Carpenter ants are large ants that grow to over half an inch in length. They can be black, red, or a combination of the two colors. They have segmented bodies, six legs, and two antennae. Some carpenter ants have wings. Carpenter ants are usually easy ants to identify because they are quite a bit larger than other ant species.
Carpenter ants and termites are often mistaken for each other. That’s because the reproductive members of each species are quite similar in appearance. However, there are ways to tell these two pests apart from each other. There are three main differences in the appearance of carpenter ants and termites.
There are several other differences between carpenter ants and termites. Both winged and non-winged carpenter ants can be seen out in the open, but the only termites you’re likely to see in the open are the winged termites, and if you see them, they’ll be in a large group.
Both carpenter ants and termites damage wood, but carpenter ants chew through wood to build tunnels and nests, while termites eat the wood that they chew through.
Carpenter ants are attracted to homes with moisture problems that lead to water-damaged wood. Like other ant species, they can get into homes through small openings in the foundation, walls, or roof. Cracks, holes, gaps around windows and doors, and other entry points can all be utilized by carpenter ants to get inside. Flying ants can easily access the upper levels of your home to get inside as well.
The most common sign of a carpenter ant infestation is seeing the ants themselves. If you first see carpenter ants outside, it may or may not indicate that there is a problem inside your house. However, if you see carpenter ants in your house, especially the winged ones, there is likely a nest somewhere in your house.
Another sign of a carpenter ant infestation is hearing them in your walls. A light, rustling noise in wall voids or in other areas where wood is located could be a sign that carpenter ants have gotten into your house.
Damaged wood can be difficult to identify since it occurs on the inside and is not always visible to the naked eye. When you knock on the wood to check for damage, look for tiny holes and listen for a hollow sound.
Carpenter ants are dangerous to your home and you do not want them getting inside. These pests are damaging to the wooden structures in your house. They dig tunnels and nests in wood, so the longer they’re allowed to remain in your house and the longer they’re able to grow their population, the greater the damage will become.
Over time, damage to your home from carpenter ants can become extensive. In severe cases, the structural integrity of your home can be compromised.
Treating a carpenter ant infestation on your own can lead to subpar results. Because these pests are damaging to your home, you don’t want to waste any more time than necessary trying to get rid of them. If you do attempt a DIY method of carpenter ant control and it doesn’t work, the carpenter ants will have that much longer to damage your house before being eliminated.
Carpenter ants can be hard to locate, which makes it difficult to know where to apply the treatment. If misapplied, some products can be harmful to your family. Furthermore, if you are successful at eliminating some, but not all, of the problem, you may let your guard down only to discover that the infestation is still alive and well in the weeks and months to come.
If you’ve discovered large ants in your home or yard, contact got bugs? Termite & Pest Solutions for effective pest control services that eliminate carpenter ants in Metro Atlanta!
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