Identifying Carpenter Ants: Physical Characteristics And Behaviors
Carpenter ants are black/reddish-brown and range from 1/16 to 1/8 of an inch long. Soldier carpenter ants have larger heads compared to the rest of their bodies.
Although these ants usually nest outside, they frequently invade our structures, such as wooden decks already damaged by other insects. Finding trails of ants foraging for food or any signs of frass (tiny wood shavings/dust and ant bodies) on your window sills or below any wood, is a major sign of carpenter ants nesting nearby.
Carpenter Ant Problems: Structural Damage
The typical concern for homeowners is structural damage. If carpenter ants have entered your home, here’s where you’ll likely find them:
- Inside door frames
- The wood between the ceiling and roof on porches
- In water-damaged wood in areas near clogged gutters
- Around leaky plumbing in kitchens and bathrooms
- In poorly ventilated and insulated areas, such as crawl spaces
These are just a few of the areas you may find carpenter ants. They prefer wood with some moisture content, so any carpenter ant problem may also be associated with a moisture issue.
Professional Assistance: Vital To Total Carpenter Ant Control
If you spot signs of structural damage, it’s best to call the Sonoma County pest control technicians at California Exterminators Alliance. Carpenter ants don’t eat wood, but they do use their jaws to tunnel through wood to either construct or expand their nests.
Applying over–the–counter insecticides may provide temporary relief, but most likely, this will just push them deeper into your structure and cause them to spread out, eventually becoming an even bigger problem. Avoid DIY methods, but constantly be on the lookout for signs of these pests and the location of their nests, then call a professional.
Prevention Is Key: Tips To Prevent Carpenter Ants From Coming Back
Ant control for homeowners and businesses can prove challenging when it comes to a carpenter ant infestation. Professional home pest control services are the most effective way to remove these insects from your property, and here are the best methods to keep them from coming back:
- Fix moisture problems.
- Seal any cracks, gaps, or holes.
- Store firewood away from your house.
- Cut back bushes, trees, and any overgrowth on your property.
Prevention is key when it comes to carpenter ant control.
California Exterminators Alliance has been in business since 1938, offering effective and dependable pest control services to clients across Sonoma County. Contact us today for a free consultation.