It is a common misconception that all ants consume wood. Only a select few establish their nests within wooden structures. This behavior can lead to significant damage over time if not addressed. Identifying wood-dwelling ants and their presence is important for homeowners.
Not All Ants Live in Wood
Most ants build their colonies in soil, under rocks, or within various outdoor environments. They create intricate tunnel systems in the ground, utilizing natural crevices and existing spaces for shelter and reproduction. These common ant species are foragers, seeking food and water rather than excavating wood for nesting.
The belief that all ants live in wood stems from the destructive habits of specific species that infest wooden structures. These particular ants carve out galleries for their nests but do not consume the wood itself. Their presence indicates a potential issue, differentiating them from ant species that pose no threat to timber.
Carpenter Ants: The Primary Wood Dwellers
Carpenter ants (Camponotus) are the most recognized wood-dwelling ants. They tunnel into wood to construct nests, rather than eating it for sustenance. They prefer to excavate wood that is damp, decaying, or softened by moisture, as it is easier to chew through. However, they can extend galleries into sound, dry wood once an initial nest is established.
A carpenter ant colony consists of a parent colony, often outdoors in a moist environment like a tree stump or log, and one or more satellite colonies, which can be found indoors. The parent colony houses the queen, eggs, and young larvae; satellite colonies contain workers, older larvae, and pupae. They use their mandibles to shred wood, creating smooth, clean galleries within the timber. Wood fragments are discarded outside the nest, forming piles that resemble sawdust.
Identifying Wood-Dwelling Ants vs. Termites
Distinguishing wood-dwelling ants from termites is important, as both can damage wooden structures. A primary difference lies in their appearance. Ants, including carpenter ants, have a pinched waist, elbowed antennae, and if winged, hind wings shorter than front wings. Termites, in contrast, have a broad waist, straight antennae, and if winged, all four wings are equal in size and length. Termite wings are often longer than their bodies and shed easily.
The damage they inflict also differs. Carpenter ants create smooth, clean, excavated galleries, as if sanded. Termites, however, consume wood for cellulose, resulting in rough, ragged tunnels often filled with soil or mud. Termites are typically lighter, ranging from creamy white to dark brown, while carpenter ants are usually black, red, or a combination of these colors.
Signs of Infestation and Potential Damage
Several indicators suggest the presence of wood-dwelling ants. One common sign is “frass,” a sawdust-like material of wood shavings and insect parts, often found near kick-out holes created by ants. These holes serve as exits for debris from their tunnels. Another sign is faint rustling, crackling, or scratching noises within walls or wooden structures, particularly at night when ants are most active.
Large, winged ants, known as swarmers, indoors can signal a mature carpenter ant colony nearby. These reproductive ants emerge to establish new nests. While carpenter ants do not consume wood, their extensive tunneling can weaken structural timbers, potentially leading to issues like stuck doors, sagging floors, or bulging walls. Damage often starts in wood softened by moisture, making areas around windows, doors, and leaky pipes common targets.