If you are like other homeowners, you probably don’t want any species of ants infesting your space. Although ants do not transmit diseases, they can pose health risks to people. Their sting can cause allergic reactions in some people, causing itching, swelling, and anaphylaxis in serious cases. Sadly, species like carpenter ants can cause home damage. So, if you think you have these species in your house, it may be time to let a pest control expert handle it for you to prevent further damage.
Carpenter Ant Behavior and Characteristics
In general, carpenter ants are bigger than a lot of ant species. This makes them easily identifiable. However, these species can cause serious home damage when left not addressed for a long time.
Carpenter ants that set up camp outdoors are important to the ecosystem because they with the breakdown of decaying trees. Usually, their nests are found in and around wood like stumps, hollow trees, and logs where there is rotting or moist wood. these ants are particularly drawn to honeydew and aphids when outdoors. But worker ants get sent out to find more if moisture and food supplies become scarce. As carpenter ants love the same foods you do, they may enter your house. Once they find a good source of food and moisture, they will leave a scent trail that the rest of the colony can follow. Other ants will be drawn indoors in no time and start tunneling.
Carpenter ants that have established themselves in your house can be hard to remove alone. Even if you see just one zipping across your counter or floor, you must contact an expert in ant control immediately. Quick actions are important to make sure your house stays protected against these destructive ants.
Carpenter Ants and the Wood They Chew
Carpenter ants do not eat wood; however, they drill through it. When they look for spaces to build nests, they use their jaws to chew and excavate wood. They usually nest in areas such as wall voids and structural wood, within insulation, underneath cabinets, in the attic, and in doors and windows. When not interrupted, continuous excavation can result in nest expansion and issues with your home’s structures over time. If you want to avoid expensive repairs, seek help from pest experts.
Carpenter ants can cause significant structural damage if left unchecked. To effectively manage and prevent such infestations, it is crucial to seek professional pest control services. For residents in New Mexico, pest control Rio Rancho offers tailored solutions to address and eliminate carpenter ant problems, ensuring your home remains safe and damage-free.
How to Deter Ants
To prevent carpenter ants from infesting your home, get rid of all attractants. With some proactive measures, you can end these ants away from your house. These measures include eliminating damp areas and fixing plumbing problems or leaks. Also, it is important to inspect and seal tiny openings that ants can use to enter your house. Removing and replacing moisture-damaged wood is also important when it comes to carpenter ant control.
Never store firewood and wood products near your house as this can draw carpenter ants to your living space. Make sure to trim back branches and plants that come into contact with your house. Finally, you must practice good sanitation by clearing up spills and crumbs right away.
