**Red Carpenter Ants** (*Camponotus* spp., often referring to reddish-black species) are large ants that are primarily considered **structural pests**. The conflict is **excavation of wood**: they tunnel into wood (preferring wood softened by water damage, but capable of tunneling sound wood) to create smooth, clean galleries for nesting, which can lead to significant structural weakening over time, especially in load-bearing timbers.
Taxonomy and Classification
Carpenter Ants belong to the Family Formicidae (Ants). They are polymorphic, with minor, major, and queen castes.
Physical Description
Workers are large, 6-13\text{ mm} long.
- **Worker (Key ID):** Large size; distinct, single node (petiole) connecting the thorax and abdomen; the thorax (dorsal view) is evenly rounded (convex) and not bumpy (distinction from other ants).
- **Damage ID:** Piles of **frass** (sawdust-like wood shavings mixed with insect parts) found below foraging holes; hearing a distinct “rustling” sound inside walls.
- **Distinction:** They only **excavate** wood; they do not eat it (unlike termites).
- **Conflict:** Structural.
Distribution and Habitat
Found worldwide, common in forested and urban areas. Nests are built in wood (stumps, trees, fences, wall voids, roof eaves), particularly where moisture is present.
Behavior and Conflict
The conflict is their large colony size and wood destruction.
- **Satellite Nests:** They often establish a large, primary (parent) nest outdoors and smaller, humidity-tolerant **satellite nests** indoors in dry, sound wood.
- **Foraging:** They are primarily nocturnal, foraging widely for dead insects, sugary foods, and insect honeydew.
Management and Prevention
Management is **Source Identification and Elimination**.
- **Locate and eliminate the parent colony** (often outdoors); correct any and all moisture problems within the structure immediately.
- Apply insecticidal dusts or non-repellent liquid insecticide directly into the discovered galleries, foraging voids, and satellite nest sites.
Conservation and Research
Research focuses on developing more effective ant baits that target the specific feeding preferences of *Camponotus* and improving moisture management in structures.