Carpenter Ant Control
Carpenter ants get their name because they excavate wood in order to build their nests. They can do serious damage to buildings when they cut extensive galleries in structural wood. Carpenter ants can be difficult to control and identifying a carpenter ant problem usually requires trained professionals, such as Regal Exterminating's licensed technicians, to detect the signs of typical carpenter-ant debris, gallery openings, and foraging trails.
Characteristics and Traits of Carpenter Ants
These long-legged, swiftly moving creatures invade homes and buildings where they seek food and nest-building materials. They mainly attack wood that is wet and damaged by mold, but they also build paths through dry, undamaged wood. They typically enter buildings through cracks around doors and windows or through holes cut for wires. Carpenter ants range in size from 1/4 inch to more than 3/8 inch and vary in color from black, brown and black, red and black, and light brown, depending on the species. The most common species are black.
Carpenter Ant Habitat
Carpenter ants require a constant water source to survive, and accordingly, build their nests outdoors in various water-damaged-wood sources. Should rotted or moist wood exist inside a home or structure, these ants will nest indoors. They are typically found indoors in door frames, attics, skylights, and soffits. Carpenter ants establish a colony and sometimes satellite colonies, which may consist of thousands of ants.
Tips to Prevent Carpenter Ants
- Eliminate sources of moisture or standing water
- Trim tree and shrub branches so they are away from the building
- Keep landscaping mulch less than 2 inches thick and at least 12 inches away from foundations
- Seal any cracks in building's exterior
- Eliminate piles of lumber and bricks
The Regal Advantage
An infestation of carpenter ants can cause extensive structural damage to your property. Regal Exterminating's experienced service professionals can help to locate and treat the parent colony, and then work to control the infestation so future problems are prevented. Contact us today to learn how we can help you.
Carpenter ants may be difficult to treat at times. Call Regal Exterminators now 631-724-4993 and have your problem solved by a professional exterminator!
