5 replies to this topic

[jcartea]

We've noticed what we believe to be carpenter ants in our home. I went to the exterior side of the house ant was looking around. We have a walk out basement and the exposed basement walls are covered with rigid insulation that is covered by T1-11 siding. It's pretty old and rotting at the bottom. I noticed several carpenter ants in the mulch at one spot, so I started looking around a little more. I think I found the queen? I'll attach a photo. She was in what looked like a half exposed tunnel in the 2" rigid insulation behind the T1-11 siding. I love all things nature, but obviously can't let a carpenter ant colony live in my walls. If this is the queen, will they disperse since I removed her from the colony?

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[Chickalo]

I do not believe either are a queen, the one on the right is not an ant.

[Antlover24]

Yeah that on the left is definitely not a queen or ant probably some kind of beetle, and on the left its just a worker ant, and it's pretty unlikely for you to find the queen that easily outside there nest.

[lazyant]

Some kind of beetle for sure looks like some type of meloe species looks like

(Edit) to be exact Meloe americanus  or oil beetles I don't know hot to get rid of em'

Edited by lazyant, April 16 2022 - 10:22 AM.

[ANTdrew]

Take a deep breath. Unless your home has rotten wood in the walls or foundation, carpenter ants pose no threat. If they are invading inside, first seal any entry points. If that fails, put out some Terro ant gel. Carpenter ant colonies grow extremely slowly. A few on your mulch is no reason to lose sleep.

[jcartea]

I 100% agree now that I googled images for Meloe americanus. Lol. I know nothing about ants, which is why I came seeking folks who do. We've just recently moved to this country home and have been struggling with sugar ants in our pantry and other areas. I've put out some Terro gel and that seems to be working for those. We've found 30 or so lone carpenter ants scurrying across our kitchen counters and floor over the last few months of living here. I suppose as recommended here that I'll try the Terro gel for them as well.