Carpenter ant

We have had evidence of the carpenter ants for almost 3yrs.
Noted to be in the area where our screened porch adjoins roof of our home. Exterminator applied spray for two yrs resulting in dead ants falling from vents in the attic (these are on our screened porch).. In the last month we have seen white, almost powdery, debri coming from the vents;however few dead ants after the exterminator fogged the area..We have found evidence of ant infestation under the bark of a large pine tree a few feet from the porch. Were told that the ants can infest wood of decaying trees.
Chemicals are not our preferred treatment; however we want to get rid of the ants. The huge pine tree is not suited to our part of the country or our yard. Would it help to remove it? (Estimated cost about $1000.)... read more We aren't aware of any leaks in our roof.

Life Cycle: Ants develop through several stages: eggs, larva, pupa and adult. Larva are legless and grub-like and pupae are a cream-colored to tan cocoon which are often mistakenly called "ant eggs." Development from egg to worker ant occurs in about 2 months. Carpenter ants are social insects and live in colonies made of different forms of ants or "castes." Mature colonies contain winged male and female forms (reproductives), sterile female workers of various sizes, and a wingless 9/16 inch long queen. Winged forms swarm during May through late July. The presence of 3/4 inch long winged forms in the home is an indication that structural damage may be occurring.

Habitat, Food Source(s), Damage: These ants usually nest in dead wood, either outdoors in old stumps and dead part... read mores of trees and around homes (in fences, fire wood, etc.) or indoors (between wood shingles, in siding, beams, joists, fascia boards, etc.). Ant colonies are often located in cracks and crevices between structural timbers, but the ants can also tunnel into structural wood to form nesting galleries. They often appear to prefer moist, decaying wood, wood with dry rot or old termite galleries. However, damage is often limited because these ants tunnel into wood only to form nests and do not eat wood. Galleries (nesting tunnels) produced by carpenter ants usually follow the grain of the wood and around the annual rings. Tunnel walls are clean and smooth. Nests can be located by searching for piles of sawdust-like wood scrapings (frass) underneath exit holes. These piles accumulate as the nests are excavated and usually also contain parts of dead colony members.

Camponotus rasilis, will nest under stones or in other non-wood cracks and crevices.

Foraging worker ants leave the nest and seek sources of sweets and other foods such as decaying fruit, insects and sweet exudates from aphids or other sucking insects.

Pest Status: Although these ants can bite, they do not sting. Galleries excavated in wood by carpenter ants to produce nesting sites can weaken structures. Foraging worker ants in the home can be a nuisance.