I might have carpenter ants!!?

Question

So last summer, I remember there were some really big black ants, and when one was crawling on me, it didn't bite.

There was one in my room the other day, and I didn't think anything of it until I heard what carpenter ants are.

I live in an extremely old house in south dakota, and I doubt my parents will ever move. Should I/they be concerned?

Answer 1

if you have carpenter ants, maybe you can get them to build your parents a new house.

Answer 2

Just kill them if the are bothering you.  Use a mix of cinnamon and sugar. The ants will pick up the sugar, along with the cinnamon, and take it back to their queen. Ants can’t digest cinnamon and once the queen dies from not being able to digest the cinnamon the colony will die without her.

Answer 3

i had carpenter ants this winter and i live in MINNESOTA! they were everywhere. first it wasnt that bad but then they started to appear more often until there was about 7 ants at a time walking in our kitchen! we tried a few ant traps, and at first they werent helping and then we got anew ant trap, and in about 4 days they VANISED ! it was amazing! We used TERRO it works like a charm and if that doesnt work call an exterminator

Answer 4

The big, black carpenter ants typically live in big old trees with at least some rot. In the late spring or early summer, following at least three days of 25c plus temps (80F) they fly off from the nest to mate, and this is most likely when you will see them around. Soon after their migratory flight they chew off their wings and try to take up residence in a new location but these critters are not termites and you should have little to worry about. To be on the safe side, and to rule out ants or termites, do an annual check under the house around any stringers, joists or foundation pieces made of wood, especially in any damp locations. Look for little piles of sawdust which would indicate boring.