Carpenter ants are common in our area of the United States. Though they are often confused with termites, carpenter ants do not eat wood. However, they do hollow it out so they can nest inside. They cause structural damage and it may take several years before you notice it. If you need pest control in Lutherville-Timonium, or elsewhere in the area, discover Raven Termite and Pest Control. We can assess any situation and solve your pest problems.
Identifying Carpenter Ants and the Damage They Cause
Carpenter ants can have wings or be wingless and they are black, red, or brown. The body is constricted between the thorax and the abdomen.
Generally, you find carpenter ants in areas with excessive moisture such as around the sink, in the laundry room, near the dishwasher, and where plumbing leaks. They look for places that are softened by moisture or decay and are known to infest wood or foam materials that can be found in hollow doors and window frames. Most enter homes through wet or damaged wood or through cracks.
Rustling noises from inside of the home, piles of sawdust underneath windows, and winged ants walking around crevices are signs of a carpenter ant infestation.
How to Prevent Carpenter Ant Infestations
Preventing a carpenter ant infestation begins with an assessment of your home. First, seal cracks in the foundation, caulk around electrical lines, store firewood away from the house and off of the ground. Additionally, clean clogged gutters, fix water leaks, vacuum crumbs and clean food residue regularly. Finally, make sure attics are well ventilated and remove stumps and any wood waste within 100 yards of the home or building to avoid carpenter ants.
Looking for Pest Control in Lutherville-Timonium?
We regularly handle ant infestations for our customers. At Raven Termite and Pest Control we routinely treat the perimeter of the home or building to protect the structure from carpenter ants. We destroy satellite colonies so the ants do not appear again. Our treatments get to the root of the problem and rid you of ants.
Trust our over 18 years of experience and let us evaluate the infestation and properly treat it. We are environmentally friendly and carry the appropriate licenses from the Maryland Department of Agriculture for pest control specialists. For more information about our services, contact us today!
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