Signs of a Carpenter Ant Infestation

Carpenter ants are pests that cause large amounts of damage within a home as they destroy the wood in which they nest. One colony can quickly multiply into multiple satellite colonies, which if left untreated can become significant structural damage to your property.

Knowing the signs of carpenter ants inside your home can help you to avoid large amounts of damage.

Typically, carpenter ants create nest in dry structural wood, they like wall voids, windows, foam panels, and hollow doors. While they prefer to live in dry wood, carpenter ants are attracted to wood that has been softened by moisture, decay, or other insects, like termites. Making sure that any areas where there can be excess moisture are well ventilated and repairing any water damaged wood will help to keep the ants out.

Carpenter Ants tend to enter structures through attic vents, cracks in exterior walls or the foundation, or any areas around the exterior that may be compromised. Commonly this occurs in areas where electrical wires, plumbing, cable, and telephone lines enter the home. Taking a walk around your home and ensuring these access points are sealed off will be the best way to prevent ants and other pests like mice or nuisance wildlife from getting inside your home.  

The most obvious sign of an infestation is seeing carpenter ants inside the home. Black worker ants along the ceiling or walls can be an indicator of carpenter ants being nearby. They typically will travel far from their nest to forage for food. Since they will forage for food, make sure that you aren’t leaving crumbs or other food sources around for the ants to get to, or you’ll only be inviting them to stay even longer!

JP McHale Pest Management has proven methods to eliminate the infestation of carpenter ants in your home and prevent future infestations from occurring.

Call JP McHale Pest Management today!