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Carpenter Ants: The Springtime Intruder
There are over 12,000 species of ants in the world. Only a handful of ant species are considered pests, and one of them is the carpenter ant. Learning about this bug can help you keep your home safe and secure. With the proper knowledge of what these pests are capable of, you can better prepare yourself for these springtime pests.
Carpenter Ant Behavior and Biology
Carpenter ants are attracted to damp, rotting wood. Unlike termites, they don’t eat wood; instead, they burrow in moist wood to create space and tunnels for their nests. These ants typically become active in spring and stay around until September or October. Carpenter ants can range in size from ⅜ of an inch to ¾ an inch in size. They vary in color and can be black, brown, or red.
The Dangers of Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants only build their nests in damp, rotting wood. They are also known to tunnel through undamaged wood, but this typically only happens as a colony expands. Carpenter ants can cause severe damage to your home if their burrowing takes place in structural wood.
Signs You Have a Carpenter Ant Invasion
If you notice small piles of sawdust near walls and exposed wood, you might have a carpenter ant invasion. Small, surface-level openings in wood can also indicate the presence of a carpenter ant colony. If you see one ant, it’s likely that you have an infestation, and should consider what you might do to keep your home safe from this type of pest.
How to Get Rid of Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants are difficult to remove completely. To get rid of an infestation, you must locate and entirely destroy each nest. To prevent carpenter ant problems, you can replace moisture-damaged wood, eliminate humid conditions in your home, and keep outdoor wood stored in dry and elevated conditions.
When You Should Call a Professional
If you are dealing with a carpenter ant invasion, don’t hesitate to call Insight Pest Solutions. Our technicians can quickly assess and treat the problem so your home is safe and stable once again. Through preventative measures and other direct methods, we can rid your home of these springtime invaders.
