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CARPENTER ANT
![[Larger view of a carpenter ant]](images/carpant_med.jpg)
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Description:
Workers
vary in size from 1/8" to ½" and are black or combinations
of black and red. The antenna is segmented, without a club, and the
thorax lacks a spine.
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Why
be concerned?
Carpenter ants
are more than a nuisance-they "mine" wood to create tunnels
and chambers for living space. Although carpenter ants do not actually
eat wood, this mining activity damages structural wood members.
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What
you can do.
Carpenter ants'
prime food source is plant pests, especially aphids, scale, mealy
bugs, and others that produce honey dew. Inspect your plants. Trim
back shrubs and trees that touch your structure.
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What
we would do.
APM has three treatment
strategies to eliminate carpenter ant infestation. After inspecting
the structure and surrounding landscape, your technician will work
with you to determine the best approach for your situation.
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| Picture
courtesy of Oregon State University - Ken Gray Image Collection. |
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