Ants belong to the insect family Formicidae (‘Formic’ from the formic acid which an ant uses as a defense and squirts into a wound it has caused).

• Identification: Black to reddish brown with three body segments and ‘jointed’ antennae. ¼” to ½” in length depending upon caste.
• Carpenter ants are found throughout the country, but, are most common in the cool, damp climates like those of the northern half of the US.
• Problematic species in this area is the Black Carpenter Ant – Camponotus pennsylvanicus
• Can cause significant structural damage, but are usually more a nuisance than a structural problem.
• Ants do not eat the wood but excavate it for their nests. The push the frass out of exit slits in the wood.