Carpenter ants are notorious for their destructive nesting habits. They burrow into wood and create smooth, narrow tunnels where they live and work. If left unchecked, they cause substantial damage to your home’s structure. While they may look similar to common black ants, there are distinct differences upon closer inspection. If you suspect a carpenter’s ant infestation in your home, there are certain indicators to look out for.
Signs of Carpenter Ant Infestation
- Sawdust or Wood Chips near Baseboards, Door Frames, and Windows: One key sign of a carpenter’s ant infestation is the presence of wood chips or sawdust near baseboards, door frames, and windows. Unlike termites, these ants do not eat wood. The ants only use it to create their nests. Carpenter Ants chew through wood and push the debris out of their tunnels, resulting in small piles of sawdust and wood chips. Check areas of your home with moist wood, such as crawl spaces or basements, for signs of debris or sawdust. This can be a clear indicator of carpenter ant activity.
- Large Size and Wings: Carpenter ants are considerably larger than other ant species and may have wings. They can often be mistaken for common black ants, but they are up to five times bigger in size. Look for ants with a robust build and possibly wings, as this could indicate a carpenter ant infestation.
- Rustling Sounds inside Walls or Woodwork: As a carpenter ant colony grows, you may be able to hear their activity. They create rustling sounds as they hollow out wood to create their nests. If you hear unusual sounds from your walls or woodwork, it could be a sign of a carpenter’s ant infestation.
- Smooth and Polished Wood Damage: When inspecting wood for signs of carpenter ants, pay attention to the texture of the damage. Carpenter ants create smooth, polished galleries in wood, almost resembling sandpaper. You may also notice small holes where they have discarded debris. In contrast, termite-damaged wood tends to have uniformly sized soil and mud fragments.
What to Do If You Suspect Carpenter Ants in Your Home
If you suspect that you have a carpenter’s ant infestation in your home, you need to take action promptly. Contact a professional pest control expert to assess the extent of the infestation and provide guidance on how to control it. Removing the entire colony is crucial, as even leaving a few ants behind can allow them to rebuild their nest and continue causing damage. A professional exterminator can ensure that no ants remain after the colony is eliminated, helping to protect your home from further damage.
Summing Up
Being aware of the warning signs of carpenter ants in your home is essential in preventing costly damage to your property. If you notice sawdust or wood chips, large ants with wings, rustling sounds, or smooth wood damage, it’s time to seek professional help to deal with the infestation effectively. Don’t let carpenter ants jeopardize the integrity of your home – call Top Line Pest Control as soon as you suspect an infestation and get rid of them.