Characteristics: Many ants belonging to the genus Lasius, known collectively as “moisture ants”, make their nests in and around damp or rotting wood. Ants belonging to the genus can be yellow to brown, and they can be distinguished from carpenter ants by their smaller size.
Behavior:
Moisture ants have a single queen, with a medium-sized colony.
Moisture ants don’t actually cause damage by excavating wood; they take advantage of already damaged and wet wood, in order to make their nests.
Classified as a Scavenger / Predator, they mostly forage at night, for sweet substances. Some specific species also prey on other small insects.
Some species of moisture ants make a cardboard-like, very intricate nest.
Various ants belonging to the genus Lasius are collectively known as “Moisture Ants”. This grouping includes many different species, but the most common moisture ants have unusual characteristics that make identification easy.
Moisture ant colonies are typically medium-sized, with a single queen. Some species prefer to nest underground, in tightly packed tunnels through sand, but there are some types of moisture ants that prefer to build in rotting or damp wood. These ants combine already damaged wood with honeydew from tended aphids, making a cardboard-like paste that is then formed into intricate structures. Moisture ants build a structure, rather than excavating wood, and this is what makes them different from carpenter ants.
Problems with Moisture Ants
Moisture ants will build their intricate nests wherever damaged or waterlogged wood exists. They take advantage of leaks or pre-existing damage, creating large colonies slowly. Unless the initial damage or leak is fixed and the damage removed, they will continue to spread and build their nest.
Moisture Ant Prevention
The best way to prevent moisture ants is to fix any leaks or water damage immediately. Moisture ants require a water source to live and build their nest, and without water of some kind, they will not attempt to build a colony.
Eliminating a Moisture Ant Infestation
After a nest is discovered, the best way to eliminate moisture ants is to call a professional ant exterminator. A licensed expert can determine the scope of the problem, the origin of the water source, and how best to proceed with removal. At Pest Control Inc, we use a variety of different treatment techniques, including surveillance, baiting, and exclusion solutions. We offer residential as well as commercial pest control services.
