Carpenter Ants

Carpenter Ants get their name from building their nests inside the wood. They don’t eat it; they tunnel through it. They can swarm and have large colonies.

Facts, Identification, and Control

Here’s what you need to know.

Facts about Carpenter Ants

Keep these things in mind when identifying carpenter ants.

Where Do They Live?

They’re most common in the northern US, but they live throughout the country. They love old wood piles, building materials, and debris.

What Do They Eat?

They feed on both living and dead insects as well as sources of sugar, like that of fruit. Inside your house, they often attack pet food or other sources of protein.

How Did I Get Carpenter Ants?

If you have moisture issues, the ants could be attracted to the softer woods for their home. Food left out is also an issue, and they make their way in through small openings in your walls, doors, and windows.

How Serious Are Carpenter Ants Problems?

It’s best to handle the situation right away.

Problem #1

They are often a sign of fungus or mold because they want softer wood for their homes. Sometimes, ants are just the symptom of a more significant problem.

Problem #2

They can cause significant damage to your structures if left untreated. Their burrows attack the integrity of your home, your outbuildings, and anywhere else they’re making their nests.

Problem #3

They don’t typically bite, but they will. If they’re all over your living area, children, pets, and even yourself could be a victim to bites.

What Can I Do about Carpenter Ants?

Calling a professional is one of the best things you can do as well as clearing debris from your house. Also, watch out for moisture.

Signs of Carpenter Ants?

They’re typically easy to spot in the home because there are a lot of them, but other signs of carpenter ants in house could include refuse from where they chew through wood.
Carpenter Ant Prevention and Control tips
Getting rid of carpenter ants is tricky, so If you handle the situation early, the better off you’ll be.

Control tip #1

Seal any openings to your house around windows, doors, and foundations with a silicone-based caulk to ensure a good seal.

Control tip #2

Pay attention to any moisture in your home, which could attract ants looking to build a new home.

Control tip #3

Cut back branches, debris, and other places where they could make their way into your home. Remove potential homes from outside as well, including rotting wood or old tree stumps.

Carpenter Ants Professional Pest Control

If you see them in your house, it could be time to call a professional. They are hard to kill and control without professional techniques and knowledge.

FAQ’s

How bad are carpenter ants?

They can be a serious problem. They do not bite but can do a lot of damage to wooden structures. Over the years, carpenter ant colonies grow, and the level of damage gets worse. So, it makes sense to let PestGuide help you to get rid of them.

What causes carpenter ants in the house?

They are attracted to damp or decaying wood. It is easier for them to break down than solid wood. If you have a leak or water ingress that reaches wooden structures, you will likely suffer a carpenter ant infestation. Fortunately, PestGuide professionals can quickly control this pest.

Should I be worried if I see one carpenter ant?

If you see one carpenter ant, there will be hundreds more living in the colony it has come from. So, yes you should be worried and act by contacting us at PestGuide. Left uncontrolled they can do a lot of damage to wooden structures.