Carpenter Ant Red-and-Black

Life Cycle

Color: Red and black coloration
Size: Workers often about 5.5–11 mm
Key Markings: Large workers, elbowed antennae
Activity: Often noticed after dark
Common Areas: Trees, rooflines, sheltered voids

Description

Camponotus spp.

Florida carpenter ants are large ants that use protected spaces for nesting. They do not eat wood. Florida species commonly use existing cavities or soft, damaged material, and their feeding includes insects and sweet liquids. Worker size and coloration vary, so a close identification is useful.

Ants develop through complete metamorphosis: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Workers support the developing colony; visible foragers are only part of it.

What Attracts Them?

Damp or deteriorated nesting materials
Honeydew and insect prey
Sheltered cavities near the home

How Do They Get Inside?

Branches bridging to rooflines
Gaps around utility connections
Openings into structural voids

Signs of an Infestation

Large ants on walls or trees

Trails along rooflines

Workers emerging from cavities

Winged ants near a nesting area

How Serious or Harmful Are They?

Their presence warrants checking nesting sites and moisture conditions. Red-and-black color alone does not establish the exact species or prove structural damage.

Treatment / How to Get Rid of Them

What You Can Do

Correct moisture problems
Keep branches clear of the home
Inspect damaged wood and sheltered voids
Track activity locations for the inspection

How Pest Guys Helps

The A-C-T Process: Assess. Communicate. Treat.

Assess — We inspect your property, identify pests and activity, locate nesting and hiding areas, and find contributing conditions.

Communicate — We explain our findings, discuss the recommended plan, answer your questions, and confirm understanding and agreement.

Treat — We put the agreed plan into action, perform the initial treatment, provide ongoing service, and monitor results to adjust as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for first?

Large workers, elbowed antennae. Large ants on walls or trees. A clear photograph and the location of activity can help with identification.

What conditions should I check?

Start with damp or deteriorated nesting materials. Correct moisture problems.

Does seeing one mean there is an infestation?

A single sighting does not establish the extent of a problem. Repeated activity, developing young, nests, or other evidence help us determine what is happening.

How does Pest Guys decide what to do?

We use A-C-T: Assess, Communicate, Treat. The pest, its location, and the conditions at your home guide the recommendation. We explain the plan and any preparation needed before service.