Homeowners in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania are all too familiar with fighting ants. While some ants are just a minor bother, carpenter ants are a different story. These bigger black ants don’t just march across your counter; they tunnel through the wood in your home, which can lead to serious problems. If you think you might have carpenter ants chewing away inside your walls, it’s important to act fast. That’s why the experts at Masters Pest Control have put together this guide to help you prevent carpenter ants and understand your carpenter ant infestation treatment options.
The Trouble with Carpenter Ants
Why are carpenter ants such a big deal? They love moist wood and build tunnels inside it to create their nests. As they tunnel and create more space, they can actually weaken the wood structure of your home. If you don’t deal with a carpenter ant infestation, you could end up with costly repairs down the road.
Learn more about the threat posed by carpenter ants here.
Spotting Carpenter Ant Problems
How do you know if you have carpenter ants? Keep an eye out for these clues:
- Frass: This looks like tiny piles of sawdust. You might find it near baseboards, windows, or your home’s foundation. It’s the stuff the ants push out as they tunnel.
- Seeing ants: If you spot large, black ants crawling around, especially indoors, it could mean they’ve set up shop nearby. You might even see pieces of dead ants.
- Rustling sounds: Because carpenter ants are bigger than many other ants, you might actually hear them moving and tunneling inside your walls or wood structures.
Simple Steps to Prevent Carpenter Ants
The best way to avoid damage is to prevent carpenter ants from moving in. Here are some things you can do around your home:
- Control moisture: Carpenter ants are drawn to damp wood. Fix any leaky pipes, make sure your gutters are clear so water drains away from your foundation, and try to keep basements and crawl spaces dry.
- Seal up entryways: Check for cracks and openings in your foundation, around windows and doors, and where pipes or wires enter your house. Seal these gaps to block ant access.
- Store firewood smartly: Keep firewood piles away from your house and off the ground. Carpenter ants often nest in firewood.
- Trim trees and shrubs: Branches that touch your house can act like bridges for ants. Keep them trimmed back so they are at least six feet away from your home.
What to Do About a Carpenter Ant Infestation
If you suspect you already have a carpenter ant infestation, act quickly. Here are some common carpenter ant infestation treatment methods:
- Bait stations: These contain a poison that worker ants eat and carry back to the nest, which can eventually kill the entire colony.
- Insecticide treatments: A trained pest control professional can apply special sprays or dusts in areas where carpenter ants are active to eliminate them.
Learn more about carpenter ant behavior and treatment methods.
Why Call the Pros at Masters Pest Control?
While you might try some DIY methods, dealing with a carpenter ant infestation can be tricky. The experts at Masters Pest Control have the knowledge and tools to:
- Find the source: We can inspect to try to identify where the carpenter ant nest is located.
- Choose the right treatment: We know the best carpenter ant infestation treatment options for your specific situation.
- Ensure effective treatment: Our certified technicians will make sure your home is protected and offer options for preventing future problems.
Don’t let carpenter ants turn your Tristate home into their next project! Contact Masters Pest Control today for more information on how to prevent carpenter ants as well as infestation treatment. We’re here to help you protect your property!