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What is the Florida Carpenter Ant?

Home is where the heart is – but unfortunately, it’s also where the ants are.

There’s nothing more unpleasant than coming home at the end of a long day only to find your home invaded by ants. We’re not just talking about any ants, but the notorious Florida carpenter ant.

These tiny creatures might be small, but they can cause big problems if they’re left unchecked. They could be hiding in your walls, munching away at the woodwork that holds your house together.

But don’t worry – we’re here to help you identify and get rid of these unwanted house guests for good. 

What Are Florida Carpenter Ants?

Carpenter ants are one of the largest ant species in the United States, and Florida has its own unique variety. These ants can grow up to half an inch in length and are typically red, black, or a combination of both. 

Unlike termites, carpenter ants do not eat wood; instead, they excavate it to create their nests, which can weaken the structural integrity of your home.

As is the case with getting rid of any type of pest, knowing what to look for is key. Here are the key features:

  • Color and Size: These ants are either reddish-black or all-black and measure between 5/8 to 1/2 inch long.
  • Antennae: They have bent or “elbowed” antennae.
  • Waist: One segment on their waist, unlike other ants that have two.

To spot them, you often have to look for their trails or nests, usually found in moist, decayed wood but sometimes in dry areas as well. Other telltale signs include:

  • Sawdust Piles: Small piles of sawdust near wooden structures signify that ants have been tunneling.
  • Rustling Noises: If you hear faint rustling sounds within your walls, carpenter ants might be at work.
  • Winged Ants: Winged ants inside your home indicate a mature colony, possibly leading to a swarm.

Where Do Florida Carpenter Ants Live and What Do They Eat?

These ants prefer moist environments and are commonly found in decayed wood, tree stumps, and piles of leaves. 

However, they aren’t picky in the slightest and can easily adapt to drier conditions. Inside your home, they might nest in wall voids, roof eaves, and behind insulation. Outdoor locations include hollow trees, logs, and landscape timbers. 

Florida carpenter ants are nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night. They follow scent trails to food sources and use these trails to return to their nests. 

Their diet mainly consists of proteins and sugars, making your kitchen an attractive target. These ants are highly adaptive and can quickly change their nesting and foraging patterns in response to environmental changes. 

How Do Florida Carpenter Ants Get Into Your Home?

Carpenter ants can enter your home through cracks, holes, and even utility lines. They are excellent climbers and can make their way inside through tree branches that touch your house. 

Once inside, they will seek out moist areas to build their nests. Leaky pipes, under-sink cabinets, and poorly ventilated attics are all prime targets. 

While they don’t eat wood like termites, carpenter ants excavate wood to create their nests. Over time, this can weaken the structural integrity of your home. The damage might not be immediately visible, but over months or years, it can lead to significant repair costs. 

Carpenter ants cause millions of dollars in damages annually in the United States alone. Unfortunately, most insurance companies won’t cover damage from these pests, either.

How to Prevent and Get Rid of Carpenter Ants

Preventing an infestation is almost always going to be easier than dealing with one. To make your home less attractive to carpenter ants, you should:

  • Seal Entry Points: Close gaps around windows, doors, and utility lines.
  • Keep Food Sealed: Store food in airtight containers and clean up spills immediately.
  • Maintain Landscaping: Trim tree branches that touch your house and remove decaying wood from your yard.

There are a few natural remedies you can try, like using essential oils (peppermint and tea tree oil are great options) or mixing up vinegar and water to disrupt their scent. Mixing borax with sugar can also be effective; the ants will carry this bait back to their nest, and it will kill the colony. 

While these natural methods can be effective, they may not completely eliminate the problem, especially if the infestation is large. 

That’s when it’s time to call in the pros. Pest control companies have the expertise and tools necessary to effectively eliminate carpenter ants, and can also provide ongoing maintenance and monitoring to make sure they don’t come back. 

Common treatments include:

  • Insecticidal Dust: Applied to nesting areas, it can kill the colony.
  • Bait Traps: These attract worker ants who then carry the poison back to the nest.
  • Professional Sprays: Professional pest control services can also apply stronger treatments that aren’t available over the counter.

Another benefit of calling a professional pest control company is that they can conduct routine inspections to prevent pests from coming back. By scheduling annual checks, you can make sure your home remains free from ants, which can save you a lot of time and money in the long run.

Say Goodbye to the Florida Carpenter Ant

If you live in the Sunshine State and are sick of dealing with ants, it might be time to give professional pest control a call. 

At Orange Pest Control here in Brevard County, we specialize in getting rid of all kinds of pests, from ants to termites and so much more. 

We’ll make sure your home remains safe and sound – and free from these wood-hungry invaders

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