Carpenter Ants.
Here in western Washington, carpenter ants are an annual right of spring. After a long winters nap they are starting to move around and many homeowners are already discovering these invaders.
Carpenter ants don't actually eat wood, they only damage it in the process of building a nest.
They feed mostly on aphids and scale bugs, milking them for honeydew, and these insects play a large role in explaining carpenter ant behavior.
Because insects like aphids feed on sap they are slaves to the plants they feed upon and the plants, in turn, are slaves to the seasons.
So, it goes something like this, plants move their sap into their roots for the winter, plant parasites can’t get the sap so they lay eggs or go dormant, they aren't producing honeydew so the ants go dormant. The ants literally take a nap for the winter and most of the spring.
As spring approaches plants move their sap out of their roots, the plant parasites return and start producing honeydew and the carpenter ants wake up to tend their flocks.
Aphids and scale bugs are to carpenter ants what cows are to us and the ants will not only milk them but defend them from predators and move them from one plant to another.
Now in nature many insects have built in alarm clocks and carpenter ants are no exception but when they nest in a heated structure this can get thrown off kilter. If you see carpenter ants inside your home before May it is usually because there is a nest in the building. These ants are often still half asleep wandering around looking for water and sweets. If you do nothing at all you will stop seeing them indoors as they find sap feeding insects and establish feeding trails outdoors. This doesn't mean they are gone, just foraging outside. The colony will continue expanding in the building and if left untreated can do significant damage.
This time of year, aside from ants inside, you should be on the lookout for ants standing around on the foundation or decks. They can often be detected at corners of the foundation. Carpenter ants will avoid hiking over rough terrain and will trail along sidewalks, decks, landscape edging and garden hoses. Utility lines coming to your home can also provide a pathway for them especially if they pass through tree branches.
If you find these ants in your home between November and May it is a clear indicator that there is a nest in the structure.. Steps should be taken promptly to avoid damage.
Even though there are many products available over the counter for carpenter ant control, treatment for active infestations should be performed by trained, experienced people. The most effective materials are not available to the general public and no one has figured out how to put experience in a can. <