Carpenter ants are known to be more prevalent in the northwest and northeast portions of the United States. But, unfortunately, carpenter ants in Aiken are not an uncommon sight. The warmer weather in South Carolina that we enjoy plays a part in why these pests are so challenging to control in our area.
As much as we'd like to think, these ants don't die off in the colder winter months when they seem to disappear. They simply become inactive. Since South Carolina has a longer period of warm weather, carpenter ants are active for a longer period. With that extended duration of the activity, the more opportunity they have to cause damage to your home and to grow in numbers.
Another factor that makes the eradication of these pests so difficult is time. Carpenter ants can be present in your home for an extended period before you may even notice them. Of course, the longer they are in your home, the more destruction they can cause and the larger the colonies become. Aiken Pest Control has the experience and knowledge to inspect and treat your property to avoid carpenter ant damage to your home, now and in the future.
Signs Of Carpenter Ants In Your Aiken Home
What are the signs of carpenter ants in your house? As stated earlier, time is of the essence. The sooner these wood-destroying insects are detected, the better. Carpenter ants in Aiken are no different from their counterparts in the north. They leave the same tell-tale signs:
- When the weather gets warmer in the spring, you may begin to see carpenter ants swarming outside. They sometimes swarm at the same time of the year as termites. It's important to distinguish the difference for the purpose of treatment. Carpenter ants have that distinctive narrow portion in the middle of their body with a wasp-like tail.
- There may be evidence of discarded wings where they have swarmed or near the locations of their nests.
- You may see tiny holes in sections of wood in your home where they have been tunneling, creating what is known as galleries. Unlike termite damage, these tunnels have a clean, smooth appearance.
- Just outside the tunnels or galleries, there could be remnants of the wood in the form of sawdust piles. Carpenter ants don't actually eat the wood; they leave it behind as they create the tunnels. This "sawdust" is usually mixed with other insect parts. This mixture is called frass.
If you're wondering whether or not what you're seeing is a carpenter ant problem, it's best to reach out to a professional for guidance.
The Extent Of Damage Carpenter Ants Can Do To Your Property
The existence of black carpenter ants in your home can be pervasive and costly if left undetected and not adequately treated. That's why the importance of seeing the signs of carpenter ants in your house as soon as possible can not be overstated. The longer carpenter ants are in your home, the larger the nests become. As these nests grow, they will then seek to create new colonies and consequently spread the damage to other sections of your home.
How To Completely Get Rid Of Carpenter Ants?
Several courses of action can be taken to get rid of black carpenter ants in your home. But keep in mind, as difficult as it can be to detect their presence, it may be best to let the professionals address any ant control problems:
- Ant baits strategically placed around the home are one method to rid your home of carpenter ants.
- Locate the colonies and inject boric acid into holes drilled into the nests.
- There are also carpenter ant sprays and insecticides available that can be sprayed into the nests.
- You can introduce diatomaceous earth dust into the nests and cracks and crevices where they may be traveling through.
Keep in mind that DIY methods to ant control can be ineffective and hazardous to your health. In the end, it's best to reach out to a professional for effective, safe ant control.
How To Keep Carpenter Ants From Coming Back?
The best way to avoid carpenter ant damage to your home is to eliminate what attracts them to your home. Carpenter ants are drawn to wet or moist wood in your home. It's always good to maintain your lawn and keep water from collecting around your foundation or wood structures. Making sure your doors and windows are properly sealed will also help keep carpenter ants from entering your home.
But the best way to ensure you keep your home safe from a carpenter ant infestation is to leave it up to the professional technicians. Aiken Pest Control has been serving the area for over 50 years. Whether you need to get rid of an existing carpenter ant problem or just want to avoid an infestation, feel free to give us a call. We can come out and conduct a free inspection and come up with a plan that suits you best.