Carpenter Ants: All You Need To Know
Although carpenter ants have plagued homes for many years, there is still much false information. Most individuals need help knowing where to begin when dealing with carpenter ant infestations, whether due to uncertainty about how they enter houses, the damage they may cause, or how to keep them away. In this blog post, we will answer all your questions about carpenter ants and arm you with the information you need to take charge of these tiny intruders!
What are Carpenter Ants and What do They Look Like
Carpenter ants are pests that are commonly found in buildings and homes. They are considered a severe problem because they can cause damage by building nests in wood, hence the name “carpenter.” These ants have a black to brownish-black colour and usually measure between 5 and 15 millimetres in length.
Additionally, carpenter ants have three distinct body regions: the head, thorax and abdomen. The head has dark-coloured compound eyes and elbowed antennae, while the thorax has part of the wings attached to it.
Lastly, the abdomen is segmented with several spines near the end of it. Carpenter ants can be tough to identify due to their similar appearance to flying ants; however, they can be spotted thanks to their large size and solid coloration.
How do You Identify a Carpenter Ant Infestation
Noticing signs of carpenter ant infestation can be alarming but identifying them early is critical to getting rid of these nuisance pests. The first sign of carpenter ants is often a rustling sound inside walls or ceilings, especially during the spring months. Carpenter ants prefer damp wood and are attracted to water-damaged lumber in the home.
Look for giant dark ants with a distinctly curved antennae near doors and windowsills as they often try to enter here. It’s also important to pay attention to piles of coarse sawdust outside their entry point, as this is a sure sign they are nesting in your home. Look out for tiny heaps of frass – a combination residue of wood shavings, dead ants and other insects – in corners and basements, which should alert you to an ant infestation.
What Damage Can They Cause?
Carpenter ants are a problem for homeowners due to the damage they can cause. They create networks of tunnels in wood found in ceilings, walls, and other structural components around the household. The tunnelling weakens these load-bearing areas and can lead to costly repairs. Carpenter ants also have an appetite for electrical wiring, which could create expensive fires if left unchecked. In addition, they will build large nests outside the home that can sometimes contain thousands of worker ants.
To make matters worse, carpenter ants also guard their nests against other ant species, so it takes work to remove them. A qualified pest control professional should identify and eliminate a carpenter’s ant infestation to ensure that these destructive pests are quickly eradicated before severe damage is caused.
What is the Best Way to Get Rid of Carpenter Ants
By hiring a pest control specialist, you can get rid of carpenter ants in one of the finest methods possible. This pest control firm will use the right chemicals to tackle the issue. They will also be able to recognize and address any other problems. To prevent further issues with these insects, the pest control company will advise how to maintain your house free of pests.
They can suggest preventative measures such as sealing cracks and crevices around windows and doors, landscaping away from your home, and cleaning garbage areas. Pest control companies have the expert knowledge and equipment to help ensure that you can say goodbye to these unwelcome guests while protecting your home from further infestations.
Final Words
Are you dealing with an unexpected and unappreciated ant invasion? Don’t despair – let our professionals lend their expertise to ensure your home is free from carpenter ants. Let the word be heard that there’s a solution if these critters have taken over! Reach out now, and don’t suffer alone any longer.