One of the worst ant species that can invade the home is the carpenter ant, and if an infestation goes on for too long, it may end up costing you thousands of dollars. In this article, we’re going to go over why this species is such a threat and how it is removed from the home.
Why carpenter ants are a problem
The reason carpenter ants are such a big issue is because they build their colonies inside wood. They initially target wood that is high in moisture, but then they can spread throughout wood that is healthier as the colony grows. Not only that, but carpenter ants will also build satellite colonies, further increasing the rate at which they damage the home.
The inspection process
When you hire a pest control pro to deal with a carpenter ant infestation, the first thing he will do is perform an inspection. The inspection will help determine where the carpenter ant colony is located, and whether you are dealing with any other infestations in the home. It will also help determine the extent of the infestation and if more urgent or intrusive control methods are needed.
Control
Since carpenter ants build their colonies inside wood, they are not controlled through traditional methods, such as direct application insecticides. Instead, baits will be used to draw the workers out and poison the queen. Insecticidal foams and dusts may also be used if the galleries created by the ants have penetrated the exterior of the wood. Perimeter sprays can also be effective, in order to prevent the ants from leaving the colony and finding food.
When all these methods come together, a colony can be destroyed in a reasonable amount of time. After the infestation has been removed, a pest control pro may advise you on and implement some prevention methods, such as clearing the yard of dead wood, ant-proofing the home using residual insecticides, and looking for/repairing sources of excess moisture.
Carpenter ants are very serious pests that should be removed as soon as they are spotted in the home. If you have any questions about the carpenter ant control process, or if you suspect that you have an infestation in your home, contact us today and one of our team members will help you out right away.