Compact Carpenter Ant

Camponotus planatus

Pest Stats

Color

Reddish-brown head and thorax with a black abdomen.

Size

Workers range from 3 to 6 millimeters in length.

Shape

Segmented body with fine golden hairs, a rounded head, and a distinct contrast between the thorax and abdomen.

Region

Native to Central and South America, found in southern Texas, Florida, and Mississippi in the United States.

Compact Carpenter Ant
(Camponotus planatus)

The compact carpenter ant (Camponotus planatus) is a small ant species commonly found in tropical and subtropical environments. Workers typically measure between 3 to 6 millimeters in length and display a distinct bicolored appearance, with a reddish-brown head and thorax contrasting against a black abdomen. Their bodies are covered in fine, golden hairs, particularly on the head, thorax, and abdomen. These ants are native to Central and South America but have also established populations in parts of the southern United States, including Texas, Florida, and Mississippi.

What Do Compact Carpenter Ants Look Like?

Compact carpenter ants (Camponotus planatus) ​​ are small ants with a distinctive bicolored appearance. They have a reddish-brown head and thorax, while their abdomen is black, creating a noticeable contrast. Their bodies are covered in fine, golden hairs, especially on the head, thorax, and abdomen. Workers typically range from 3 to 6 millimeters in length, making them smaller than other carpenter ant species. Their segmented bodies and rounded heads give them a characteristic shape, distinguishing them from similar ants.

Similar Ants

Biology of Compact Carpenter Ants

The compact carpenter ant (Camponotus planatus) is a predominantly arboreal species that builds nests in dead branches, hollow twigs, and old termite galleries. These ants prefer warm, sun-exposed environments such as forest canopies, roadside vegetation, and agricultural lands. Colonies are relatively small compared to other carpenter ant species and often contain multiple queens, allowing for stable colony growth. 

 

They are opportunistic feeders, preying on small insects and scavenging for food, while also tending to honeydew-producing insects like aphids. Unlike larger carpenter ants, they do not cause significant structural damage but may occasionally establish nests in decaying wood near homes. Their activity peaks in warm climates, making them more prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions. Due to their adaptability, compact carpenter ants can thrive in both natural and urban settings.

Habits of Compact Carpenter Ants

Compact carpenter ants are highly adaptable and prefer nesting in moist, decaying, or hollow wood. They create intricate tunnels within the wood, allowing easy movement between sections of their colony. These ants are often found in damp areas of homes, such as under windows, roof eaves, decks, and porches. Primarily nocturnal, they forage for food at night, feeding on dead insects, plant nectar, and honeydew from aphids. While they do not eat wood, their nesting behavior can cause structural damage over time if left untreated.

5 Ways To Prevent Compact Carpenter Ants in Your Home

These proactive steps will help keep them away, but if you’re still seeing signs of these ants, the professionals at Wise House Environmental Services are just a call away.

number one

Seal Entry Points

Inspect your home's exterior for cracks, gaps, and openings, especially around doors, windows, and utility lines, and seal them with silicone-based caulk to block potential entryways.

number two

Eliminate Moisture Sources

Repair leaky pipes, ensure proper ventilation in attics and crawl spaces, and address any moisture buildup within walls to create an inhospitable environment for Compact Carpenter Ants.

number three

Maintain Landscaping

Keep tree branches and shrubbery trimmed away from the house to prevent ants from using them as bridges to enter your home.

number four

Properly Store Firewood and Building Materials

Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house and five inches off the ground, and eliminate piles of lumber, bricks, or other debris that could serve as nesting sites for Compact Carpenter Ants.

number five

Use Insecticide Barriers

Apply a residual insecticide barrier along the foundation of your home to deter ants from entering.

5 Ways To Keep Compact Carpenter Ants Out Of Your Home

Following these tips for both inside and outside your home can help prevent Compact Carpenter Ants from becoming a nuisance. If they’re still persistent, Wise House Environmental Services is ready to provide professional support and keep your home ant-free.
number one

Store Food Properly

Ants are highly attracted to food inside the home. Keep food stored in airtight containers, clean up crumbs or spills immediately, and regularly empty trash bins with food waste.

number two

Clean Regularly

Ants are resourceful and will find even the smallest bits of food. Regularly sweep, mop, and wipe down countertops, especially in the kitchen and dining areas, to remove potential food sources. Pay attention to corners and crevices where crumbs might gather.

number three

Reduce Moisture

Fix leaks and eliminate damp areas to remove the moisture that Acrobat Ants seek out. Repair dripping faucets, leaky roofs, or poor drainage, and replace any damp or rotting wood.

number four

Seal Cracks and Gaps Indoors

Just as with the exterior, inspect your home’s interior for small cracks or gaps where ants could enter. Seal any visible openings, especially around windows, door frames, baseboards, and along the edges of cabinets.

number five

Don’t Leave Pet Food Out Overnight

If you have pets, avoid leaving their food out overnight. Ants are attracted to pet food, so clean up any leftover food, or place pet dishes in a shallow tray of water to create a barrier.

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