Carpenter Ant

The black carpenter ant, Camponotus pennsylvanicus (DeGreer), is a native species and the common species in the east. Camponotus modoc Wheeler is the common western species. These ants get their common name from their habit of hollowing out galleries in pieces of wood for nesting purposes. This nesting habit can result in structural damage. Carpenter ants are found throughout the United States.

Recognition.

Worker polymorphic, large 1/8-1/2", but vary greatly in size; queens about 1/2-5/8" long. Color black, combinations of red and black, or completely red or brown, Antenna 12-segmented, without a club. Thorax lack spines, profile evenly rounded on upper side. Pedicel 1-segmented. Gaster with anal opening round, surrounded by circlet of hairs. Stingers absent. Workers capable of emitting a strong formic acid odor.

Damage

The only external indication of infestation other than the presence of worker and /or swarmers is the appearance of small openings in windows on the surface of the wood. Through these, the workers expel debris, which consists of sawdust-like shavings and/or fragments of insulation and insect body parts. The accumulation of such debris below such holes is a good indication of an infestation.