There are several pests that can cause damage to your home. Some pests may cause severe damage while others don’t pose a risk that large. Carpenter ants are one of the pests that can cause serious structural damage to your home. If you find carpenter ants in your home, you will want to act quickly to get rid of them. Stewart Termite & Pest Control is here to help you identify them and take the appropriate steps necessary to keep them out of your home in the first place.
Carpenter Ants Identification
Of all the ant species, carpenter ants are the largest. They vary in size but are usually around ¼ – ½ inch long. They also vary in color. They can be red, brown or black. Sometimes carpenter ants are mistaken for termites when the swarmers have their wings in the spring time. They differ from the termite in that they have larger bodies that have a pinched waist as well as two sets of wings that are different sizes. Termites have wings that are the same size as well as a body that has no defined waist.
Carpenter Ant Behavior
These large ants can be found anywhere they find wood to build their nests in. Carpenter ants live in colonies and build their nests within wood. They are attracted to wood that has sustained damage due to water as it is easier to bore out and build their nest in it. Carpenter ants don’t consume wood as their food source like termites do, but rather, use wooden structures to build their colonies. Carpenter ants are attracted to the sugary or fatty foods that humans eat which is why your home makes the perfect place for them to build their nest.
Carpenter Ant Infestation Prevention
For homeowners, there are several ways you can decrease your chances of a carpenter ant infestation.
–Repair Water Leaks. If you notice you have any pipes that are leaking or have standing water anywhere on your property, it is important that you fix them. This water can cause water damage to your home and make it the perfect place for a carpenter ant colony to reside.
–Trim Trees. You should trim any trees and shrubs that are near your home. If their branches are touching your home, it allows carpenter ants to conveniently gain access into your residence. Trees and shrubs should be at least 15 inches away from your roof or foundation.
–Store Firewood Properly. Because these pests build nests in wood, storing your firewood as far from your home is a great way to avoid them.
–Seal Cracks in Foundation. If you have any cracks in your foundation, no matter how small, they need to be sealed to keep pests like carpenter ants out.
Carpenter Ant Control
If you see carpenter ants in or near your home, you will need the help of a professional pest control company like Stewart Termite & Pest Control to help eliminate the problem. These pests can be especially difficult to get rid of without the right knowledge and tools. Call us today with any of your pest control needs.