Carpenter Ants (Camponotus spp.)

The two most important species in Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley and Greater Victoria are Camponotus modoc and Camponotus vicinus. Both species can cause significant structural damage.  C. modoc is a very large black ant, up to 17 mm in length.  C. vicinus is also a large ant (up to 12 mm), with a black head and abdomen and a deep red thorax (middle section).

Carpenter ants (C. modoc) in a nest. Photo courtesy of Dr. Laurel Hansen

Carpenter ants feeding on bait.

Contrary to popular opinion, carpenter ants do not eat wood.  They excavate galleries in wood or other materials by chewing but they discard the debris (called frass) outside the nest.  Frass may sometimes be found by homeowners under a hole or other opening but is often discarded inside wall voids. Carpenter ants feed on a variety of food containing either protein or carbohydrates.  Some examples include honey, sugar, meat, grease, and dead insects.  Of the entire colony, which may have thousands of individuals, only 5 to 10% will be out looking for food.

In spring or early summer, winged carpenter ants swarm, leaving the nest to establish new colonies.  A swarm is the mating flight of the winged reproductive males and females.  If winged ants are observed coming out of a particular area, it is likely the nest is close by.  Since swarmers are generally not produced until a colony is at least 6 years old, observing a swarm may indicate a well-established nest. 

Environmental modifications may help to prevent a carpenter ant infestation.  Examples of modifications include repairs to leaking roofs or plumbing, removing any rotting wood, trimming all vegetation so it doesn't touch the house, ensuring adequate ventilation in crawl spaces and attics, and storing firewood off the ground, away from the house.  Site-specific information can be discussed with one of our pest management professionals during an inspection.

We can schedule an inspection for your home with a pest management technician;
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*Camponotus modoc in nest photo reprinted with permission from Dr. Laurel Hansen http://faculty.spokanefalls.edu/LHansen/default.htm*