Of all the wood-destroying pests, termites are usually the ones most people consider. Carpenter ants, however, can be just as destructive to a home’s structure. These large ants, generally black but usually reddish or yellowish depending on the species, do not eat the wood as termites do. Instead, carpenter ants excavate the wood to make nests inside, which could create substantial damage over time.

Signs of a Carpenter Ant Infestation

Early detection of the carpenter ant infestation is key. The first signs among them may be a sawdust-like material called frass, one of the results of their tunnelling work. This frass might be at the base of wooden structures, a sign that the ants are busy digging into the wood for their nest. Also, if you hear slight rustling inside the walls, floors, and ceilings, it would mean the presence of carpenter ants.

In addition, winged ants, particularly flying around or across windows, may indicate that carpenter ants have invaded your home. These winged ants are also known as swarmers. They are reproductive individuals in the colony, and their presence inside usually signals an established colony nearby.

Like many pests, carpenter ants love sweet and protein-based food. Ants foraging inside your home during the day may indicate a nest nearby. As nocturnal foragers, they often venture indoors in search of food, which further complicates the problem.

Prevention of Carpenter Ants

The first step in preventing carpenter ant infestation is to address the conditions that make their presence necessary or conducive to them. Moisture is an important factor in this; hence, getting rid of leaks and dampness in places such as the basement, crawl space, and attic is very important.

Removing or fixing any rotting wood near your home is important since rotating wood attracts carpenter ants. This includes wood from old tree stumps, firewood, decks, and fences.

Seal cracks and crevices around windows, doors, and utility lines to help prevent ants from entering your home. Store food in tight containers and clean up spills immediately to help eliminate foraging ants.

Takeaway

Even with the preceding measures to prevent them, carpenter ant infestations can still occur. Once an infestation has set up a nest in a house, one can’t get rid of it using home remedies. In such circumstances, professional pest control services become necessary for a thorough assessment of the situation, locating the main nest, and applying targeted treatments to eliminate the problem.

Defend your house against destructive carpenter ants. Contact Topline Pest Control right now for a customized treatment plan and a thorough inspection.