Main Insect/Pest Information Page > Carpenter ants
Typically in our region, this is the “Black carpenter ant”, although you may also find some with a “red” coloration. Carpenter ants are known for the extensive damage they can do. They compete with termites for the title “most damage done”.
The most important thing to be aware of, is that the typical person routinely confuses a winged reproductive carpenter ant for a termite. Call us, this is how we can be helpful!
But truthfully, it’s not damage that concerns people, that’s an after thought. It is when you discover numerous quite large winged ants (reproductives), inside that you panic. Or, it is when you begin seeing a half dozen good sized ants (workers) on your kitchen counter top, in the dishwasher, in your bathroom, etc. These are foraging workers, and they are typically what produces the phone call to a pest management firm.
There are three things these ants require: moisture, food and shelter. As a prevention, the most effective things you can do are:
1. Keep your roof and gutters free of litter and
draining.
2. Keep debris from against the foundation of your home.
(firewood, leaves, storage items, etc.
3. Fix your dripping outside faucets.
The hidden sources of moisture are small consistent leaks of the roof, chimney, showers and dishwashers.
You will typically be told by “the professionals” that if you see these ants, “you have a nest in your home!”. What they do not yell you is that the typical sources of carpenter ant activity is the ground or a tree outside the structure.
As a means of protecting a “parent” colony, they construct “secondary” colonies, probably several. It is most probably a “secondary colony” that is in your home. No carpenter ant problem can be effective without addressing this.
There is also a difference between an established colony inside, and simply ants coming inside from an outside colony. Call us, we’ll tell you how to know the differences.
Oh! One last item of importance, to drill or not to drill, to spray the interior baseboards with pesticides or not.
A properly trained pest management professional such as what we at Trius Pest Management provide, can completely control your Carpenter Ant activity without drilling and spraying all the baseboards. How you ask? Simply call, we'll come by and reveal all our secrets.
If the professional is suggesting one or both, call Trius Pest Management
or click here for a FREE Inspection
and Estimate!