Carpenter ants are destructive and dangerous to your home or commercial structures. They got their name because they build tunnels by drilling through the wood creating a place for their nests. Often times, people see these ants outside, or even inside their homes or businesses and think, they’re just ants.
How do I know if I have carpenter ants?
Carpenter ants are usually detectable outside in the springtime. At this time of year, mid-winter, you may see them indoors. Detection here implies there is a nest somewhere inside the home or business.
With the rain, snow and wet weather comes an increase in the upstate New York areas, carpenter ants may be found in wet places:
- Basements near the foundation edge
- Wet environments behind common household appliances like sinks, toilets etc.
- In basement drop ceilings where an appliance above may have leaked and dampened the wood flooring/basement ceiling.
- Firewood stored in a garage
What do carpenter ants look like?
Carpenter ants are dark colored and can be exceptionally large in size. With more than 20 types of carpenter ants in the U.S., it is best to consult with a professional pest control service to identify and confirm the existence of carpenter ants.
They love to drill through damp wood and their very skilled mandibles assist them in the process!
Ok, I have carpenter ants. How bad can it be?
These industrious insects can weaken a structure from within. Their tunneling hollows out and undermines the structure. Cosmetically you may not see it until the damage is too far gone.
Carpenter ants do not live on wood alone! They have a sweet tooth like their cousin the sugar ant. Picture a basement game room. The carpenter ants are there tunneling though damp wood and once inside are drawn to food and sweats left behind from movie night! Keep your space dry and free of food debris.
How do I get rid of carpenter ants?
An inspection by one of our trained technicians will uncover their nest(s). The nest can be removed or treated. It is critical once the ants have been removed that the damp places, damaged wood, and other losses caused by the colony are replaced and a dry environment is in place.
Should structural damages or the presence of mold need to be removed, repaired, or replaced, our reconstruction team can rebuild areas caused by damage from carpenter ants. A quote can be provided at the time of eradication.
Did you know we offer organic pesticides? Find out more!
Don’t worry.
But don’t wait either. If you see ants inside your home especially this time of year, please call us at tel:1-518-374-0357 .
Accurate pest Control will work with you to get your home or business healthy and safe!
