Carpenter Ants: How to Recognize and Address Damage
Carpenter ants are common here in Texas. These insects don’t
normally cause problems unless they choose to nest in a home or commercial
property. Many people confuse carpenter ants with termites, but there are
several key differences between these types of creatures. It’s important to
know which type of insect you’re dealing with, as weakened wood in your home
can cause expensive damage down the road.
Damage From Carpenter Ants
Despite popular belief, carpenter ants do not eat wood like
termites do. These ants simply nest in wood, using their pinchers to hollow out
tunnels in the wood. While the damage from carpenter ants isn’t usually as
severe as termite damage, this hollowing out can still weaken essential
structures in your home if the ants get into your walls.
Is It Carpenter Ants or Termites?
When trying to identify what type of infestation you’re
dealing with, it’s always best to call in a professional exterminator to check
things out. Signs of an infestation include piles of sawdust or wood shavings around
door jambs or windowsills, scratching noises in the walls, or seeing large
ants, with or without wings. Carpenter ants are typically black in color, but
not always. If you’ve noticed these signs, an exterminator can determine
whether you’re dealing with termites or ants, and offer an appropriate solution
for getting rid of the pests.
How Are Carpenter Ants Exterminated?
Several methods can be used for this type of ant, but the
most popular is the bait trap. After investigating your home and locating nest
sites, an exterminator will leave what looks like a sugary treat for ants at
the entrances of the nest, which is really poison. The ants will carry the bait
back to the nest, which will kill the rest of the colony.
However, ants will sometimes create satellite colonies
throughout a property, making it difficult for the bait to reach each one. In
this case, the exterminator will use a combination of natural and chemical
pesticides to poison a nest and any satellite colonies.
Reach Out for Help
If you suspect or see signs of a carpenter ant infestation,
don’t hesitate to call us right away. It may not seem like a big deal, but
carpenter ant nests in your home can cause expensive damage if not dealt with
immediately. Here at Pinnacle Pest Defense, we deal with every kind of unwanted
creature in your home, from invasive insects to cockroaches and fleas. Contact
us today for a quote or to set up service!
