.1902251115550.jpg)
Carpenter ants can cause homeowners thousands of dollars worth of damage in a short amount of time. By chewing through wood, they can weaken the structure of homes, buildings causing them to become damaged. Not only is the destruction expensive, but it is also potentially dangerous. Injuries can occur when structures fall apart because of the damage caused by the insect.
Fortunately, there are treatment options available to eliminate carpenter ants. You can save time and money, however, by keeping them out of your home with preventive pest control.
Carpenter Ants 101
Often confused with termites, carpenter ants are large, black or black and red insects that are usually between one-quarter to one-half inch in length. Identified by their smoothly-rounded thoraxes and single nodes—the small, triangular connection between the abdomen and thorax—carpenter ants depend on wood. Any wood-dependent insect can mean trouble for a homeowner.
The Connection Between Carpenter Ants and Wood
Unlike termites, carpenter ants do not eat wood. Rather, they build their homes out of it. The insects excavate wood and create tidy tunnels they use to move throughout their nests. Outdoor carpenter ant nests usually reside in hardwood trees that feature holes or other less than perfect spots. This moist or rotten wood provides the consistent temperature and humidity they require.
Do You Have a Carpenter Ant Infestation?
Besides seeing carpenter ants in your home or office, you can find evidence of an infestation by taking a look at the wood in your home.
Wood shavings are often indicative of an infestation. You may also see small holes in the wood that the ants created during the excavation as an exit for debris.
Carpenter ants prefer to nest in wet and decayed wood. You’ll often find them on the inside of a rotted tree stump or a moisture-laden wooden part of a building or home. Over time, the ants may find their way to the new wood near the nest, which means you could end up with a few unwanted house guests.
Preventing a Carpenter Ant Problem
Since all species of carpenter ants are attracted to moist wood, keeping any away from or out of your home is a good idea. You’ll also want to close any gaps, holes or cracks around your windows and doors, as the fast-moving insects can fit through even the smallest of spaces.
Having the help of a professional preventative pest control team can also stop the unwanted critters from creating damage to your home. Bug Commander, located in Frisco, TX, can protect your property by keeping it carpenter ant-free. Call us at (214) 307-1933 to learn more.