Ants are tiny little creatures that always seem to send us into a bit of a panic when we see them trailing across our picnic table or our homes. They really are little pests that can ruin a perfectly good day. Carpenter ants are actually among the largest ants in the United States, ranging from .013 to to half an inch long. The most familiar ones that associate with us are black carpenter ant because they feed on things we eat such as sweets and meat. They also feed on other insects. They like to build nests inside wood. They build galleries (indoor voids) in the wood for their nests and make passageways making them a major source of structural damage.
Can Carpenter Ants Hurt You?
Carpenter ants do not spread diseases or infections but they can still be dangerous to humans. When their nests are disturbed they bit to defend themselves. The bite from one of these ants can be painful and possibly break the skin. They also spray formic acid when they bite that may increase the pain. When they are in your home they can contaminate water and food sources. The real danger with these pests however is the damage they can do to wood. This is a concern to the safety of our homes.
How Do You Prevent Carpenter Ants?
There are things you can so to keep these pests away. Moisture problems due to roof and plumbing leaks should be taken care of. Limbs or branches on trees that serve as an entry into your home should be trimmed. Cracks and openings around the foundation of you home should be sealed. Firewood should also be stacked away from the house and off ground if possible because they love to nest in firewood.
Signs of a Carpenter Ant Infestation
Seeing these pests is the obvious sign you have a problem. Carpenter ants do no consume the wood so you will see piles of wood shavings beneath wooden items or little piles of “frass” which is a sawdust looking material left behind by the ants. They are nocturnal and you may be able to hear their activity in your walls. Carpenter ants will create a main colony first. They will then form satellite nests meaning you may not have a nest in your home but they will travel far distances in and out of your home.
How Do I Get Rid of Carpenter Ants in My House?
To control an infestation it is imperative to find the nest. This is done through the application of insecticides and sprays. The most common way to rid your home of carpenter ants is to spray or dust the perimeter. There are foams that can be effective inside voids that the ants create. Baits have become the most efficient way to control carpenter ants. Baits work so well because they decrease the number of ants in an area making it harder for them to enter you home. A great preventative measure after treatment is to spot treat wood that may become affected. This may include walls, attics or crawl spaces that may show signs of damage.
Carpenter Ant Inspections, Control, Removal & More in Austin, Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville & Cedar Park Texas
If a carpenter ant infestation is caught early enough there will be no serious damage making it important to contact a professional. Give A-Tex Pest Management a call to ensure the safety of your family.
