Previously we wrote about Ants, but now we want to highlight Carpenter Ants specifically and why they are such a nuisance.
Today there are 10,000 known different ant species. It is also estimated that there are over 10 quadrillion ants alive at one given time. Since there are so many different ants their lifespan varies depending on the species, a queen Carpenter Ant may live up to 10 years while in other species she may live for up to 30 years! Carpenter Ants are known to cause lots of damage to people’s properties and homes. We are here to help you know whether or not you have these little guys living amongst you.
1. You find them in your home, obvious, we know…
The simplest way to know if you have Carpenter Ants in your home is if you see them in or around your home! Sorry if it’s so obvious it hurts. While you may see ants around your home it can actually be difficult to identify what type of ants they are. Carpenter Ants are about ½ to ¾ inch long, have three-body segments, and vary in color. Because the size and color of the ants vary so much identification on physical attributes the best way we have seen to identify them is based on where they are located. They are often found around weak wood-like outside decks, stairs, and furniture.
2. Weakened or destroyed wood.
Carpenter Ants can destroy the structure of your home or business. Like termites, they will destroy any soft or damaged wood in or around one’s home. While they don’t eat the wood like termites they burrow through grabbing sawdust to help build their nest and creating tunnels.
Items like firewood near your home are perfect nests and material for Carpenter Ants, they provide them with shelter and wood they need. While perhaps them eating away at your firewood isn’t your biggest concern when you find them near your home that could mean they have already made their way into your home.
3. Leftover Wood
Going along with finding Ants in weakened or damaged wood, Carpenter Ants typically leave small piles of sawdust. Because burrowing through wood leaves behind lots of residues, besides small piles of sawdust often times when you have Carpenter Ants they will do damage to trees and branches. They can quickly do substantial damage to trees and cause branches to fall off or even kill trees.
How to Prevent and Get Rid of Them?
To prevent or in an attempt to eliminate these ants get rid of their food, shelter, and water. This doesn’t mean you necessarily have to destroy your staircase or deck, it is important to treat your wood. Don’t leave wood furniture outside and be sure to keep firewood as far away from your home as possible. Besides just wood, Carpenter Ants also eat on sugary sources just like other ants. Being sure you have your food in proper containers or storage is important in eliminating food sources for these little buggers.
If you have concerns about Carpenter Ants or other pests know that here at TNT Pest Control are always happy and ready to assist! Give us a call at (801) 982-7378 today!