Ants are a common sight around homes in our area, and we often assume they are simply a nuisance. One ant in particular, though, stands out from the rest. Carpenter ants in your house are more than just an annoyance; these ants can damage the structural wood in your home.
If you see carpenter ants with wings on your Waldorf property or signs of them in your house, you will need to take action. In this article, we’ll help you decide if the ants in your home are carpenter ants. We will also explain the damage they can do and what attracts them to your home in the first place.
If you suspect carpenter ants activity in your home, we suggest reaching out for help from a local Waldorf pest control company, as these ants will not go away on their own. Read on to learn more about this pest and the most effective ant control available to get rid of them with Mike's Pest and Termite Control.
What Do Carpenter Ants Look Like?
Carpenter ants in Waldorf are a common problem. We all know what ants look like, with their segmented bodies that are oval-shaped, six legs, and bent antennae. But knowing how to differentiate between a common house ant and a carpenter ant can help prevent damage to your home. In our area, you will most likely find black carpenter ants in your home, but they can sometimes be brown, red, or a combination of red and black. These ants are bigger than most house ants, measuring between ½ and inches in length.
Because their nests are often within the walls of our home, you may only see evidence of the ants instead of the actual insects. Knowing the signs of carpenter ants can also help you catch a problem early. Watch for any small holes in the wood of your home, with piles of wood shavings and insect parts near them.
The surest sign is the presence of carpenter ants with wings on your Waldorf property. These ants are the ones that find new nests each year. Having them in your home suggests a nest in your house or one very close to your home.
If you suspect a carpenter ant problem in your home, contact us at Mike's Pest and Termite Control so we can provide the best ant control solution for your situation.
Can Carpenter Ants Destroy A House?
Carpenter ants in your house are one of the most problematic ant species. Many assume these ants are like termites and eat the wood in your house, but that is not the case. While they are not eating the wood, they are still causing trouble and damaging the wood in your home.
Black carpenter ants in your home excavate the wood to build nests. They chew through the wood to create tunnels, and over time, these ants can damage the structural integrity of your house as they weaken the wood they tunnel through.
If you think you have a carpenter ant infestation, don’t hesitate to contact a company that provides ant pest control near you, like Mike's Pest and Termite Control.
What Causes Carpenter Ants In The House?
Carpenter ants in Waldorf seek homes with the following conditions:
- Water-damaged wood in and around your home will attract carpenter ants.
- Moisture issues in your home will attract this pest; they require moisture to survive.
- Any small cracks or crevices on the exterior of your home may provide entrances to them.
- Firewood or building materials in your yard may initially attract them to your property.
Mike's Pest and Termite Control offers the most effective ant control, and we can help you spot any areas of your home that may attract carpenter ants so you can prevent serious damage before it happens.
How Do You Get Rid Of Carpenter Ants?
Carpenter ants are one pest you should never ignore, hoping they will go away without treatment. These destructive pests can cause expensive damage if left unchecked as their population grows. The safest and most effective way to deal with carpenter ants is to team up with a company that provides reliable pest control.
At Mike's Pest and Termite Control, we offer ant control solutions that eliminate this problematic pest, and we will help you find ways to keep them from coming back. Contact us today to request your free inspection, and get rid of carpenter ants for good.