Summer is the time of year where you should be inspecting your home for specific pests like termites, beetles, and of course — ants. Of all the species of ants in the United States, carpenter ants are one species you should really keep an eye out for. Like termites, carpenter ants will do damage to your home that can cost you a lot of your hard earned money in repairs.
Breakdown
- Size: ⅝ inch
- Color: Black or red (Sometimes a combination)
- Distinguishing Characteristics: Long antennae; segmented and oval body; six legs
- Whereabouts: Common throughout the U.S., especially in the northern states
What They Infest
Carpenter ants are more likely to infest wood in your home that has been damaged or is wet and covered in mold. This decayed wood is like a welcome mat for these ants, but they will also invade undamaged wood once they begin building their paths throughout your home. These little pests will infest wood that has some sort of moisture like a tree stump, firewood, or water damaged wood. However, they can easily move from their current homes into your home via cracks around wooden doors and windows.
Pest Management
Since carpenter ants need a constant source of moisture, make sure your home has no standing water or water damaged wood. There should also be no wood on the outside of your home with cracks or holes, like the deck and the trim around doors and windows. You should also make sure there are no tree branches and bushes too close to your home or stacks of firewood piled up against the house.
Carpenter ants are a pest you don’t want in or around your home this summer. For those looking to remove an ant infestation from their home, contact the pest management professionals at Knockout Pest Control. To learn more or to schedule an inspection, give us a call at (800) 244-7378.
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