Modoc carpenter ants.

5661 &5662  Hi,  There seems to be an uprising of these large ants in the last couple days, in multiple locations around Wakaw Saskatchewan.  Just wondering what they are and if they need to be exterminated? Thanks in advance! Jaimie. 

These are female reproductive carpenter ants, probably Modoc species. The ant on the right has been fertilized and has removed her wings. (See the scars on her thorax)  She will be seeking wet wood to burrow into and start a new nest. She will lay about 70,000 eggs over the next 15 years.   Read more about carpenter ants.