Sometimes, an ant infestation is not that much of a bother. You remove the food source, and they pretty much go away. However, when these ants are carpenter ants, then you have a real problem on your hands. Carpenter ants tunnel through wood, just like termites, and they can cause a tremendous amount of damage, which is why it’s important to get rid of them as soon as possible. Here is some advice that experts use to deal with these insects:

Identifying carpenter ants

What sets the carpenter ant apart from other ant species is its size. They are much bigger, with individuals reaching lengths of half an inch. In terms of coloration, they are often black, but there are certain species that have yellowish or reddish shades as well. Carpenter ants also have a round thorax with no indentation, and large mandibles.

The diet of the carpenter ant

The carpenter ant does not actually eat the wood it inhabits, it simply uses it to create colonies. Instead, these insects will prefer to eat sugary substances such as jelly, sugar, honey, syrup. They may also be interested in pet food, meats and other insects. They have a varied diet, usually consisting of carbohydrates, protein and fat.

Getting rid of the ants

If you notice carpenter ants in the home, your first order of business should be to locate the nest. If you can find the nest, you can destroy it. Look for them in wall voids, roof areas, window sills and hollow doors. You can then start to use either insecticide, baits, or a combination of the two. Insecticides can be applied directly to the nest and they will do a lot of damage. Baits specifically designed for carpenter ants can also be placed in the area, and while insecticides will be effective in the short term, baits are designed to kill the queen and destroy the colony completely.

Once the colony is successfully removed, it is time to do some home repairs. The damaged wood has to be replaced with fresh wood. It is also possible to avoid carpenter ant infestations in the future with regular maintenance of the wooden structure in the home. After all, the ants are attracted to damaged or rotten wood.

If however, you are having problems with getting rid of the nest quickly and effectively, you may need the help of a pro. Contact us today if you have issues with carpenter ants.

Tags: Ant Control, Ant Extemrinator, Carpenter Ant Control