Carpenter ants are one of the most common pests that invade homes across the United States. These ants are known for their ability to create extensive nests and cause significant structural damage to buildings. They are attracted to moist or decaying wood, and if left unchecked, they can cause severe damage to your home.
In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about carpenter ants, their behavior, and how to keep them out of your home. We will also explain how Preferred Pest Management can help you manage these pests.
What are Carpenter Ants?
Carpenter ants are a species of ant that nests in moist, decaying, or hollow wood. They are generally larger than other species of ants, ranging from 3/8 to 1/2 inch in length. These ants are usually black or red, but some species may have a combination of both colors.
Unlike termites, carpenter ants do not eat wood. Instead, they excavate tunnels and galleries in the wood to create their nests. They prefer to nest in dead or decaying wood, but they can also create nests in sound wood, especially if it is moist.
Carpenter ants are active during the night and are usually seen foraging for food during the spring and summer months. They prefer sweet and sugary foods, but they also feed on protein-based foods, such as insects and other small animals.
How to Identify Carpenter Ant Infestations?
Identifying a carpenter ant infestation is crucial to prevent severe damage to your home. Here are some signs of carpenter ant infestations:
- Sawdust: Carpenter ants create sawdust-like debris as they excavate tunnels in the wood. If you notice small piles of sawdust around your home, it is a sign of carpenter ant activity.
- Rustling Sounds: Carpenter ants make rustling sounds as they move around inside the wood. You may be able to hear these sounds if you listen carefully.
- Presence of Ants: If you see large black or red ants around your home, it could be a sign of carpenter ant activity. These ants are usually more active during the night and are attracted to sweet or sugary foods.
- Damaged Wood: Carpenter ants excavate tunnels in the wood to create their nests. If you notice damaged or hollow wood around your home, it could be a sign of carpenter ant activity.
How to Keep Carpenter Ants Out of Your Home?
Preventing carpenter ant infestations is crucial to avoid damage to your home. Here are some tips to keep carpenter ants out of your home:
- Keep Your Home Dry: Carpenter ants prefer moist or decaying wood. Keeping your home dry can prevent them from creating nests inside the wood. Repair any leaks or moisture issues in your home, especially in the basement or attic.
- Trim Trees and Shrubs: Carpenter ants can use tree branches or shrubs to gain access to your home. Trim any trees or shrubs that are in contact with your home.
- Seal Cracks and Gaps: Carpenter ants can enter your home through cracks and gaps in the foundation, windows, or doors. Seal any cracks or gaps in your home to prevent ants from entering.
- Store Food Properly: Carpenter ants are attracted to sweet or sugary foods. Store food in airtight containers to prevent ants from accessing it.
- Call Preferred Pest Management: The best way to keep carpenter ants out of your home is to contact a professional pest control company like Preferred Pest Management. They can inspect your home for signs of carpenter ants and develop a customized treatment plan to eliminate the infestation.
How Can Preferred Pest Management Help?
Preferred Pest Management is a professional pest control company that specializes in managing carpenter ant infestations. Here are some ways Preferred Pest Management can help you:
- Inspection: Preferred Pest Management will inspect your home to identify signs of carpenter ant activity. They will look for sawdust, rustling sounds, presence of ants, and damaged wood.
- Treatment Plan: Preferred Pest Management will develop a customized carpenter ant treatment plan based on the severity of the infestation. They use eco-friendly and effective treatments to eliminate carpenter ants from your home.
- Prevention: Preferred Pest Management can also provide preventive measures to keep carpenter ants from coming back. They can seal cracks and gaps in your home, trim trees and shrubs, and provide tips on how to keep your home dry.
FAQs:
Are carpenter ants dangerous?
Carpenter ants are not dangerous to humans, but they can cause significant damage to your home if left unchecked.
Can I eliminate carpenter ants on my own?
It is not recommended to eliminate carpenter ants on your own as it can be dangerous and ineffective. Carpenter ants have large colonies and can be challenging to eliminate without professional help.
How can I prevent carpenter ants from coming back?
To prevent carpenter ants from coming back, you should keep your home dry, seal cracks and gaps, and trim trees and shrubs that are in contact with your home. Preferred Pest Management can also provide preventive measures to keep carpenter ants from coming back.
Conclusion:
Carpenter ants can cause severe damage to your home if left unchecked. Identifying signs of carpenter ant infestations and taking preventive measures can help keep them out of your home. Calling a professional pest control company like Preferred Pest Management is the best way to eliminate carpenter ants and prevent them from coming back. Live in the Dallas, TX area and dealing with a carpenter ant problem? Get your instant quote from Preferred Pest Management today to schedule an inspection and treatment plan.