BC is home to 10 species of Carpenter Ant but it’s the Camponotus Modoc and Camponotus Vicinus which are most commonly found in homes in the Metro Vancouver and Lower Mainland areas.
Carpenter ants are usually easy to spot when they appear in a home. They are unmistakably large, approx 6mm-12mm in length.
Identifying the Camponotus Vicinus Carpenter Ant
Identified by their reddish-brown thorax (middle body segment). Slightly smaller than their cousin the Camponotus Modoc who’s typically all black. The C-Vicinus is the less common but considered more destructive of the two local carpenter ants.
Here is a breakdown of the differences between the two:
 Carpenter Ant – Modoc |  Carpenter Ant – Vicinus | ||
| Colour | black thorax | reddish-brown thorax and black | |
| Length | 6mm-12mm | 6mm-12mm | |
| Nest(s) Location | various locations, usually places with higher humidity | various locations, often under stones, places with high humidity | |
| Nest(s) | One Parent nest + Satellite colonies | Multiple Parent nests + Satellite colonies | |
| Queen(s) | One Queen | Multiple Queens |
Location
Mostly found in the rainier regions; North Shore, Tri-cities, Sunshine Coast, Squamish, and Whistler.
Behaviour and Biology
Some carpenter ant colonies are monogyne, which means they have only one queen, as opposed to other species of ants that are polygyne, meaning they have multiple queens.
Nesting Habits
Because the C-Vicinus can have multiple parent nests (and with that multiple queens) in a single colony, they can be much more destructive than the C-Modoc. C-Vicinus is also usually a clear indicator that there are greater underlying issues such as multiple areas of the structure that have incurred water damage past or present and with that, wood rot.
Parent nests for both of these carpenter ant types can be found indoors and out. The parent nests require high moisture content for the queen to lay her eggs.
Satellite nests act as support networks for the parent nests. These satellites can also be found indoors and out, however these nests can be found almost anywhere, including in just about any dry wood apart from cedar. Carpenter ants ability to chew through hard wood is remarkable. In addition tunnelling into and residing the framing of a structure, satellite nests can be located in insulated wall voids, underneath floors, crawlspaces, etc.
Dry wood is fine for the satellite locations if necessary however anywhere where there is a build up of moisture they can thrive.
Spotted these pesky fellas around your property? Give us a call.
For all your carpenter ant control needs in Greater Vancouver and the Lower Mainland, contact Westside Pest Control today via phone, email, or webchat.