Huge ant in Philodendron house plant

[jj438@cox.net]

How about THIS ant it is one of the largest ones and does like logs and such.
 
 
Carpenter Ant
(Genus Camponotus)
APPEARANCE: Among the largest ants, from one-fourth to three-eighths inch long; most common species are black, but some have reddish or yellowish coloration; workers have large mandibles.

HABITS: Normally nest in dead portions of standing trees, stumps or logs, or burrow under fallen logs or stones; invade homes in search of food; nests inside homes can do great damage; hollow out "galleries" in wood that are so smooth they appear to be sandpapered.

DIET: Do not eat wood; will feed on nearly anything people eat, particularly sweets and meats; also feed on other insects.

REPRODUCTION: Queen lays fifteen to twenty eggs the first year, and up to thirty eggs the second year; eggs complete their life cycle in about sixty days; worker ants can live up to seven years, while a queen may live up to twenty-five years.

OTHER INFORMATION: All kinds of houses, regardless of age or type of construction, are vulnerable to infestation and damage by carpenter ants; very difficult to control; colonies can contain up to three thousand workers.

[Marjorie Martin]

 I went to water a very large Philodendron plant and this huge black ant ran so fast  under the earth I was shocked.  They say he lives in the roots............Please, if anyone knows how I can get rid of it without harming my plant I will be forever grateful - This thing was huge.....Thank youl