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
Pest control reveals strange scary noises of carpenter ants chewing on wood in a commercial business
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