Carpenter ants get their name from the way they create their colonies. These pests chew through wood, leaving behind sawdust and debris. If you notice red or black carpenter ants in your home, you may have an infestation. While they build their primary colonies outdoors, carpenter ants also build satellite colonies indoors and are particularly attracted to moist or rotting wood.
An abundance of carpenter ants in trees in the yard or in a pile of wood could put you at risk for an infestation that makes its way indoors. Fortunately, there are many ways you can keep carpenter ants at bay and remove them from your property. Read on to discover how you can prevent carpenter ants from causing damage to your home and why Aries Pest Control is the preferred choice for pest control in Austin.
Easy-To-Spot Signs Of Carpenter Ants On Your Property
Carpenter ants in Austin can be identified by their black or red color. They are between 1/2 and 5/8 of an inch long and tend to live in large colonies. There are several ways to confirm a carpenter ant infestation on your property. Here are some telltale signs to look for:
- Presence of worker and swarmer ants
- Small openings on the surface of wood in your home or outside
- Debris, such as sawdust, insect body parts, or pieces of insulation
- Rustling noises coming from the inside of walls
- Winged ants crawling out of crevasses within your ceiling or wall.
If you notice any of these signs of carpenter ants, it may be time to call for professional pest control services.
Carpenter Ants Can Create Multiple Problems Around Your Property
Whether you have black carpenter ants in your home or you've noticed them scurrying around outside, it's important to control the infestation right away. If left untreated, a carpenter ant infestation can cause damage to your home, similar to termites. These pests feed on soft wood that has been weakened by moisture and build their colonies inside. They can also move into dry, sound wood, where they can then inflict serious structural damage to your home. Outdoors, carpenter ants will target wooden structures like fences, decks, and patios.
Natural Ways To Remove Factors That Attract Carpenter Ants
Many homeowners today seek natural, environmentally-friendly ways to get rid of carpenter ants. The best way to prevent an infestation is to remove what attracts carpenter ants to your home in the first place. Here are several steps to take:
- Use sealed containers to store food.
- Keep your kitchen clean, wiping up spills and crumbs regularly.
- Replace water-damaged wood throughout your property.
- Use dehumidifiers in moist rooms of the home, like the basement and attic.
- Caulk around windows and doors to remove gaps.
- Ensure gutters are working properly to keep rainwater flowing away from your home.
- Repair holes in the screens of windows and doors; replace screens with extensive damage.
- Repair cracks in your home's foundation.
If you've taken these precautions and still have an infestation, contact a professional pest control service like Aries Pest Control to get rid of carpenter ants for good.
The Most Effective Way To Get Rid Of Carpenter Ants
Dealing with an infestation of carpenter ants in Austin is a common problem amongst local homeowners. Taking the time to eliminate the sources of infestation is always the best, most effective way to get rid of carpenter ants. However, there are times when carpenter ants will still make their way onto your property.
If you're looking for a professional pest control company to treat a carpenter ant infestation, trust the experts at Aries Pest Control. Homeowners throughout the Austin area have relied on us to cure their carpenter ant problems. Our professional, knowledgeable technicians will fully assess the issue and use the latest pest control technology to eradicate ants and prevent them from returning. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment.