Carpenter ants are a common pest known for their ability to damage wood structures, and they are particularly problematic in areas like New Jersey. These ants do not eat wood like termites, but they tunnel through it to create nests, which can lead to significant structural damage over time if left untreated. Understanding their origins, appearance, behavior, and the best methods for eradication is essential to keeping homes and businesses safe from carpenter ant infestations.

Origins and Types of Carpenter Ants in New Jersey
Carpenter ants are native to various parts of the world, but in the United States, the most common species is Camponotus pennsylvanicus, which is prevalent throughout New Jersey. These ants thrive in wooded areas and are commonly found in forests, but they also enter homes and buildings when searching for moisture and shelter, especially during warmer months. Carpenter ants typically establish colonies outdoors in dead or decaying wood, such as fallen trees, stumps, or firewood. However, they can also invade homes and tunnel into wooden structures, including walls, beams, and floorboards, to create satellite colonies.

How Carpenter Ants Destroy Wood Structures
Although carpenter ants don’t consume wood like termites, they hollow it out to create smooth, extensive galleries for nesting. This tunneling weakens wooden structures over time, which can cause significant damage to homes or buildings. Carpenter ants are particularly attracted to moist or decaying wood, which is why areas around leaking roofs, windows, or pipes are often vulnerable to infestation.

The damage caused by carpenter ants is gradual but can become extensive if not addressed. They typically enter through cracks or gaps in foundations, doors, or windows and start building their nests inside the wood. As they tunnel through the wood, the structural integrity of the home or building can be compromised, leading to costly repairs if the infestation is not detected early.

Appearance of Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants are among the largest ant species in New Jersey, with workers ranging from ¼ inch to ½ inch in length. Their color can vary, but the most common carpenter ants in New Jersey are black or a combination of black and reddish-brown. Carpenter ants have a distinct, segmented body with an oval-shaped abdomen and large mandibles, which they use to chew through wood. Their size and color make them easy to identify compared to other household ants.

Health Risks
While carpenter ants do not pose direct health risks to humans, their presence can lead to secondary problems. For example, their tunneling can allow moisture to enter wood structures, leading to mold growth, which may cause respiratory issues for individuals with allergies or asthma. Carpenter ants may also bite if provoked, but their bites are not venomous and rarely result in serious reactions.

Eradication of Carpenter Ants
Eradicating carpenter ants requires a multi-step approach that includes locating the nest and addressing the conditions that attract them. Professional pest control companies are typically required to properly identify the location of the nest, which can be hidden within walls or other hard-to-reach areas. The following methods are commonly used to eliminate carpenter ants:

Baiting: Ant baits are used to attract worker ants, which then carry the toxic bait back to the colony, eventually killing the queen and eliminating the nest.

Insecticide Treatments: Spraying insecticides in areas where carpenter ants are active or suspected can help reduce their population. These treatments are typically applied around the perimeter of the home or directly into the nest.

Removing Infected Wood: In cases where the infestation has caused significant damage, the affected wood may need to be replaced. This helps eliminate the ants’ nesting site and reduces the risk of re-infestation.

Preventative Measures to Keep Carpenter Ants Away
Preventing carpenter ants from invading your home or business involves reducing moisture and sealing entry points. Here are some effective preventative measures:

Eliminate Moisture: Since carpenter ants are attracted to moist wood, fixing leaks around roofs, windows, and pipes is crucial. Keep gutters clean and ensure proper drainage around the foundation of your home.

Remove Decaying Wood: Outdoors, carpenter ants often nest in decaying wood. Remove old stumps, dead trees, and any firewood that’s stored close to the house to reduce the chances of attracting carpenter ants.

Seal Entry Points: Inspect the exterior of your home for cracks or gaps, especially around windows, doors, and foundations. Seal any potential entry points with caulk or weather stripping to keep ants from entering.

Trim Vegetation: Carpenter ants can use overhanging tree branches and shrubs to access your home. Regularly trim vegetation that touches the sides of your house to reduce their pathways indoors.

In conclusion, carpenter ants can cause extensive damage to wood structures if left unchecked. Their presence can weaken a home’s foundation and lead to expensive repairs. By understanding their behavior, appearance, and the damage they cause, homeowners can take steps to prevent infestations. When an infestation occurs, prompt professional pest control measures are essential to eliminate the problem and protect the home from further damage. Regular preventative maintenance, such as sealing entry points and reducing moisture, is key to keeping carpenter ants at bay.