When carpenter ants nest within woods, they can damage it. When left untreated, carpenter ant pullulations can go out of hand. Sometimes, a carpenter ant colony can build satellite nests. To properly control an infestation and minimize the risk of recurrence, allow a pointepestcontrol.net pest control team to address the issue for you. 

Carpenter ants do not usually nest in dry wood. You can track indoor infestations by entry points like attic vents, electrical wires, foundations, pipes, cracks, and telephone lines. These ants like to nest in structural lumber like wall voids, windows, foam panels, and hollow doors. Typically, they seek wood softened by other insects, moisture, and decay. 

Signs of Carpenter Ant Infestation

The presence of ant workers inside your house will tell you that you have an existing infestation. But such a presence may not mean a colon of carpenter ants has established a nest within a wooden structure. These ants forage for food away from their nests. 

A serious carpenter ant infestation can usually happen if there are piles of wood shavings beneath wooden items. These ant species burrow into wood to build nests. Also, an infestation can be spotted by the presence of faint rustling noises that come from inside walls or woodwork. In addition, when big winged ants emerge from hidden crevices like walls and ceilings, an infestation is nearly certain. 

Carpenter Ant Infestation Versus Termite Infestation

Termites eat wood, but carpenter ants do not get nutritional value from wood. Instead, they damage wood to build nests. To distinguish a carpenter ant infestation from a termite infestation, examine the damaged wood. Carpenter ants tend to clean and polish wood galleries, so they look smoother inside. Meanwhile, subterranean termite galleries contain big amounts of mud and soil. Also, carpenter ant galleries have holes that workers use to eject unwanted debris. Outside nest openings, there may be piles of dead insects, debris, and wood shavings. In addition, dry wood termites produce debris or frass; however, their fecal pellets have the same shape and size. 

While the damage that carpenter ants cause isn’t as serious as termite damage, the nests of carpenter ants may cause serious damage over time. As a colony grows, the population increases, causing further damage to the wood. 

How to Control Carpenter Ant Populations

If you believe your home is infested with carpenter ants, below are steps you can take to address the issue:

• Ensure the gutters are working. To protect your home against carpenter ant damage, ensure your home is free of soft or rotting wood. This can be done by reducing outdoor moisture by directing water away from the foundation and walls. 
• Seal up entry points. Ants need very tiny holes to gain entry into your house. To prevent this from happening, check the walls and foundation and seal up gaps, holes, and cracks you can find. 
• Trim back vegetation. This lets the area that surrounds your house dry out following wet weather. 
• Get rid of food source. Ensure there are no food sources that can draw in carpenter ants and other pests. Never leave pet food outside and clean up right after barbecues. Ensure the trash has tight-fitting lids, so ants cannot attack them. 

Things You Should Not Do

If you spot signs of carpenter ant infestation in your house, do not ignore these signs. Do not wait for these pests to cause damage to your property. A reputable pest control company can determine the presence of carpenter ants and other pests inside your house. They can eliminate these pests before they can cause costly damage. Also, if carpenter ants have not infested your property, a pest control company can ensure they never do.