Carpenter ants are large ants that nest in wood. They get their name as they chew through wood to create smooth tunnels for their nests. Though they do not eat wood like termites, they feed on insects, sweet food, pet food, and other insects. Carpenter ants are usually red and black in color. In this article, we will explore carpenter ants, their habits, and how they cause damage to our homes and workplaces.
Warning Signs of Carpenter Ants in the House
- The most obvious sign of carpenter ants in the house is small holes in the furniture and other wooden surfaces. The ants expelled debris and sawdust and fragments of insulated body parts of insects. The accumulation of debris below the holes is a definite sign of carpenter ants in the house.
- Carpenter ants bite and chew moist and softwood. They can cause structural damage which can be devastating and you may have to spend on costly repairs and replacements. They also feed on rotting timbers.
- Carpenter ants produce frass. This frass is always found in areas where carpenter ants are most likely to hide.
- Carpenter ants can come out of their tunnels and crawl around whenever they want.
- Carpenter ants often target wooden structures. You may be able to see damage at the base of fence posts.
How to Prevent Carpenter Ants?
You can follow the tips below to prevent carpenter ants from entering your property.
- Remove sources of moisture and standing water in and around the house. Fix leaky pipes and dripping faucets and keep the bathroom properly ventilated.
- Repair or replace damp wood inside and outside the house.
- Install screens on doors and windows and seal cracks and crevices, holes and gaps.
- Use door sweeps and weather stripping beneath the doors.
- Sweep, vacuum, and mop the floor daily to clean spills and food crumbs.
- Store food in sealed containers and do not keep fruits and vegetables in the open.
- Clean and wipe the countertops and appliances after using them.
- Store open food in tight-fitting containers.
- Trim all branches and bushes in the garden area and make sure they do not touch the exterior of your property.
- Do not store lumber or firewood inside or outside your home.
Tips to Control Carpenter Ants
Eliminating carpenter ants from your home is not that challenging until the infestation is severe. Follow the tips below to prevent them from infiltrating your property. Hire the best Ant control professionals.
Boiling Water
If you were able to locate carpenter ant nests, boil a few liters of water and pour it directly into their nest. It can be dangerous, so please take extreme caution. Adding a natural soap or detergent to the water will make the approach even more effective. This process should be repeated 2-3 times to eliminate the colony.
Essential Oils
Like other ants, carpenter ants also use pheromone trails for navigation and communication. This also helps them to find food. You can make a spray by mixing a few drops of essential oil and spraying it in areas where carpenter ants are most likely to crawl. This will disrupt their trails and deter them from infesting your property. You can use essential oils made of lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, lemongrass, tea tree, and cedar wood oil for best results.
Sugar And Baking Soda
Mix equal parts of baking soda and sugar to make an effective ant-repellant. Place this mixture strategically in areas where ants are most likely to crawl. Use a shallow dish to place this mixture. This can be placed near the doors and entrances. The sugar will lure the ants and baking soda will kill them. Baking soda is poisonous to ants.
Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is an effective pest repellant. Sprinkle some DE on the spaces where ants are generally hiding in the house. It will damage the exoskeleton of the insects and kill them eventually. The carpenter ants will consume the Diatomaceous earth and die within 24 hours. You can also sprinkle DE directly on their nests.
Soapy Water
A simple solution of soap and water can kill carpenter ants as it is toxic to them. Mix one part of dish soap with two parts of water and store it in a spray bottle. Squirt it in areas where you frequently see carpenter ants activity in the house. Continue to spray the mixture for a few days until the carpenter ants are completely gone.
Hire Pest Control Professionals
If you are not able to get rid of carpenter ants with the help of the above-mentioned tips, you can hire a professional pest control in Patna. They have the experience and knowledge to eliminate carpenter ants and other pests from any property. They will assess the situation and implement necessary measures to eliminate the existing infestation and stop them in the future too.
Conclusion
Though carpenter ants are not as damaging as termites, if given enough time, a whole colony can cause extensive damage to all wooden structures. The queens living up to 25 years can cause damage that needs costly repairs to homeowners. You can implement the tips outlined in this article to prevent carpenter ants from entering your property. If there is severe carpenter ants infestation, seek professional assistance. Remember, preventing carpenter ants from invading your property is much easier than eliminating them.
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