Ants are a common household pest that Addison property owners are likely to encounter at one point or another. While no ant species is a welcome guest, certain species are more of a problem than others.
One of the most invasive and destructive ant species of all is the carpenter ant. While all ants can contaminate food, carpenter ants are a double threat as they tunnel through wood to build nests and galleries. This means that they can be as damaging to your property as termites. They can end up costing you thousands of dollars in building repairs.
Because carpenter ants are so destructive, knowing what they look like and how to distinguish them from other ants is the first step in prevention. Here are the identifying characteristics of carpenter ants:
- They are usually dark brown or black in color.
- They have a single node that connects the abdomen and thorax.
- They have heart-shaped heads.
- They also have pincers next to their mouths.
How Destructive Are Carpenter Ants?
Termites might be the pest that most people associate with property damage, but carpenter ants can be just as much of a concern. While termites can do more damage in a shorter amount of time, carpenter ants are also able to compromise the wooden structures on your property.
Here are just a few of the structures that carpenter ants will tunnel through:
- Wooden flooring
- Support beams
- Wooden doors and frames
- Foam insulation
But, unlike termites, carpenter ants are also a problem because they can contaminate food and food prep areas.
Any food that ants come into contact with is considered unsafe and needs to be thrown out. Carpenter ants are particularly attracted to sweet foods such as jellies, jams, fruits, sugary drinks, syrups, and even some pet food.
Carpenter ants are often attracted to areas like kitchens where they can find food. They can often contaminate countertops, shelves, and flooring.
How To Prevent Carpenter Ants
Because carpenter ants are a two-fold threat, knowing how to prevent them is essential. While prevention steps can’t completely ensure that you’ll never have an infestation, they can make your Addison property less attractive to these pests.
Here are some of the best prevention tips:
- Remove any decaying wood from the property.
- Store firewood at least 30 feet away from the building’s exterior.
- Since these ants are attracted to moisture-rich environments, address moisture issues by fixing leaky pipes and faucets.
- Further, address excess moisture by ensuring that your home is well-ventilated especially areas such as basements and crawl spaces.
- Get professional pest help.
How To Get Rid Of A Carpenter Ant Infestation
If you’ve noticed any signs of a carpenter ant infestation, don’t try to get rid of these destructive pests on your own. The most effective and safest way to remove carpenter ants is to contact the experts at All-Safe Pest & Termite. Our experienced technicians can remove these ants and keep them from costing you time, money, and stress with the damage they cause. Give us a call today to find out more or to schedule an appointment.