Carpenter ants are among the most destructive pests in the United States causing an estimated $5 billion in damage each year. If you suspect you have a carpenter ant infestation it’s important to take action immediately to get rid of the problem. Here’s how to check for carpenter ants and get rid of them for good.
What do carpenter ants look like?
Carpenter ants are large ants that range in size from 1/4 to 1/2 inch long. They are black or dark brown in color and have a rounded abdomen. Carpenter ants have a narrow waist and long slender legs. If you look closely you may also see small hairs on their bodies.
Carpenter ants are most active at night so you’re unlikely to see them during the day. If you do see them during the day it’s a good sign that you have a serious infestation.
Where do carpenter ants nest?
Carpenter ants nest in wood so they’re often found in homes and other buildings. They’re attracted to damp or rotting wood so you may find them in areas that are prone to leaks or flooding. Carpenter ants also like to nest in tree stumps fallen trees and other dead wood.
If you find carpenter ants in your home they’re likely nesting in the walls ceiling or floor. They may also nest in furniture cabinets or any other wood in your home.
What do carpenter ants eat?
Carpenter ants are omnivorous so they eat both plant and animal material. In the wild they eat honeydew a sugary substance produced by aphids and other insects. They also eat other insects small vertebrates and fruit.
In your home carpenter ants will eat just about anything. They’re especially fond of sweets so they’ll often be found in the kitchen. However they’ll also eat meat pet food and anything else that’s available.
How do carpenter ants damage homes?
Carpenter ants damage homes by excavating wood to build their nests. They hollow out large galleries in the wood which weakens the structure and can eventually lead to collapse. Carpenter ants also damage homes by contaminating food and spreading disease.
How can I get rid of carpenter ants?
If you have carpenter ants in your home you need to take action immediately to get rid of them. The best way to get rid of carpenter ants is to call a professional exterminator. They will be able to identify the problem and get rid of the ants quickly and efficiently.
If you don’t want to call an exterminator there are some things you can do to get rid of carpenter ants yourself. First try to find the nest and destroy it. This can be difficult because carpenter ants nest in a variety of places. If you can’t find the nest you can try baiting the ants with food. Once the ants have taken the bait follow them back to their nest and destroy it.
You can also try using a insecticide to get rid of carpenter ants. Insecticides are available in a variety of forms including aerosols baits and sprays. Be sure to follow the directions carefully when using an insecticide and always wear protective clothing when applying it.
Getting rid of carpenter ants can be a challenge but it’s important to do it as soon as possible. If you let the problem persist the ants will continue to damage your home and spread disease.
How do you check for carpenter ants?
Answer: There are a few ways to check for carpenter ants.
One way is to look for small piles of wood shavings near where you think the ants may be nesting.
Another way is to look for small holes in wood or other surfaces.
Finally you can try to lure the ants out with a piece of sweet food or bait.
