Carpenter ant infestation is a common in the northern hemisphere. These ants are some of the biggest we have here, with two of the largest species. C. modoc and C. vicinus, known to terrorize many American homes. Carpenter ants naturally establish their nests in the heartwood (core) of trees and contribute to wood decomposition cycles.
Carpenter Ant Infestations: Where do they start?
These tiny builders often seek satellite nest expansions within indoor settings, invading wooden structures in homes and compromising their structural integrity. While commonly mistaken for another destructive pest, the common termite, carpenter ants do not consume wood but set up nests in compromised wood structures, usually where there was or is an existing leak or water damage.
Carpenters ants usually draw themselves to sweet food sources (i.e., sugary or honey-dewed scents) and high moisture areas such as leaky pipelines and gutters, especially clogged gutters. Aside from their destructive behavior, carpenter ants do cause painful bites with their powerful jaws and spray wounds with formic acid, resulting in a burning sensation.
Therefore, to protect young children, pets, and your precious property, it’s essential to ensure that your property stays free from a carpenter ant infestation.
Preventive Methods
Carpenter ants usually target compromised wooden structures. However, uninterrupted nest-building and excavation often lead to large-scale property damage. There are some effective methods to deter the invasion of these opportunistic pests, which include:
- Trimming, pruning, or removing nearby tree branches that provide direct access to your building.
- Keeping your gutters clean.
- Checking the premises for soil that comes in direct contact with wooden structures.
- This measure will reduce the chances of wood decay that attracts ant colonies.
- Keeping wet/high-moisture areas well-ventilated to avoid soggy buildups.
- Limiting mulch buildup to around 2-3 inches to prevent nest-building.
- Identifying decayed or decaying wooden structures and repairing or replacing them. The most commonly affected areas in a property include gutters and leaky plumbing.
- Sealing potential access points such as wiring outlets, crumbly mortar, and weather stripping that remain unnoticeable.
When is it time to call the professionals for your Carpenter Ant Infestation?
A carpenter ant infestation might appear minor and negligible at first glance, but ignoring the problem could lead to costly property damage and replacement work. Additionally, most DIY methods involve sprays that provide temporary solutions by keeping ants at bay but lack the efficiency in eradicating infestations at the root. As a result, homeowners may waste a great deal of time, money, and effort in a lengthy and frustrating process.
By hiring a professional pest control specialist like Venom Pest Control, you can expect an effective and fuss-free solution to your carpenter ant infestation woes. We specialize in comprehensive management techniques that resolve the most common pest issues faced by Florida property owners.
Professional services may include:
- Caulking services; installation of waterproof sealants/filters in high-moisture areas.
- Performing a thorough assessment of all potential carpenter ants access points and keeping them well-managed.
- Applying eco-friendly baits that attract and eliminate ant colonies.
- Seeking out the nests around tree roots and other potential nesting sites.
Venom Pest Control keeps your property pest-free across all seasons with the latest and safest methods managed by a friendly team of technicians.
It is important to address any possible carpenter ant infestation with a professional. To get a free evaluation of your ant infestation, call us 352-223-3618 or click here to Get Your FREE Inspection Now
