How Long Do Big Black Ants Live
Carpenter ants nest in almost any wood but prefer wood that is moist.
How long do big black ants live. The amount of damage a carpenter ant infestation can inflict on a property can vary. We assume this is the case so that any water that infiltrates the entrance hole cant seep downward and flood the nest. Finding large numbers of winged ants indoors is a sure sign that a nest exists inside your home.
Females and males leave the nest when they mate and this can expose them to predators. Also called carpenter ants these ants destroy furniture and foundational wooden boards. While pupating the ant larvae are cared for and fed by the workers of the colony.
Carpenter ants are not only annoying but can also cause structural damage to your home. They are likely to be found in places where water leaks have moistened wood so areas near sinks bathtubs and window and door frames are good places to look. A Black ant colony will contain just one queen many other ant species actually have more than one queen in each colony.
Carpenter ants are black in color and can be a quarter of an inch long workers to a three quarters of an inch long queen. Black ants are important soil engineers mixing it up and increasing its fertility. The life cycle of a carpenter ant is estimated to be 6 to 12 weeks from egg to adult.
Moreover the big black ants found in spring or winter need to be dealt with immediately because they can damage the house. We have found that ants typically live above the entrance hole. If you have seen large black ants they may be carpenter ants.
Moist hollow places are particular favorites such as the wall void behind a dishwasher. If you see activity later in the year it may be less clear if the nest is in the building. These large ants are black and their legs are dark red.