Carpenter Ants Are Wood-Destroying Insects
Wood-destroying insects are, of course, pests that do damage to the wood in your home. Examples of wood-destroying insects include:
- Termites
- Carpenter Bees
- Wood-Boring Beetles
- Carpenter Ants
The very mention of the word “termite” strikes fear in the hearts of homeowners. Termites can be one of the most damaging pest infestations. Carpenter ants may not give homeowners the same sense of dread as termites do, but they can still cause major problems.
How to Identify Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants are huge in size when compared to common ants. Their thorax is extra-large and spherical, and their mandibles are enormous. They're usually black, although they can also be red or yellow." There's a considerable probability you have a colony near or in your home if you see one.
Carpenter ants do not eat your home, therefore, they do not cause as much damage as termites. They should not, however, be overlooked. They want to start a colony, and if your house has some damp, rotting wood, they could think it's ideal for constructing a complete colony.
Insects that eat wood are sneaky and do not like to announce their presence. They will not ring the doorbell or give any other form of notification. They could be present for months or even years before you notice them. It's critical for homeowners to be aware of the indicators that WDIs are invading and consuming their homes:
“If you see signs of damaged wood, your first assumption might be termites. However, if you begin treating your property for termites, it will do little to deter carpenter ants. They will be allowed to continue causing damage while you may be assuming they have been exterminated.”- What To Do and What Not To Do About Carpenter Ants.
What Attracts Carpenter Ants to My Home?
No one wants any kind of ants inside their homes. That is especially true when it comes to the destructive carpenter ant. While you might feel like it’s arbitrary why they would choose one home over another, there are some things that may make your property more attractive:
- Moisture: If you have high humidity areas of your home, it will attract carpenter ants. Basements, crawlspaces, and bathrooms often have excess moisture and are not necessarily properly vented.
- Food: Carpenter ants eat protein and sugar in large quantities. Pet food that has been left lying around contains all of the protein they require. Open containers of food or accessible pet food invite carpenter ants to your home.
- Garbage: Like many other pests, carpenter ants are attracted to garbage. They can find a lot of their favorite foods in unsealed refuse.
- Firewood: If you keep firewood near your home for easy access to it during the winter, you could be providing carpenter ants with easy access to your house.
- Grass and Shrubbery: Your landscaping may be charming, but if it is too close to your house, carpenter ants will use it as a safe passage to enter your home.
How Do I Know If I Have Carpenter Ants?
Carpenter ants may be present in your home if you see the following signs:
- There is excess moisture in your home.
- There is water damage in your home.
- There are wood shavings in your basement, crawlspace, wooden stair, and near wood furniture.
- There is the sound of mild tapping inside your walls or beneath your floors.
- There are hollow places in your steps, walls, or flooring.
It's tempting to imagine that something so small won't cause many issues, but carpenter ants aren't to be taken lightly. They aren't going away by themselves. Home and property owners must be on the lookout for them and take immediate steps to eliminate them at the first sign of their presence.
- Eliminate their food sources.
- Reduce your home’s moisture.
- Seal their potential entry points.
- Remove firewood piles and landscaping that are close to your house.
- Seal trash cans and garbage receptacles.
- Hire a professional exterminator.
If you have carpenter ants, you need to act fast. They need to be quickly and thoroughly eliminated from your property. Rid-A-Bug Exterminating is here to help.
We have the experience and expertise to rid your property of these destructive ants and help you keep them from returning. Contact us for a swift and effective response to carpenter ants.