Carpenter ant colony can have multiple satellite nests

A carpenter ant colony can have multiple satellite nests — often up to 20 or more, depending on the size, age, and species of the colony, as well as the availability of suitable nesting sites.

Here’s how it works:

• Parent (primary) nest: This is where the queen resides and where most of the egg-laying occurs. It usually contains the brood (eggs, larvae, and pupae).

• Satellite nests: These are extensions of the main colony and may house workers, pupae, and mature larvae, but not the queen or eggs. Satellite nests are often located in different areas from the main nest and are used to expand territory and access food sources.

Factors that influence the number of satellite nests:

• Species: Some species, like Camponotus pennsylvanicus (black carpenter ant), are especially prone to forming extensive satellite networks.

• Colony size: Larger colonies are more likely to spread out and establish multiple satellite nests.

• Environmental conditions: Moisture, temperature, and the presence of wood or voids suitable for nesting can increase the number of satellite nests.

If you’re dealing with an infestation, this behavior is important to know because eliminating only one nest won’t eradicate the colony — you need to find and treat both the parent and satellite nests.

https://gogreenpestcontrol.ca/carpenter-ant-co…-satellite-nests/

https://insectandrodentexterminators.com/carpenter-ant-colony-can-have-multiple-satellite-nests/

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/carpenter-ant-colony-can-have-multiple-satellite-nests-randy-bilesky-5bdhc