When it comes to destroying homes, no-pest does it better than the termite. But just because the carpenter ant is not the number one home-destroying pest here in America doesn't mean that these ants are any less of a threat to your home. Carpenter ants are invasive pests that construct their homes by tunneling through a piece of wood. This could be a tree in the forest or the east wall of your home. If you do not know much about carpenter ants, today is your day to learn. Lucky for you, we have all the information you need.
Warning Signs Of Carpenter Ants
When carpenter ants tunnel their way into homes, they leave behind some noticeable signs. Look for wood that has been softened by water damage or rot. This is the type of wood in which carpenter ants want to build their nests. If any of the exterior structural wood of your home has been affected in this way, your home is at risk of a carpenter ant infestation. After you are done inspecting the quality of your home’s wood, look for "sawdust." These fine shavings of wood are better known as frass and can be found sticking to walls or in piles at their base. Unlike termites, carpenter ants do not eat the wood they build out of, but rather clear it out of the tunnels they construct, thus creating frass.
Another great way you can know carpenter ants are around is if you begin to see winged ants buzzing around your home or discarded wings on window sills. These flying ants could be carpenter ant swarmers. If so, that means you have a fully mature carpenter ant infestation nearby, looking to expand. This does not mean anything good for the well being of your home.
If a carpenter ant infestation goes on for long enough, you might begin to notice some more serious signs around your home. Signs like floors dipping, walls buckling, paint bubbling, or hollow-sounding walls are good indications that a pest is eating away at the structural integrity of your home. Hopefully, by this time, you would have noticed the other signs carpenter ants leave behind.
How To Prevent Carpenter Ants
Now that you know how to spot carpenter ant damage in your Elizabeth City home, let’s talk about some practical ways you can keep them out. Here are some prevention steps we recommend:
- Repair or replace any structural wood around your home that has been damaged by water or rot.
- Seal up gaps and cracks in your home’s exterior foundation using a caulking gun.
- Make sure your gutters are in good repair and properly channeling water away from the exterior of your home.
- Fix any leaky pipes within your home.
- Eliminate any sources of standing water that could be negatively affecting your home’s wood.
- Install dehumidifiers in areas of your home that are high in humidity.
The Best Way To Keep Carpenter Ants Out Of Your Home
All of the above steps can help deter carpenter ants, but none are a guaranteed solution. Here at Albemarle Termite & Pest Solutions, we provide home pest control for carpenter ants that comes with a guarantee, a guarantee that carpenter ants stay away. With over 75 years of combined pest control experience, you will be hard-pressed to find anyone better suited for the job. Reach out to us today to schedule an inspection or treatments for your Elizabeth City property. Learn more about an ant-free home here.