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Carpenter Ant (Genus
Camponotus)
Prevalence : Widespread |
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Appearance
:
Among the largest ants, from one-fourth to three-eighths inch long; most
common species is black, but some have reddish or yellowish coloration;
workers have large mandibles. |
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Habits :
Normally nest in dead portions of
standing trees, stumps or logs, or burrow under fallen logs or stones;
invade homes in their search of food; nests inside homes can do great
damage; hollow out "galleries" in wood that are so smooth they appear to
be sandpapered. |
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Diet :
Do not eat wood; will feed on nearly
anything people eat, particularly sweets and meats; also feed on other
insects. |
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Reproduction
:
Queen lays 15 to 20 eggs the first year,
and up to 30 eggs the second year; eggs complete their life cycle in
about 60 days; worker ants can live up to seven years, while a queen may
live up to 25 years. |
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Other Information
:
All kinds of houses, regardless of age or
type of construction, are vulnerable to infestation and damage by
carpenter ants; very difficult to control; colonies can contain up to
3,000 workers. |
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Think you have a Carpenter Ant Infestation?
:
Contact us today
for a free inspection! |
