Florida Carpenter Ant
Camponotus floridanus
Pest Stats
Color
Vary in color from dark brown to pale blond ants
Size
From 6 to 11 mm, with winged reproductives reaching up to 20 mm, making it one of Florida's largest ants.
Shape
Florida carpenter ant has a robust, elongated body with a single-node waist, large mandibles, and long antennae.
Region
Widespread throughout Florida and extend into neighboring states, reaching as far north as North Carolina and as far west as Mississippi.
What is Florida Carpenter Ant
(Camponotus floridanus)
The Florida Carpenter Ant (Camponotus floridanus) is a large, reddish-brown and black ant species commonly found throughout Florida and the southeastern United States. Unlike termites, these ants do not eat wood but excavate damp or decaying wood to build their nests, often invading attics, wall voids, crawl spaces, and outdoor wooden structures. While they do not sting, Florida carpenter ants can bite and spray formic acid, causing irritation.
What Do Florida Carpenter Ants Look Like?
The Florida Carpenter Ant is one of over 900 species in the Camponotus genus, known for its ability to excavate nests in wood. These ants do not eat wood but tunnel through damp or decaying wood, often nesting in attics, wall voids, and wooden structures around homes. Some Camponotus species nest in soil or preformed cavities, but Florida carpenter ants are commonly found in trees, logs, and structural voids. They are one of the largest ant species in South Florida, with workers ranging from 6 to 11 mm and winged reproductives reaching up to 20 mm. Their reddish-brown and black coloration makes them easy to spot as they forage or fly indoors and outdoors, especially at night.
Similar Ants
- Ghost Ants (Tapinoma melanocephalum)
- Crazy Ants (Paratrechina longicornis)
- Big-Headed Ants (Pheidole spp.)
Biology of Florida Carpenter Ants
Habits, Behaviors, Threats/Dangers of Florida Carpenter Ants
Florida Carpenter Ants are nocturnal foragers, often seen trailing along walls, ceilings, and outdoor structures in search of sweets and proteins. They establish large colonies in damp or decaying wood, nesting in attics, wall voids, tree stumps, and wooden decks, making homes and businesses in South Florida highly susceptible to infestations. While they do not sting, these ants can bite and spray formic acid, causing skin irritation. Their tunneling weakens wooden structures over time, leading to potential damage if left untreated.
Swarms of winged reproductives appear in spring and summer, signaling an active colony nearby. Without proper pest control, these ants can quickly expand their nests, making infestations harder to eliminate. Professional pest control services can help identify, eliminate, and prevent carpenter ant infestations before they cause costly repairs.
5 Ways To Prevent Florida 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.
Eliminate Moisture and Rotting Wood
Florida Carpenter Ants prefer damp, decaying wood for nesting. Fix leaks, improve ventilation in attics and crawl spaces, and remove rotting wood around your home to reduce nesting sites.
Seal Entry Points
These ants can enter through small cracks, gaps in siding, and openings around windows and doors. Use caulk, weather stripping, and sealants to block potential entryways.
Trim Trees and Shrubs
Carpenter ants use branches and overgrown vegetation to access homes. Keep trees, shrubs, and bushes trimmed away from your home’s exterior to prevent easy access.
Store Food Properly and Keep Surfaces Clean
These ants forage for sweets, proteins, and greasy foods. Store food in sealed containers, wipe down counters, and remove crumbs to eliminate food sources.
Schedule Regular Pest Inspections
A professional pest control service in South Florida can detect early signs of infestation, apply targeted treatments, and implement preventative measures to keep your home carpenter ant-free.
5 Ways To Keep Florida Carpenter Ants Out Of Your Home
Following these tips can help prevent Florida Carpenter Ants from becoming a problem. If they’re still persistent, Wise House Environmental Services is ready to provide professional support and keep your home ant-free.
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.
Clean Regularly
Ants are resourceful and will find even the smallest bits of food. Regularly sweep, and wipe down countertops, especially in the kitchen and dining areas, to remove potential food sources. Pay attention to corners and crevices.
Reduce Moisture
Fix leaks and eliminate damp areas to remove the moisture that Florida Carpenter Ants seek out. Repair dripping faucets, leaky roofs, or poor drainage, and replace any damp or rotting wood.
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.
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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