Carpenter Ants Are Among Today's Top Pests

According to a study by the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), carpenter ants were found to be one of the most prevalent pests today.

The study, which surveyed U.S. pest professionals, found that 100 percent of respondents treated ant infestations in 2011, and that the most prevalent species found were carpenter ants, odorous house ants and pavement ants. Sixty-six percent of professionals had treated for carpenter ants, 62 percent for odorous house ants, and 59% for pavement ants.

According to the study, most professionals treated several hundred ant infestations, while some treated many more. Infestations were most common in:

• office buildings (88%)
• restaurants (83%)
• apartments and condos (82%)
• single-family homes (80%).

It is common to find carpenter ants in homes and see winged ants in the spring, but before attempting control efforts, it is important to identify the particular species, and to ensure whether the flying "ants" are carpenter ants or termites.

Graphic courtesy of Owl Pest Prevention