Most people would balk at the idea of studying pests, but for some, it’s a fascinating activity. It can be intriguing to learn about the varying behavioral patterns of insects and creatures. The majority have several subspecies with unique traits. Each class has a distinctive look, diet, habitat, and operational process. The danger level can range as well. Within ant colonies, it’s no different.
Believe it or not, ants are a health threat. They crawl about with germs that can contaminate food and surfaces. Subsequently, humans can become sick with viruses, salmonella, and other illnesses. In addition, the carpenter ant group can literally destroy your Salt Lake City home or business. With these wood-wrecking insects, sheer devastation can happen quickly. You need to understand what to do about them, and what Pest Pro Pest Control can do to help.
How Do Carpenter Ants Function? What Are the Risks?
Carpenter ants penetrate wood to forge tunnels and nests in it. Generally, they concentrate on rotting or moist logs, tree bark, and lumber. They access properties through holes around utility lines, wires, vents, and foundations. To reach rooflines, they’ll run along tree branches that are hanging over. When it’s time for them to feed, they’ll target other insects or head to your kitchen. There, they’ll chomp on sweets and meat. Given that they’ll swallow bugs, having carpenter ants indicates a widespread pest issue.
The effects of a carpenter ant invasion are notable. As they work from the inside and then out, walls and bases will start to be feeble. Visually, it won’t be pleasing either. The rate in which these bugs shred wood is slower than that of termites, but the end cosmetic and financial cost is just as high. Since the insects stay behind walls, property owners typically won’t know there’s a problem until things are critical. If you happen to tap on a foundation, they may come scampering out in alarm. Look for the following infestation signs to try to be ahead of the damage:
- Finding heaps of wood shavings, mixed in with ant body parts
- Discovering the discarded wings of swarmers; they’ll be scaly
- Detecting clicking and rustling noises from behind walls
- Noticing that walls sound hollow
Carpenter ants are 0.25 to 0.50 of an inch long, which is rather large for most ants. Some are black or red, or a blend of both. Many others are brown, tan, yellow, or orange. The workers that chip wood have huge mandibles in front. Swarmers have wings. You might see them fluttering about near lights during the mating season.
How Can Carpenter Ants Be Prevented?
These tactics will assist in keeping carpenter ants from attacking your home or business:
- Closing gaps in foundations, paneling, doors, windows, caulk, and utilities
- Adding sweeps and weather stripping to doors and windows
- Repairing leaking fixtures, particularly if it’s wetting wood
- Taking down decaying trees and getting rid of injured wood
- Putting trash and food in containers with tight lids
- Washing dishes and vacuuming regularly
- Keeping loose wood and greenery at least two feet away from exterior doors
- Calling Pest Pro Pest Control if you have bugs that carpenter ants consume.
What Can Pest Pro Pest Control Do About Carpenter Ants?
At Pest Pro Pest Control, we provide thorough care. Our skilled technicians will examine and treat both the interior and exterior, making sure carpenter ants don’t stand a chance. Our solutions are powerful and effective, but safe for all involved. Vegetation and pets will be protected as well. Recurring visits and specialty services are available. When you call Pest Pro Pest Control about our affordable options today, you’ll be offered a free inspection!