7 replies to this topic

[Stubyvast]

So my parents (yes I am 15) don't want me keeping carpenter ants, Camponotus Modoc, to be specific, in the house. I have tried to explain that I won't let them escape their nest, but due to past experiences from when they were kids, they say that they'll dig through the house and destroy it. So I've been wondering, do Camponotus actually dig through dry wood? I know that they will nest in moist wood, but obviously that shouldn't happen in a sound-structured building, like my house. Anyone know anything about that? 

[Ernteameise]

Some species do.

They are pretty good at it.

We even have a German species, Camponotus ligniperda, which literally means "the wood destroying Camponotus".

However, fun fact!- Camponotus ligniperda will only dig into dead and decaying wood. So they got the wrong name! Another German species, however, Camponotus herculeanus, will even dig into and destroy living wood of a living tree.

So yes to your question.

I do however not know about Northern American species.

[TacticalHandleGaming]

So my parents (yes I am 15) don't want me keeping carpenter ants, Camponotus Modoc, to be specific, in the house. I have tried to explain that I won't let them escape their nest, but due to past experiences from when they were kids, they say that they'll dig through the house and destroy it. So I've been wondering, do Camponotus actually dig through dry wood? I know that they will nest in moist wood, but obviously that shouldn't happen in a sound-structured building, like my house. Anyone know anything about that? 

My experience with keeping Camponotus modoc is that they seem to like it a little damp. Easier to chew and nest in. If the wood is wet enough for them to do that, you have bigger issues on hand. (Likely wet rot.)

 

Unless the entire colony escaped, the occasional worker escapee isn't going to cause issues. They are also large enough they would be very easy to spot, even across a room.

[Stubyvast]

Alright, thanks! Your help is appreciated. 

[The_Gaming-gate]

Here from Florida, I know some Camponotus dig through dry wood, although I find that Camponotus floridanus and most other Camponotus I find in Florida prefer to nest under the wood, or in already decaying wood.

Edited by The_Gaming-gate, June 30 2024 - 9:30 AM.

[Serafine]

Camponotus is a huge genus with over 1500 species and subspecies. Some like to live in bone dry conditions (like Camponotus vagus) others will nest in dry wood but still need some moist spots, and others need constant rainforest humidty levels to survive.

[Stubyvast]

Camponotus is a huge genus with over 1500 species and subspecies. Some like to live in bone dry conditions (like Camponotus vagus) others will nest in dry wood but still need some moist spots, and others need constant rainforest humidty levels to survive.

okay I suppose I should be more specific: So in my area (BC) the most prolific Camponotus sp. are Camponotus Modoc and Vicinus. So essentially I'm wondering if these would actually cause structural problems to a sound house frame, with dry, not leaky wood? 

[The_Gaming-gate]

I believe those Camponotus are capable of digging in dry wood.