Carpenter Ants

 
 

The Lowdown on Carpenter Ants: When Sawdust Means Trouble

Carpenter ants may look innocent enough, but these little lumberjacks can cause serious damage if they settle in your home. They don’t eat wood like termites do, but they love to tunnel through it to make cozy nests for their colony.

Spotting the Enemy

Carpenter ants are some of the bigger ants you’ll see around, often ranging from 1/4 to 1/2 an inch long. They’re typically black but can have reddish tones, depending on the species. And here’s a quick, cool fact: they don’t sting, but they do pack a punch with their bite, which comes with a little squirt of formic acid for extra burn.

Signs of Infestation

How can you tell if these ants have moved in? Look for:

  • Sawdust piles: Carpenter ants don’t eat wood, but they sure know how to carve it up. Sawdust around your home could be a calling card.

  • Rustling sounds: They’re like tiny carpenters in the walls, especially when they’re gearing up for a swarm. Give your walls a gentle tap, and you might just hear the telltale sounds.

  • Winged ants: When a colony matures, winged males and females emerge, especially in spring or summer. If you see these in your home, they’re not just visiting – they’re looking to expand.

Why They’re Bad News

Carpenter ants love damp wood and tend to start in places where moisture is a problem, like rotting wood or damp areas. Over time, they can chew through wood structures, weakening them and creating serious structural issues.

Taking Back Your Territory

If you’ve got carpenter ants, here’s how to handle them:

  • Perimeter Pesticides: A thorough application around your home’s exterior is key. Focus on the foundation, and don’t forget the shrubs, branches, and anywhere ants could get in.

  • Trim and Seal: Keep branches and shrubs from touching your house, seal any cracks where pipes or wires enter, and caulk gaps to keep ants from slipping inside.

  • Follow the Trail: Carpenter ants love to forage, often venturing up to 300 feet from their nest. Trace any trails to find potential entry points or nests in your home.

When to Call in Reinforcements

If your DIY efforts aren’t cutting it, it might be time to call your local pest control pros at Kenney’s Pest Control, who can safely treat your home and find the colony. Carpenter ants can be sneaky, setting up satellite nests throughout the property, so it’s best to make sure you’ve got every last one.

Dealing with carpenter ants can be a nuisance, but with the right approach, you can send these “little lumberjacks” packing. Stay vigilant, and keep your home solid as ever!