Spring Bugs | Carpenter Ants
Do you think you might have a carpenter ant infestation?
This month’s blog is all about Carpenter Ant! Keep reading to learn more about how to prevent a Carpenter Ant infestation in your home and how to go about getting rid of an infestation if you suspect you have one.
How To Identify Carpenter Ants
Appearance
Carpenter ants are among the largest ants in the United States. Their length ranges from 3.4 to 13 mm long.
Their color is black, but can also come in reddish/yellowish coloration.
Habitat
Carpenter ants can be found both indoors and outdoors. As long as the environment is moist and there is hollow or decaying wood, their colony will thrive.
Diet
Carpenter ants will forage your home for food, mostly sweets and meats. Their diet also consists of other insects.
Carpenter ants like to build their nests in damp areas, usually around wood. If your home has moisture issues, then you’re the number one target for carpenter ants. Other ways of entry into your home could be gaps or openings around your home.
In order to see how big of a problem you have, you have to locate the nest. Treating a carpenter ant infestation early on means that there is less chance of serious structural damage done to your home.
The Repercussions Of Carpenter Ants
When carpenter ants build their nests, they create tunnels in the wood. What does this mean for your home? It means that the ants are weakening the structure of your home from the inside out without you even noticing. Now imagine the amount of damage that can be caused to your home if you don’t find the carpenter ant nest right away. You are looking at thousands of dollars worth of structural damage done to your home.
What Are Some Signs You Might Have Carpenter Ants?
The most common sign of a Carpenter Ant infestation would be the constant sightings of the ants. If you keep seeing worker and swarmer ants. It’s most likely you have an infestation. The worker ants can usually be seen foraging for food.
If you notice swarmer ants (winged ants), this means that their colony has matured, and they are ready to expand and form new colonies. Noticing swarmers indicates you’re dealing with a well-established colony.
Debris is another way to identify whether you have a Carpenter Ant infestation. These ants produce debris from the tunneling they do to the wood where they build their nest. If you happen to see wood debris plus some dead Carpenter Ants, this signifies some nesting activity.
How To Prevent A Carpenter Ant Infestation
- Make sure to fix all gaps and holes found around your home.
- If you suspect your home has moisture issues, make sure to get them fixed as soon as possible.
- Make sure to not leave food out for the ants to feed on.
- Call Alcon Pest Control Services for preventive care.
If you suspect your home already has a Carpenter Ant infestation, make sure to call Alcon Pest Control Services to help start treating your home right away! We offer free phone consultations and can be at your home within 24hrs.
Visit our website at www.alconservices.com or give us a call at 972-417-3527!
Contact Alcon Services Inc. Termite and Pest Control at 972-417-3527
