COMMON CARPENTER ANT DAMAGE
When we are spending time outside, few of us are particularly alarmed by the occasional ant that makes its way across our blanket or over the chair that we are lounging in. We have a tendency just to brush it away and not give it another thought. Frankly, a lot of us do that inside our kitchen as well. What harm can one ant do? It’s true that sometimes that stray ant might have just found its way into the house looking for a tasty treat to take back to its colony, but then the question becomes, where exactly is their nest? Although many ants that may be in the kitchen are annoying, most are harmless to the property itself; but one kind of ant should be dealt with immediately should it ever show itself.
Where Do Carpenter Ants Nest?
The carpenter ant did not get its name without a reason. The carpenter ants always build their nest in wood. Though they do not eat wood like termites do, they will chew through it to extend their nests and build their tunnels that help them get around. All of this activity from a colony of hundreds of worker ants can do extensive damage over time to the structure of the home as they work their way through any damaged wood they find. Carpenter ants tend to nest in moist areas such as under the shingles or around vents. They will also be attracted to any part of the house that has water pipes coming in such as the bathroom or kitchen.
How to Identify a Carpenter Ant
These ants are recognized mostly by their size. They tend to be much larger than regular household ants. They are generally black but can also be a shade of dark red or brown. Most of us would have no idea that we had an infestation in our home without seeing one of these ants looking for a free meal.
How to Prevent Carpenter Ants
Trying to prevent an infestation isn’t always easy; but if we get into the habit of being watchful for certain things, it can help tremendously. Making sure that the kitchen is swept free of crumbs, and that the counters, stove, and sinks are regularly wiped free of any greasy residue is essential. Carpenter ants are mostly attracted to sweet and greasy foods. Store any bread or sweet treats in sealed plastic containers. Keep an eye on any area of the home where it gets particularly humid. Crawlspaces, basements, and bathrooms are the main culprits. Make sure that any leaking pipes or clogged drains are taken care of immediately. Outside, make sure that doors and windows are checked for any tears in the screens or weather stripping and that any cracks in the foundation are filled as soon as possible.
Carpenter Ant Exterminator
If carpenter ants are found inside or are frequently found on the porch or deck area, give us a call at Viking Pest Control. This is not anything that can be put off until later. Once carpenter ants create a nest, their numbers grow quickly into the thousands. That is a lot of damage that might have already been done before you even know they were there. Give us a call today for a thorough inspection. Our experienced technicians will find the source of the ants and work with you to determine the best way to remove them.
Call Viking at 800-618-2847 to learn more about carpenter ant pest control and extermination services, or get a fast, free quote online today!
