Carpenter Ants are large ants that destroy wood but do not eat the protein substance derived from wood particles like termites do. However, they are classified as a wood destroying insect.
The most common in North Texas is the Red and Black Texas Carpenter ant. The only external indication of infestation other than of workers and/or swarmers is the appearance of small openings or windows on the surface of the wood. Through these, the workers expel debris which consist of saw-dust like material or shavings and/or fragments of insulation and dead ant body parts. This is the result of enlarging a void cavity in order to move the queen and/or queens in and to also make room for the care of brood.
The first sign of an infestation is usually seeing foraging workers outside along the structure of your home. The workers usually forage up to 300 ft. from the nest. They typically enter structures around door and window frames, plumbing areas, utility lines, shrub and tree branches in contact with the structure.
Sometimes you can even hear the rustling sounds in walls produced by the workers moving wood to expand the nest. Their sightings are minimal during the day because carpenter ants are more active between dusk and dawn with peak activity between 10:00 P.M. and 2:00 A.M.
Carpenter ants do not have a stinger but will bite and have the ability to inject formic acid while doing so. This can be quite painful when injected into the wound at the time of the bite.
If you think that you have a problem with these pest call us at 214-827-0090 today to schedule an inspection.