All too often, people see black ants and can’t tell the difference between carpenter ants and “regular” ants. That’s a problem both ways because people might ignore a carpenter ant problem, thinking it’s just a few pests and only discover the real issue after significant structural damage has been done.
Someone else might panic, assuming that any ant is a carpenter ant. While that option is stressful, at least it usually leads to treatment, thereby preventing serious damage and stopping an infestation early.
Are There Black Carpenter Ants?
Yes, carpenter ants are often black. They can also be brown, brownish-black, or a mix of black, brown, red and/or yellow, depending upon the species.
Are All Black Ants Really Carpenter Ants?
No, several species of ants are black… not just carpenter ants. To the casual observer though, it is not always easy to tell the difference between a brown or blackish-brown ant from an ant that is genuinely black – further adding to the confusion.
Carpenter ants are typically black or brown. Some species of carpenter ants can also have a mix of red or yellow. Odorous house ants have dark brownish-black bodies and lighter-colored legs. Pavement ants range from brown to black in color. Those are just a few examples of ants that can have a similar coloring as carpenter ants.
How Do You Tell If You Have Carpenter Ants or Regular Ants?
While both carpenter ants and other species of ants can be black, brown or brownish-black, other appearance variations can help you tell the difference. Carpenter ants are larger than the other types of ants you will commonly see on Long Island. Carpenter ants are about 3/8 to a half an inch long. The other types of pest ants, like pavement ants, are smaller, such as 1/5 to 2/5 of an inch long.
Carpenter ants also have a round thorax and a bent look to their antenna. Their heads are also heart-shaped. They also have a single node between their thorax and abdomen as opposed to ants with two nodes like pavement ants, pharaoh ants, acrobat ants, and what people commonly refer to as “little black ants.”
Other signs of a carpenter ant infestation are:
- The sounds of ants in walls
- Piles of wood shavings
- Carpenter ant workers tend to be spotted early in the morning or at night
What Other Ants Look Like Carpenter Ants?
Some people confuse any black ant with carpenter ants. For those who look closely at the ants and know that carpenter ants have a single node between their thorax and abdomen, field ants, crazy ants, and yellow ants have the same, which can cause some identification confusion for the amateur.
Carpenter Ants Causing Stress? Let Arrow Handle It
If you have carpenter ants – or are not sure what type of ants have invaded your home – Call Arrow Exterminating. We will identify the type of ant and propose a treatment method. Protect your home. To get started, contact Arrow Exterminating today.
