Are Carpenter Ants a Big Problem in Florida?

There are a few different species of Carpenter ants in Florida. They are large for ants and some may have wings. There are periods of the year where they are numerous outside. Bi-colored carpenter ants are usually not quite as dangerous to a structure as the black carpenter ant, but they can both cause damage when they find a location they choose to nest in.

Carpenter ants aren’t the immediate danger that termites are – they won’t turn a home to creaking dust in a year. They will still cause damage that is expensive to repair, however. Carpenter ants won’t be killed by pressure treated wood. Part of the reason for this is that these pests do not actually eat wood to survive.

You see, carpenter ants don’t feed on wood like termites do. They will eat much of the same food we do. Indoors, they’ll aim for our leftovers, and particularly enjoy the meat and sugary foods we leave behind.

So why do carpenter ants do so much damage to wood? Instead of eating it, they create nests inside the wood of your home by hollowing it out. This can cause costly damage. It also makes carpenter ant infestations hard to identify, since they nest in your walls. Wood that’s already damaged in some way is particularly susceptible to carpenter ant infestations.

This makes wood exposed to moisture a particular target for them. They’ll aim for attics and ceilings where water collects, flooring that traps moisture, and windows and doors that may be older or not fully sealed,

Carpenter ants will typically only come out to forage. Carpenter ants will generally avoid biting people unless their nests are threatened. In this case, their bite is painful and they will spray it with formic acid. They don’t sting or wield venom like Fire Ants, though.

It’s best to consult a Brevard County pest control service like Slug-A-Bug if you suspect a carpenter ant infestation. Searching for it yourself can prove frustrating, and we know how to trace them and look for them without tearing your walls apart. They can cause damage in the long-term and should be addressed before they start ruining the structure of your home.