You’ve seen them around the house or yard in the corner of your eye, but you aren’t sure why they’re there.. Tiny, insignificant piles of… sawdust? Uh oh, that’s probably a sign that you’re dealing with a wood-boring pest like carpenter ants.
Carpenter ants, known for their destructive behavior, can wreak havoc on homes and structures by hollowing out wood for nesting purposes. In this article, we will guide you through the process of identifying a carpenter ant infestation and provide you with essential tips to address the problem effectively.
Don’t let carpenter ants compromise your home! If you have a serious carpenter ant infestation that you can’t shake, call on Recon Pest Services today. Proudly servicing the greater Omaha & Lincoln areas, we can kick these mulch-munchers to the curb. Contact us today for a free consultation!
What even are Carpenter Ants?
Carpenter ants are one of the most common types of ants found in North America. They are typically black, but some species can also be reddish or yellowish in color. These ants are relatively large, ranging from 3.4 to 13 millimeters long. They have six legs, two antennas, and a segmented oval shape. Unlike termites (which are a much more alarming find if you see them in your house), they have a pinched waist and bent antennae.
In their natural habitat, carpenter ants nest in dead wood and tree stumps. However, they can also invade homes, where they chew through wood to create galleries for their colonies. It’s important to note that carpenter ants do not eat wood. Instead, they remove it as they create paths and nests, which is why you might find small piles of sawdust near their activity.
Signs of a Carpenter Ant Infestation
The first sign of a carpenter ant infestation is usually the sight of worker ants inside the house. While one or two ants may not indicate a problem, frequent sightings of large ants, especially in the kitchen or bathroom, can be a sign of a nearby colony. Carpenter ants are most active at night, so you might spot them during this time.
Another indication of their presence is the small piles of sawdust, also known as frass, that they leave behind as they burrow through wood. If you find these piles near your wooden structures, it’s a good sign that carpenter ants are hollowing out the wood. Additionally, you might notice small, oval-shaped openings in wooden structures. These are the entrances to their nests.
Carpenter ants also produce a rustling sound that can be heard if a colony is large. This sound is made by the ants as they move around in their nest. If you suspect a colony is nearby, tap against the wall and press your ear to the surface to listen for this sound.
Damage Caused by Carpenter Ants
The primary concern with carpenter ants is the damage they can cause to wooden structures. Over time, their constant tunneling can weaken the wood and compromise its structural integrity. This can lead to costly repairs, especially if the infestation is not detected early.
Unlike termites, carpenter ants do not eat the wood they remove. This means that the damage they cause is not as extensive. However, if a carpenter ant colony is allowed to grow and exist in a structure for a long time, the damage can be substantial. In severe cases, carpenter ant infestations have been known to cause roofs to collapse.
Furthermore, carpenter ants can also pose a threat to electrical wiring. As they tunnel through wooden structures, they can inadvertently chew through insulation, exposing the wires and creating a potential fire hazard.
Carpenter Ant Prevention Tips
Preventing a carpenter ant infestation is much easier and less costly than dealing with an existing one. The key to prevention is making your home less attractive to these ants.
Start by removing potential nesting sites, such as piles of wood, leaves, or other debris near your house. Trim tree branches that touch your home, as they can provide a bridge for ants to enter. Ensure that your home is properly sealed, paying special attention to areas where wires and pipes enter the house.
Maintain a dry environment, as carpenter ants are attracted to damp wood. Repair leaking pipes and ensure that your gutters and downspouts direct water away from the house. Use dehumidifiers in damp areas like the basement.
How to Identify a Carpenter Ant Infestation
Identifying a carpenter ant infestation requires a keen eye and an understanding of their behavior. Start by looking for the signs discussed earlier – sight of ants, especially at night, sawdust piles near wooden structures, and small, oval-shaped openings in wood. Also, listen for rustling sounds within the walls or woodwork.
Check for signs of moisture damage around your home, as carpenter ants prefer damp wood. Inspecting tree stumps, wood piles, or other potential nesting sites around your property can also help identify an infestation.
Remember that carpenter ants can nest both indoors and outdoors, but they will need a water source. Therefore, kitchens and bathrooms, or areas where there is a leakage, are common infestation sites.
Getting Rid of Carpenter Ants Naturally
If you have identified a carpenter ant infestation, there are several natural methods you can use to get rid of them. Diatomaceous earth, a natural powder made from tiny fossilized aquatic organisms, can be sprinkled around areas where you have seen ants. This fossilized flour is relatively harmless to humans and most mammals, but deadly to insects with exoskeletons like ants. Since diatomaceous earth is sort of a type of salt, it dramatically dries out an insect’s exoskeleton, killing it through dehydration. Brutal.
One delightful smelling solution is to use essential oils like peppermint or eucalyptus oil to ward away bugs. Basically every type of insect is repulsed by sour smells, ants in particular. This is due to the fact that they use pheromones to get around and to communicate with members of their colony. Essential oils coat their antenna with a fatty, overwhelming substance that makes it hard for them to smell anything else. It’s a win-win!
Boric acid is another effective natural ant killer. Mix boric acid with a sweet attractant like sugar water and place it near ant trails. The ants will carry the poisoned bait back to their colony, killing it. Be sure to keep this mixture away from children and pets.
Professional Carpenter Ant Extermination Services
If the infestation is large or difficult to access, it may be time to call a professional pest control service. Professionals have the experience and equipment to locate and eliminate carpenter ant colonies effectively. They can also provide a comprehensive plan to prevent future infestations.
Pest control professionals use various methods to treat carpenter ant infestations, including dusts, liquid insecticides, and baits. They can also treat the exterior of your home to prevent future invasions.
Before hiring a pest control service, make sure to do your research. Look for a company with a good reputation and positive customer reviews. Ask about their treatment methods and whether they offer a guarantee.
Conclusion
Carpenter ants are more than just annoying, they can really damage your property if not handled swiftly and professionally. If you spot any signs of an infestation, it’s time to act!
Whether you choose to DIY the problem or call in the big guns by hiring a professional, remember that prevention is always the best strategy. So keep an eye out for those tiny sawdust piles. Your wallet will thank you later for being vigilant!
