Carpenter ants are hardworking insects. Unfortunately, they are found in homes and buildings. These ants can cause damage to structures if left unchecked. Fortunately, with proper identification and extermination measures, they’re manageable pests that won’t put you or your possessions at risk.
Carpenter Ant Facts, Identification and Treatment
Carpenter ants are the most common household pests. If you ignore their presence, they can cause severe damage to your property. Identifying carpenter ants is quite simple. You can look for small black or red-brown ant bodies that measure a quarter inch in length with antennae longer than their body size. Their common nesting sites include moist areas such as windowsills, door frames, or any place where decaying wood may be present. So, don’t let these pesky critters ruin your home.
Carpenter ants inhabit various habitats, from woodlands and grassy meadows to urban settings. These industrious insects are hardworking architects that build complex nests in decaying trees or logs and around buildings where moisture can be found. Each colony consists of numerous workers with specialised roles. They work together to ensure the success of their home.
Carpenter ants thrive all over the world in a variety of habitats and climates with different stages of development. These tiny creatures begin their lives as eggs before maturing through four distinct phases: larvae, pupa, adult worker ants and finally, reproductive adults. The reproductive adults are known as queens or kings. They form colonies.
Once mature enough to help with colony tasks, including gathering food resources, they become loyal followers of the queen. They serve her needs without question until death. Carpenter ants can survive for up two years, depending on environmental conditions.
Eating Habits
Carpenter ants have extraordinary eating habits that set them apart from other insects. These social creatures feast on a variety of dietary options. They can consume anything from living and dead insect prey to the sugary sap plants produce. Additionally, they can consume solid food sources such as seeds.
Signs of Carpenter Ant Infestation
Carpenter ants can infest your property and cause a nuisance. Home or business owners should watch for signs of carpenter ant infestations as the weather warms up. These wood-destroying insects are recognisable from their large size and black or brown colouring. However, it’s challenging to spot them earlier.
Signs of an infestation include the following:
- Piles of sawdust-like material near baseboards or window frames.
- Hollow sounds when tapping wood surfaces and nests inside walls.
- Weakened wooden structures.
If you see anyone of these signs around your property, contact an exterminator for assistance immediately.
Tom’s Pest Control - Carpenter Ant Extermination Expert
If carpenter ants have taken up residence at your property, Tom’s Pest Control in Brisbane offers a reliable solution. Our experienced professionals deliver prompt service to rid you of these unwelcome intruders and protect your property from further infestation. So, put yourself in safe hands with our pest control experts.
We provide an effective Ant extermination plan tailored to the unique needs of your property. Moreover, our professional service follows all safety standards. So we ensure that you will get a quality service that guarantees safety.
Call Us Today
Carpenter Ant infestation can harm your property’s value and safety. That’s why our technicians are ready to help. So call us today at (07) 3184 4223 and eliminate this nuisance from your home or office for good. You’ll rest easy knowing experts have handled it with efficiency and precision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do to prevent the invasion of carpenter ants on my property?
Carpenter ants can be troublesome. They are drawn to moist wood and can cause extensive damage. However, you can take the following precautionary steps to prevent the invasion of carpenter ants on your property:
- Repair any leaks or moisture issues within your home – Carpenter ants prefer damp, rotting wood. So seek out and fix any water damage to discourage them from nesting near your property.
- Place a barrier around the exterior of your home or building – It could involve something like store-bought ant bait stations sprinkling chemicals around potential entry points.
- Inspect all firewood brought onto the property for signs of ant activity before bringing it indoors. For example, it could include sawdust piles left by carpenter ants on wood surfaces, indicating an active nest inside the log.
Additionally, any trees close by should also be trimmed regularly. Finally, inspecting windowsills or other entry points for signs of an ant infestation is essential. Remember to take these preventive actions before too much damage occurs.
Does a carpenter ant bite?
Yes, carpenter ants are capable of biting humans. They can still bite if disturbed or threatened. While the bites don’t typically spread disease, they can be painful and may leave red skin marks.
In addition to biting, carpenter ants also send out alarm pheromones when disturbed, which can attract more of this species. Therefore, taking proper preventive measures while dealing with these insects is essential. In addition, it will help to avoid being bitten.
The best way to get rid of carpenter ants is by identifying their nest first and then eliminating it through professional pest control services. It is because they have experience in handling infestations like these.
How can I get rid of carpenter ants?
Carpenter ants can be tricky to eliminate because they travel in large numbers and can cause significant damage if addressed slowly. The best approach for removing carpenter ants is to identify where they are coming from first. It will require an inspection by a professional exterminator.
Once the source has been identified, the most effective way to eliminate them is through targeted ant baiting, which involves placing bait stations close to their nests or entry points. These bait stations should contain an insecticide explicitly designed for carpenter ants.
Additionally, you may need to find and remove any wood inside your home or yard that may have become infested by these pests. Be sure to properly dispose of all infested wood, as this will prevent any further spread of carpenter ants.
Also, sealing up cracks in walls or structures can prevent these ants from entering your home. By following these tips, you’ll get rid of carpenter ants.
