Thatching Ant Identification
Most species of thatching ants are bi-colored red and black. A few are all black. They are medium to large ants, averaging from 4–8mm (3/16–5/16 inch) long, with a notch or depression on the top of the thorax when viewed from the side. They are polymorphic, that is, the workers vary in size within the same colony. Their reproductive swarms (winged males and queens leaving the colony) occur in late summer to early fall.
Habitat
Carpenter ants damage wood by hollowing it out for nesting. They excavate tunnels in wood which have a smooth, sandpapered appearance. Shredded fragments of wood, similar in appearance to coarse sawdust, are ejected from the tunnels through preexisting cracks or slits made by the ants. When such accumulations are found it’s a good indication that a carpenter ant nest is adjacent to this area. Carpenter ants nest in both moist and dry wood but prefer wood which is moist. Consequently, the nests are more likely to be found in wood dampened by water leaks, such as around sinks, bathtubs, leaking windows/door frames, roof leaks and poorly flashed
Treatment
Thatching Ants are considered a beneficial insects and rarely infest/invade homes. They can cause problems when they invade a yard or kids play area as they can bite. If they aren’t a problem and no one is getting bite we recommend letting them live.
Treatment starts with a thorough inspection for the primary source of the infestation and any conducive conditions. After that recommendations are made for good sanitation practices and/or elimination of conducive conditions. Then a pesticide application maybe preformed when necessary.
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