Some signs of carpenter ants are seeing damaged wood, hearing noises coming from within the walls. Also by finding foraging ants in the kitchen at night.There are two types of carpenter ant nests: parent colonies and satellite colonies. Parent colonies are typically established outdoors in moist wood including rotting trees, tree roots, tree stumps, and logs or boards lying on or buried in the ground.A satellite nest is created by scouts looking for food from the parent nest. Identifying a Carpenter ants infestation Carpenter ants may nest in moist or decayed wood inside buildings. Wood decay may be caused by exposure to water leaks, condensation, or poor air circulation. Nests have been found behind bathroom tiles; around tubs, sinks, showers, and dishwashers; under roofing, in attic beams, and under subfloor insulation; and in hollow spaces such as doors, curtain rods, and wall voids. Areas around windows and where wood parts touch the foundation may be prone to infestation. Carpenter ants may also nest in foam insulation. Parent carpenter ant colonies sometimes establish one or more satellite nests in nearby indoor or outdoor sites. Satellite nests are typically composed of workers, pupae, and mature larvae. A satellite nest with less moisture may only support workers (the eggs would dry out in lower humidity). For this reason, satellite nests can be found in relatively dry locations, such as insulation, hollow doors, sound wood, and wall voids. The workers of satellite colonies move readily between their nest and the parent colony. In late summer, winged reproductives (i.e. queens and males) may emerge from pupae transported into satellite colonies. Carpenter ants may appear in structures in late winter and early spring as they swarm from a satellite nest. Carpenter ants may move eggs into satellite nests inside a house or other structure if there is enough moisture. Carpenter Ants Can Cause Damage Carpenter ants have infested the home and the owner is wondering if the pests can cause damage to it? Yes indeed, the ants can cause extensive damages. Carpenter Ants are crazy for wood, but are especially in love with damp wood. So, if recently there has been any leaks or water damage in the home, it’s time to check the damaged places for signs of the ants. The Carpenter Ants could be very deep inside the wood of the walls. Therefore it may not easy to identify the problem, that being a carpenter ant infestation. When to look out for Carpenter Ants Carpenter ants start the mating season in early Spring. This would be the most prevalent time in which the ants will be around the home. The pests are active the most at night. Be aware and watch for the ants in bathrooms, laundry rooms and kitchens. Any place where water is readily available. Look for them in Walls and wooden doors that have small holes or gaps is a place to look for the ants. One way to find out if there are carpenter ants in hollow wood in the home is to tap the handle of a screwdriver against the surface. If there are carpenter ants behind the wood, it will make a sound that can be heard by the human ear. Be aware that the ants may be searching for food inside the home, but may live in areas laden with wood outside the home. Carpenter Ants taking up residence in the home, observe the pests very closely. The ants are often present when termites are in the premises, as well. While investigating look for some distinguishing characteristics. Carpenter Ants have pinched waists while termites have straight waists. Carpenter ants have elbowed antennae but termites do not. Carpenter ants are quite large compared to other types of ants, and the queen
Carpenter Ant grows even longer. The carpenter ants’ nests tends to have smooth wood, whereas termites’ nests consist of rough wood. Although it’s a popular belief, carpenter ants do not eat wood. Carpenter Ants like to feast on syrup, jelly, honeydew, and other insects. The ants even eat termites. However, don’t even think about bringing termites to the ants table. Not a good move. The pests just set up the nests in wood. Even though the ants don’t eat wood, do not ignore a carpenter ant infestation. If no action is taken, the carpenter ants will begin reproducing at a very high speed of rate. A carpenter ant colony can consist of a few thousand carpenter ants. Having an entire colony of carpenter ants can decrease the value of the home. Carpenter Ant Infestation Prevention It’s not advisable to put firewood up against the siding of the home. It is simply inviting the carpenter ants and other pests to come on in. Storing firewood should be as far away from the house as possible. Elevating the wood off of the ground for extra precaution is best. Make sure wood is stored on a well made firewood rack. It is excellent prevention to be aware of the up keep of all wood areas of the home. Inside and out. There is so much taken for granted that isn’t part of our daily concerns of the home. Remember to cut down any branches or tree limbs that are touching the home. Seal all holes and crevices around the perimeter of the home. Which means the foundation and all doors of the home. Pest control for carpenter ants Carpenter Ants are controlled through the application of insecticides and sprays in various forms. These forms include liquid concentrates, baits, dusts, and foams. Some products for carpenter ant control that are available in stores contain boric acid, an odorless, nonstaining powder that kills ants and other pests. The active mineral in boric acid has herbicidal, fungicidal and insecticidal properties. In controlling carpenter ants, boric acid can be a dry powder or a liquid insect bait solution that contains a food attractant. Boric acid acts as a stomach poison for carpenter ants and other insects. The dry powder is intended to adhere to an insect’s exoskeleton. The insect would ingest the powder when it grooms its legs to clean off the powder. The powder form of boric acid is injected into crevices and cracks, where it forms a layer of dust. When carpenter ants travel through boric acid dust, borax adheres to their legs. Carpenter ants ingest the poison while grooming, potentially leading to death. However, boric acid bait solutions must be carefully formulated, and there is no guarantee that over-the-counter solutions will kill an ant colony. If the risk of property damage is severe, consult a pest control professional before treatment. Okay, the Carpenter Ant infestation is a certainty. It’s time to call AMPM Exterminators to the rescue. A highly experienced and professional exterminator will be on route to the home or commercial business building in no time. Those pests are about to be evicted. Media Contact Company Name: Carpenter Ants Control Removal Extermination Services Contact Person: Daniel Hunts Email: Send Email Phone: 2065717580 Address:3213 W Wheeler St. Suite 81 City: Seattle State: WASHINGTON
Country: United States Website: Eastsidepestcontrol.com