When it comes to Florida carpenter ants, out of sight shouldn’t mean out of mind. Our Panama City pest control experts explain why you should be prepared for upcoming sightings and what this can mean for your home.
Identifying Carpenter Ants
With their distinct, bi-colored bodies, Florida carpenter ants are hard to miss. This species is also larger than most other ants, reaching up to 11 mm for males and 20 mm for females. Carpenter ants can sometimes be mistaken for winged termites, but the former is distinguished by a narrower waist and fore wings that are larger than hind wings.
Breeding and Nesting Habits
During spring, winged reproductive carpenter ants, known as alates, head out to mate and form new colonies. Alates can be spotted in large numbers during swarming season, which generally runs from April until June.
Unlike black carpenter ants, Florida carpenter ants don’t tunnel through wood that’s in good condition. But they do seek areas with easy access to food and water and protection from predators and the elements. If Florida carpenter ants get inside your home, popular nesting sites include closets, attic insulation and spots that are hard to reach, such as under bathroom fixtures or inside cracks in floors.
Arrow Pest Service: Your Trusted Panama City Pest Control Authorities
Eliminating the nest is key to effective Panama City pest control. Contact us to learn how our experienced technicians can handle your pest problems safely and efficiently.