Carpenter ants are a big threat in the US. Just like termites, they will attack the wood of the home, causing structural damage that could cost thousands of dollars to repair. Here are some of the things that you should not do if you have a carpenter ant infestation:
Misidentify the ants in your home
The majority of ants are pretty much harmless. Not only do they not pose a threat to the home or its inhabitants, they won’t even build colonies inside the building. They will simply forage indoors when they find an easy food source. This often causes homeowners to let their guards down around these insects. After all, it’s not like they’re rats or cockroaches.
Carpenter ants do the same thing. They build their colonies inside wood, but they have to leave the colony to search for food out in the open. The good news is that you can easily identify carpenter ants. They are much larger than your average ant worker, clocking in at half an inch. They also have noticeably large heads and jaws.
Ignore the signs that an infestation is present
Like termite damage, the damage caused by carpenter ants will not become visible in the wood until it is very advanced. However, the ants do leav other signs of their presence. For one, you might see actual workers scurrying about. This should be an immediate cause for concern. You may also hear faint rustling noises in the walls, as the ants chew through wood, or you might find piles of wood shavings in the home. These shavings are known as frass, and they are thrown out of the colony as waste.
Rely on DIY control methods
Most ant species can be kept out of the home using DIY methods. A strategic application of ant repellent will do the job. Carpenter ant infestations on the other hand are not deterred by repellents. Sure, you may keep some of the workers out of the kitchen, but the colony will continue growing and damaging the wood of the home. Your best bet when dealing with this species is to call over a pest control pro who will have the tools and expertise needed to remove them. If you are currently dealing with a carpenter ant infestation, give us a call, and we will set an appointment right away.