Scientific Name: Camponotus species
Carpenter ants get their name because they excavate wood in order to build their nests. Their excavation results in smooth tunnels inside the wood. Carpenter ants range in size from one-quarter inch for a worker ant to up to three-quarters inch for a queen.
Carpenter Ants can be found in Contiguous states.
Prevention:
Because carpenter ants require a water source, eliminate sources of moisture or standing water. Keep tree branches and other plants cut back from the house. Sometimes pests use these branches to get into your home. Make sure that there are no cracks or little openings around the bottom of your house. Sometimes pests use these to get into your home. Make sure that firewood and building materials are not stored next to your home. Pests like to build nests in stacks of wood.
Color: Varies depending on species, from red to black or a combination. The two most common species are black.
Legs: 6
Shape: Segmented; oval
Size: 5/8"
Antennae: Yes
Flight: No
Habits
All species mainly attack wood that is or has been wet and damaged by mold. Even though these ants first invade wet, decayed wood, they may soon begin building paths through dry, undamaged wood. They usually come into buildings through cracks around doors, windows, or through holes for wires. They will also crawl along overhead wires, shrubs, or tree limbs that touch the building far above the ground.
Habitat
Carpenter ants build their nests outdoors in various wood sources, including tree stumps, firewood or landscaping. They need a constant water source to survive. They will enter homes through wet, damaged wood.
Threats
Carpenter ants damage wood through their nest building. If they gain entry to a structure, they pose a property threat.
Reference: www.pestworld.org
Scientific Name: Tapinoma sessile
This ant gets its name from the strong, rotten coconut-like smell it gives off when crushed. These tiny insects range in size from one-sixteenth of an inch to one-eighth of an inch long.
Odorous House Ants can be found in All 50, AR, CA, KY, MS, NJ, OR, TN, VA, WA.
Prevention:
Eliminate standing water. Pests such as odorous house ants are attracted to moisture. Keep tree branches and other plants cut back from the house. Sometimes pests use these branches to get into your home. Make sure that there are no cracks or little openings around the bottom of your house. Sometimes pests use these to get into your home. Make sure that firewood and building materials are not stored next to your home. Pests like to build nests in stacks of wood.
Color: Brown or black
Legs: 6
Shape: Segmented; oval
Size: 1/16-1/8"
Antennae: Yes
Flight: No
Habits
Odorous house ants like to eat sweets, especially melon.
Habitat
Typically living for several years, these ants make their homes in exposed soil and wall cracks.
Threats
These ants do not pose a public health risk, but they can contaminate food and should be avoided.
Reference: www.pestworld.org
Scientific Name: Tetramorium caespitum
Pavement ants get their name because they make their nests in or under cracks in pavement. They can infest structures.
Pavement Ants can be found in All 50 States.
Prevention:
Eliminate standing water. Pests, such as ants, are attracted to moisture. Keep tree branches and other plants cut back from the house. Sometimes pests use these branches to get into your home.* Make sure that there are no cracks or little openings around your house. Sometimes pests use these to get into your home. Make sure that firewood and building materials are not stored next to your home. Pests like to build nests in stacks of wood.
Color: Dark brown to blackish
Legs: 6
Shape: Segmented; oval
Size: 1/8"
Antennae: Yes
Flight: No
Habits
These ants will eat almost anything, including insects, seeds, honeydew, honey, bread, meats, nuts and cheese.
Habitat
These ants live in or under pavement cracks.
Threats
These ants do not pose a public health risk, but they can contaminate food and should be avoided.
Reference: www.pestworld.org