It’s Critical to Control Carpenter Ants

Mar 11
11:25

2012

Bob B. Hamilton

Bob B. Hamilton

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Termites are not the only destructive pests that worry homeowners, although they are certainly the most popular. Carpenter ants can give homeowners just as many problems as their more famous counterparts. That is why it is critical to control carpenter ants as well.

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Termites are not the only destructive pests that worry homeowners,It’s Critical to Control Carpenter Ants Articles although they are certainly the most popular.  Carpenter ants can give homeowners just as many problems as their more famous counterparts.  That is why it is critical to control carpenter ants as well.

They will usually start out by establishing a main nest somewhere near your home.  If you ensure your yard stays clean, then it will be less hospitable for them out there.  They prefer to lodge in wood piles, tree stumps, and live trees.

Unfortunately, carpenter ants do not just stay in their main nest.  They can easily come into your home in search of food.  Since they are usually active at night, you will likely be asleep and will not notice their entrance.  They may even establish one or more satellite nests inside your home.

There are various ways carpenter ants can gain entry into your home.  Cracks and crevices around windows, pipes, or wires will allow them to get inside with ease.  It is also important to ensure no tree branches overhang your home.  They can walk across the branches and get inside.

Carpenter ants need moisture in order to survive.  That is why they typically prefer to build nests in moist areas around plumbing fixtures.  However, their satellite nest does not necessarily need a water source, so they can establish one virtually anywhere inside your home.

As mentioned, carpenter ants frequently like to find homes with wood outside.  This includes stacks of firewood you keep out there.  If you are not careful, you can easily bring them inside.  If they are not roasted in the fire along with the firewood, then they will look to make your home their home.

If you spot a carpenter ant inside your home, then it is probably a sign there is a nest either inside or located close by outside.  It is in your best interests to do something about this as soon as possible.

The first thing you should do is try to determine whether their nest is inside or outside.  Try to follow one back.  If you do not have the time or inclination, then you will need to call a professional to handle your problem.

Just remember that carpenter ants are just as dangerous as termites.  You do not want to procrastinate if you suspect you have an infestation in your home.  You could end up paying severely for your laziness by having to make expensive repairs.