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Carpenter Ant Removal
Carpenter Ants
Carpenter Ants Are Very Damaging To Wood And A Nuisance!
It is not uncommon to find carpenter ants infesting homes, apartment buildings, as well as businesses. When there is a carpenter ant infestation, the most effective way to get rid of these pests is to bring in a licensed carpenter ant exterminator.
About Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants are an ant species that excavates wood and form smooth tunnels inside of the wood. They only tunnel and chew through the wood to create nests. Their size can be anywhere from ½” to ⅝” long. These pests may be a combination of black and red, or completely black, brown, or red.
When mature, the carpenter ant colony can contain about ten to 20,000 workers, with large colonies of more than 50,000. There is usually only one functional, wingless queen per colony. Swarmers are not produced until the colony is more than two years old.
Carpenter Ant Diet
Outside, carpenter ants mainly feed on plant and fruit juices, insect honeydew (a sweet liquid produced by aphids), and insects and other arthropods. Inside a home or building, they will also feed on grease, sugar food items, eggs, and meats. Carpenter ants have powerful jaws and can bite which can be a bit painful. They may also inject formic acid into the bite wound, producing a burning sensation. However it is not considered a significant health threat.
Carpenter Ants Preferred Wood
Carpenter ants use their powerful jaws/mandibles to loosen and remove wood debris when tunneling or building nests. Most species of carpenter ants excavate wood that is, or has been wet and damaged by mold. They prefer wood softened by fungus, which is often associated with moisture problems. Even though these pests attack moist, decayed wood, later on they may begin excavating tunnels through dry, undamaged wood.
Signs of a Carpenter Ant Infestation
Witnessing workers and/or swarmers is a sign you have a carpenter ant infestation. Also, small openings on the surface of wood can be a sign of infestation. An indoor carpenter ant nest may be identified by a rustling sound that emerges from voids in the wall. This sound can also be heard when the winged forms are disturbed where the nest is located. Through these small openings, the ants get rid of dirt and debris. This includes shards of insulation debris, sawdust-like shavings, and/or insect body parts. The accumulation of this debris below the holes is a sign of a carpenter ant infestation.
Preventing Carpenter Ant Infestations
Some ways to prevent carpenter ant infestation:
- Maintain cleanliness inside and outside
- Store firewood and building materials away from the home.
- Carpenter ants require a water source to survive so get rid of standing water and moisture.
- Cut away tree branches from the home or building.
- Seal all cracks or small openings around exterior and interior of the structure
- Watch for excess moisture and soft, rotting wood around the home or building.
Professional Carpenter Ant Removal Services Provides Peace of Mind
Carpenter ants are one of the most common structural pests. Once these ants establish a colony, they can be difficult to remove. When a carpenter ant infestation is discovered, it is important to contact a carpenter ant pest control service before the situation gets out of control. You don’t have to risk your health, your family’s health, or your house due to a carpenter ant infestation. Please feel free to contact us by phone or email anytime. We are available seven days per week to provide pests such as the carpenter ants, and wildlife control services in Hamilton, Oakville, Burlington, and surrounding areas, or to answer any of your questions.
