Carpenter ants get their name from the way they build their colonies. These pests are known to destroy a home's structural wood, leaving homeowners to deal with pricey repairs. While these ants may seem harmless, the damage they could do behind your walls could be catastrophic.
Becoming familiar with the signs of carpenter ants in your house can help you determine when it's time to call a local Cleveland pest control company. Read on to learn how you can protect your home from carpenter ants and what Avenger Pest Control can do to stop an infestation before it escalates.
Easy-To-Spot Signs Of Carpenter Ants On Your Property
Carpenter ants are red, black, or a combination of both colors. They are typically between 1/2 and 5/8 of an inch in length. Their bodies are structured in three segments like other ant species, and they have two antennae. In addition to recognizing their physical characteristics, here are some signs of a carpenter ant infestation:
Small piles of sawdust (also known as frass) near wooden framing and baseboards
Shed wings and other insect body parts on the floor or near window sills and vents
An increase of winged ants crawling out of cracks in your walls and ceilings
A rustling sound coming from inside your walls or other hollow areas of your home
If you notice any signs of carpenter ants in your house, it may be time to schedule professional extermination services with Avenger Pest Control.
Carpenter Ants Can Create Multiple Problems Around Your Property
Carpenter ants build their main colonies outdoors but can create satellite colonies within your home. The presence of carpenter ants in trees in the yard or around exterior wooden structures could indicate an infestation that could find its way indoors. These ants build their habitats by chewing through wood, preferably when it is moist or rotting.
If a colony becomes large enough, ants can move into the dry wood of your home, causing major structural damage. In fact, the damage caused by carpenter ants is similar to that caused by termites, and it can be just as catastrophic. An untreated infestation could lead to parts of your home collapsing, resulting in expensive home repairs. Even the smallest amount of carpenter ant frass in your home is a warning sign that shouldn't be ignored.
Natural Ways To Remove Factors That Attract Carpenter Ants
The most natural form of carpenter ant treatment is to remove the factors that invite red and black carpenter ants in your home. Here are several ways to prevent an infestation:
Keep firewood piles away from your home
Seal or caulk all cracks in your foundation.
Store food in airtight containers.
Vacuum your home regularly.
Wipe up all crumbs and food waste in the kitchen.
Inspect your home for plumbing leaks and have them repaired.
Use dehumidifiers in moist areas of your home, like the basement and attic.
Replace all rotted interior and exterior wood on your property.
Making sure your home is as ant-proof as possible puts you at a lower risk of these pests invading your space.
The Most Effective Way To Get Rid Of Carpenter Ants
Even after taking all of the recommended precautionary measures, there is still a chance that you may find black carpenter ants in your home. Carpenter ants in Cleveland homes can be quite the nuisance pest. Luckily, today's professional pest control methods can eradicate infestations with ease.
At Avenger Pest Control, we have the skills, tools, and expertise to get rid of carpenter ants safely and efficiently. For the last 30 years, we've been keeping homes all throughout northern Ohio pest-free. Our highly-trained technicians use the latest in carpenter ant treatment technology to get the job done right. Call us today to schedule an appointment.