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Hi my name is Luis Gonzalez, with another What’s Bugging You podcast.
Carpenter ants are more than just a nuisance; they can cause significant damage to your home. These wood-destroying insects excavate tunnels within wooden structures, weakening them over time. If you suspect a carpenter ant infestation, taking action immediately is crucial. Shifting weather conditions can often drive carpenter ants indoors. A thorough inspection will help determine if these ants are simply seeking temporary shelter or if they’ve established a colony within your home’s walls.
Understanding Carpenter Ants
Unlike termites, carpenter ants don’t consume wood. Instead, they create galleries within the wood to build their nests. These tunnels can weaken structural integrity, leading to costly repairs. Carpenter ants are typically black or reddish-brown and range in size from ¼ to ½ inch. They are social insects, living in colonies with a queen, workers, and reproductive ants.
Signs of Carpenter Ant Infestation
Several signs indicate a potential carpenter ant problem:
Wood damage: Look for sawdust-like shavings, small holes, or hollow-sounding wood.
Ant activity: Seeing carpenter ants indoors, especially in large numbers or winged ants (swarmers), is a strong indicator of an infestation.
Tunneling sounds: Rare but in some cases you might hear carpenter ants gnawing at wood inside the walls.
The Damage They Cause
Carpenter ant damage can be extensive and costly to repair. Their tunneling can weaken structural beams, door frames, and window sills. Additionally, they can contaminate food and water sources with their presence.
Prevention and Control
Preventing carpenter ant infestations involves eliminating moisture sources and sealing entry points. Proper ventilation, repairing leaky pipes, and removing decaying wood are essential steps.
If you suspect a carpenter ant infestation, professional pest control is recommended. Midway Pest Management offers effective treatments to eliminate carpenter ants and prevent future infestations. Our experts will conduct a thorough inspection to identify the extent of the problem and develop a customized treatment plan.
Early detection and professional treatment are crucial for preventing extensive damage. Contact Midway Pest Management today for a comprehensive inspection and to protect your home from these destructive ants. We service the Kansas City area. Thanks for tuning in.