Every spring and summer, Plunkett’s Pest Control receives numerous calls from homeowners across the Midwest and beyond, all seeking help with carpenter ants. These pests are often spotted crawling around kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. Here's what you need to know about dealing with these unwanted intruders and how to prevent a future infestation.
Carpenter Ant Behavior and Diet
Once carpenter ants awaken from their winter slumber, they become active and start searching for food and moisture. Like most ant species, carpenter ants prefer proteins and sweets, which can lead them to contaminate your food sources with their droppings.
Do Carpenter Ants Cause Damage?
Yes, carpenter ants can cause significant damage to homes. They tunnel through wood to create their nests, which can seriously compromise the structural integrity of your house. However, unlike termites, carpenter ants do not eat wood; instead, they excavate it to build their colonies.
Where Do Carpenter Ants Make Their Nests?
Carpenter ants usually create their nests near sources of moisture. Common nesting sites include:
- Under bathtubs or hot tubs
- Behind wall voids, especially where seepage is present
- Under window and door frames
- Under appliances, particularly dishwashers
Signs of a Carpenter Ant Infestation
The sight of foraging ants is the most common sign that you have a carpenter ant nest in your home. However, other indicators of carpenter ant activity include:
- Piles of wood debris (sawdust) or dead ants expelled from the colony
- Swarmers, often found trapped in spider webs or dead on window sills
- Damaged wood surfaces and timbers
The Weather’s Getting Warmer. Here’s How to Prevent a Carpenter Ant Infestation.
Preventing a carpenter ant infestation involves more than just killing the visible foragers. Here are some tips to keep them at bay:
- Eliminate Moisture: Fix leaks and reduce humidity levels in your home to make it less attractive to carpenter ants.
- Seal Entry Points: Ensure that cracks and openings around windows, doors, and foundations are sealed.
- Maintain Cleanliness: Keep your home clean and free of food crumbs, which can attract carpenter ants.
- Remove Wood Debris: Clear any wood debris or decaying wood from around your home, as these can serve as potential nesting sites.
- Remove Overhanging Tree Limbs or Ivy: These act as perfect pathways from the ground into your home.
The Best Way to Keep Ants Away: Contact Plunkett’s Pest Control
If you’ve seen carpenter ants in your home, the most effective way to eliminate them is to get help from a professional pest control company, like Plunkett’s. We offer comprehensive pest control solutions that target foragers and nests alike. Contact Plunkett’s Pest Control today to schedule an inspection and protect your home from carpenter ants.
