100 yr old 3 story bungalow in S. Mpls for 20 years ants have just appeared, a few every day, in the basement & 1st floor. Can you tell if they are carpenter ants from the attached photos? (there must be a zillion species of ants – is there just 1 species of “carpenter ants”?)…if they are carpenter ants, they may have contributed to the crack thru which enough water entered the basement a few months ago to wet the carpet..if not, they may just be entering thru crack – advice would be appreciated, particularly about reputable exterminators who deal with ants –
thank you
Mike Potegal, retired U of M professor
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
Carpenter ants, vary in size and color but are usually large (1/4-1/2 inch) and blackish. Carpenter ants have a one-segmented node between the thorax and abdomen. Carpenter ants have a noticeable waist, elbowed antennae and two pairs of wings that are different lengths. Carpenter ant swarms usually occur in the spring and are a sure sign that a colony is nesting somewhere inside the structure.The only way to control carpenter ants is to find and destroy the nests. When carpenter ants are observed feed the ants small dabs of diluted honey placed onto the back (nonsticky side) of pieces of masking tape. The best time to do this is late at night since this is when carpenter ants are most active. After the ants have fed on the honey, follow them on their journey back to their nest.
https://blog-yard-garden-news.extension.umn.edu/2020/05/carpenter-ant-swarms.html
thank you for the response - were you able to tell if the pics i sent were carpenter ants?
m potegal
Yes, I think that they are carpenter ants. Examine the areas in your home where steady moisture has been a problem.
https://extension.umn.edu/insects-infest-homes/carpenter-ants
https://extension.umn.edu/insects-infest-homes/carpenter-ants
