Carpenter Ants

Camponotus pennsylvanicus 

SIZE: 1/4 – 1/2 inch (6-13mm)

COLOR: Black

DESCRIPTION: The Black Carpenter Ant is a native species to the Toronto area; they are the most common wood-infesting pests in the GTA, much more common than termites. 

HABITAT: Carpenter ants are active mostly at night, although often seen during the day. Most carpenter ant nests are established in water damaged or decayed wood and will expand or enlarge the colony into surrounding sound wood.

LIFE CYCLE: Carpenter ants are social insects containing 3 distinct casts: workers, queens and males. Workers are female, never with wings, and live as long as 7 years. Workers may be small (minors), large (soldiers), or in-between (intermediates). Workers do all the work in the colony, which includes gathering food, caring for young, and enlargement of the nest. Queens, who are the largest ants in the colony, function to establish new colonies and lay eggs. Once a colony is 4 years old it is considered to be mature and reproductive ants with wings will be produced. These ants contain both queens and males, ants will swarm and breed with the males dying shortly after breeding. The fertilized queens will then establish a new colony and are able to produce eggs for their lifetime, which may be up to 15 years.

TYPE OF DAMAGE: Carpenter ants nest in wood, this nesting may result in structural damage. Unlike termites the damage caused by Carpenter ants is caused over time, generally taking years to cause significant damage.  Carpenter ants do not eat wood, they excavate cavities in the wood, the sawdust-like debris is discarded from the active galleries. The presence of this debris is not always visible as it may be inside the wall cavity.
CONTROL: The control of Carpenter Ants will require residual insecticides and void injections of insecticide. It is crucial that all nests be located and eliminated to resolve a carpenter ant infestation. This treatment will require all occupants and pets to vacate the residence for a minimum of 6 hours, ask your service technician for complete details.

Pavement Ants

Tetramorium caespitum 

SIZE: 1/16 – 1/8 inch (2.5-4 mm)

COLOR: Light brown to black

DESCRIPTION: Pavement ants get their name from commonly locating their nest in or under cracks in pavement, patio stones, concrete, and other rock formations. Pavement ants were introduced from Europe by early colonists. They are commonly found in and around the homes and businesses in Toronto and the GTA.

HABITAT: Pavement ants prefer to nest in cracks of or under pavement, patio stones, interlocking brick, and masonry walls at ground level. Inside, pavement ants will occasionally nest in walls, insulation, and under floors.

LIFE CYCLE: Pavement ants are social insects containing 3 distinct casts: workers, queens and males. Workers are female and may be small (minors), large (soldiers), or in-between (intermediates). Workers do all the work in the colony, which includes gathering food, caring for young and enlargement of the nest. Queens, which are the largest ants in the colony, function to establish new colonies and lay eggs. Once a colony is mature reproductive ants with wings will be produced. These ants contain both queens and males, ants will swarm and breed with the males dying shortly after breeding. The fertilized queens will then establish a new colony and are able to produce eggs for their lifetime.

TYPE OF DAMAGE: Pavement ants are not aggressive, however workers are capable of biting people and pets. Pavement ants feed on almost anything including insects, honeydew, seeds, plant sap, and household foods such as meats, nuts, cheese, honey, bread and grease. They will forage for distances of up to 30 feet (9 m).

CONTROL: The control of Pavement Ants will require an interior and exterior residual pesticide application. It is crucial that all nests be eliminated to resolve a pavement ant infestation.  This treatment will require all occupants and pets to vacate the residence for a minimum of 4 hours. Ask your service technician for complete details.