Moisture ants prefer to nest in water damaged, rotting wood. In nature, you can
find colonies inhabiting fallen trees and tree stumps that are in the advanced
stages of decay. Because moisture ants enjoy sweets, they can often come into
our houses to feed on any sugar left unprotected; this can be annoying. And
because they inhabit wood, they can cause accelerated decay in our homes.
Colonies that develop in decaying wood of a house, like carpenter ants and
termites, can weaken wooden structures.
Identifying Moisture Ant Damage
Moisture Ants Control
These ants are not a primary structural pest, but
they can speed the deterioration of wood. They
also become a nuisance as they enter homes in
search of food. If possible, determine where the
ants are coming from. These ants require moisture
to survive. They may be nesting in damp soil outside
or under the house, beneath sidewalks, along
foundations, or under debris and rocks in the yard.
Or, the ants may be living in damp, decaying wood.
If the ants are nesting in wood, they may throw out
sawdust as they enlarge their nests.
Moisture Ants Cultural Control
Check periodically for wet, decaying wood or wet
soil under the house. Correct problems which are
creating a damp place for the ants to live (leaking
gutters, plumbing, improperly caulked windows,
etc.). Do not allow wood members to come into
contact with soil. These ants frequently inhabit
form lumber the contractor buried in the soil next
to the foundation. Remove this wood. Replace
any badly damaged wood. Remember, long-term
control requires eliminating the moisture problem
and wet rotting wood.