Carpenter Ant Facts & Information

Everything you need to know about carpenter ants

What Do Carpenter Ants Look Like

Carpenter ants range from ¼-7/16 inch long. Its thorax is evenly round, and they have a circle of hairs at the tip of the abdomen. The most significant attribute is the sawdust they leave behind as they drill holes into the wood to create nests. They live in colonies and if it gets too large, they will swarm to create a new one, which is why you will want to bring in a carpenter ant exterminator that can help control the ants.

Carpenter ants get their name from their nest building, where they will excavate the wood and form smooth tunnels inside of the wood. Carpenter ants do not eat wood, they only tunnel and chew through wood to create nests. The western black carpenter ant colony, when mature, contains about 10-20,000 workers, with large colonies of more than 50,000 individuals. There is usually only one functional, wingless queen per colony. Swarmers are not produced until the colony is more than two years old. They are produced in the previous year and held over the winter in the nest for release the following year. Swarmers appear from May until August in the eastern United States and from February through June in the west.

Not the ant you have?

how did i get carpenter ants

These insects usually build their nests in damp, sound, or decaying wood. Homes and businesses with moisture issues caused by leaks are prime targets for carpenter ants. The pests will also use tree branches that overhang roofs as a bridge, accessing buildings to find a way inside. Unsealed openings around utility pipes and wires are common entry points and because they are relatively small, they can get in through the tiniest of cracks. It’s probably not much you’re doing to attract carpenter ants, but there are things we can do about them for you.

what Problems do carpenter ants cause

Contrary to popular belief, carpenter ants don’t actually eat wood. That’s termites. They do damage wood to make their nests, though. Carpenter ants can only do significant damage in very large numbers and over many years. Left unchecked, though, the number of carpenter ants in a colony can grow until they expand through the wood – weakening it as they go and causing further damage. That’s why carpenter ant treatments should be done by a professional so you can get them taken care of the first time.

Carpenter ants require a water source to survive. To prevent brown, red, or black carpenter ants in the house, eliminate sources of moisture or standing water. Keep tree branches and other plants cut back from the house. Sometimes pests use these branches to get into your home. Make sure that there are no cracks or little openings around the bottom of doors or around windows. Seal all openings with a silicone-based caulk. Also, keep firewood and building materials stored away from the home. Carpenter ants like to build nests in stacks of wood. If all that fails, give us a call to provide you with expert carpenter ant extermination services.

how can i prevent carpenter ants

Carpenter ants prefer to attack wood softened by fungus and are often associated with moisture problems, so if you have moisture issues, that excess moisture and soft, rotting wood around the home will attract carpenter ants for sure.

The only external sign of a carpenter ant infestation other than the presence of workers and/or swarmers is the appearance of small openings on the surface of wood. Through these, the ants expel debris, which consists of sawdust-like shavings and/or fragments of insulation and insect body parts. The accumulation of this debris below the holes is a good indication of an active infestation. The gallery walls that carpenter ants create are smooth, with a sand-papered appearance. Active galleries are kept clean of debris.

Why Western for carpenter ant control

We’re passionate about controlling carpenter ants in your home because we live and work here – it’s our neighborhood, too. With our almost 100 years of experience keeping homes and businesses in Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania safe from pests, Western has the experience you can trust.

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Welcome to Western Pest Services, Your Trusted Carpenter Pest Control Company

At Western Pest Services, we understand the challenges that carpenter ants pose to both homeowners and businesses alike. These industrious pests can cause significant structural damage if not addressed promptly. As a dedicated carpenter ant pest control company, we specialize in identifying, controlling, and eliminating carpenter ants with precision and expertise. Our goal is to protect your property from the damage these pests can cause while ensuring the safety and comfort of your environment.

Read on to discover how our proven solutions can resolve any carpenter ant issue, no matter the scale.

Benefits of Pest Control for Carpenter Ants

Protect your property with specialized carpenter ant pest control.

Prevents Structural Damage: Regular pest control for carpenter ants helps to prevent the significant damage these pests can cause to wooden structures in your home.

Reduces Additional Infestations: Effective carpenter ant management also deters other pests from establishing nearby, protecting your home from further pest-related issues.

Increases Property Value: Maintaining a pest-free home enhances your property’s value and appeal, especially important in real estate transactions.

Invest in carpenter ant pest control to ensure the longevity and safety of your home.

Ways to Determine You Need the Help of Carpenter Ants Pest Control Services

Identifying the need for professional carpenter ants pest control is crucial to protecting your home.

Visible Signs of Damage: Noticeable damage to wooden structures, such as small holes or tunnels, indicates active carpenter ant infestations.

Sawdust Trails: Finding sawdust-like material or frass beneath wooden items is a telltale sign of carpenter ants at work.

Active Ant Sightings: Regular sightings of large, winged ants in or around your home suggest it’s time to seek professional pest control.

Contact a professional carpenter ant pest control near me at the first sign of infestation to prevent further damage.

How to Get Rid of Carpenter Ants Outside Your Home

Managing carpenter ants outside is vital to preventing their migration indoors.

Remove Moisture Sources: Fix leaks and ensure proper drainage around your property to eliminate moisture that attracts carpenter ants.

Clear Yard Debris: Keep your yard free of fallen branches, leaf piles, and stacked firewood where carpenter ants may nest.

Use Perimeter Treatments: Apply approved pesticides around the perimeter of your home to create a barrier against carpenter ants.

Implementing these strategies effectively reduces the risk of carpenter ants invading your home. Consider professional pest control carpenter ants services for comprehensive protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the signs of a carpenter ant infestation in my home?

Signs of a carpenter ant infestation include the presence of worker ants in search of food, piles of wood shavings near wood sources, and the sighting of ant nests along window sills, crawl spaces, and moist, damaged wood areas. Observing ant activity around utility lines and tree branches near your property can also indicate a larger colony presence.

How does a carpenter ant infestation cause structural damage?

Carpenter ants cause structural damage by excavating wood to create their nests, which can weaken the integrity of wood structures over time. Commonly affected areas include moist, damaged wood around window sills, door frames, and exterior treatments, leading to costly repairs if not addressed promptly.

What differentiates a parent nest from a satellite nest in carpenter ant colonies?

The parent nest of carpenter ant colonies typically contains the queen, young larvae, and eggs and is often located in moisture-damaged wood outside the home. Satellite nests, which may be found in drier, indoor locations such as behind drywall or in hard-to-reach areas, usually house mature larvae, pupae, and numerous worker ants, all part of the entire colony.

What effective treatment methods are used for controlling indoor carpenter ant damage?

Effective treatment for controlling indoor carpenter ant damage includes locating and eliminating both parent and satellite nests. Our approach involves a detailed report of pest activity, targeted removal of nests in indoor nests and exterior areas, and treatments that address moisture damage to prevent future infestations, ensuring a pest-free home.

How can I ensure long-term prevention of carpenter ant activity?

Ensuring long-term prevention of carpenter ant activity involves regular inspections to identify and eliminate potential food sources and entry points, managing moisture damage properly, and applying preventive exterior and interior treatments. Keeping an eye on previously affected and potential wood sources, and maintaining a clean environment free from food debris are critical steps for a pest-free property.

Can carpenter ants be found in areas other than wood?

While carpenter ants primarily nest in wood, they can also be found in other moisture-rich environments. These include areas around window sills, beneath roof shingles, or within insulation where moisture damage has occurred. Identifying and treating these less obvious habitats is crucial for a comprehensive carpenter ant control strategy.

What steps are included in a professional carpenter ant extermination process?

A professional carpenter ant extermination process typically starts with a detailed inspection to locate all carpenter ant nests, including hard-to-reach areas and potential entry points. This is followed by the application of effective treatment options tailored to your specific infestation, such as baiting systems or direct nest treatments. Finally, a detailed report is provided, outlining the treatment performed and recommendations for preventing future infestations, ensuring peace of mind for homeowners.