Facts Every Homeowner Should Know About Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants are a kind of ant that construct their nests by excavating wood and creating smooth tunnels inside of it. That’s the reason why they have got their name. They merely chew through wood to make nests; they don’t really consume it. Carpenter ant infestations are clearly indicated by piles of fine sawdust, which indicates a necessity for carpenter ant elimination.
How to identify carpenter ants?
- Carpenter ants have a red and black color combination on the body
- They have six legs
- They have a segmented and oval shaped body
- You can find them all around the United States, specially in the Northen states
- They have an antennae
- They are about 5/8” in size
How do carpenter ants look like?
Carpenter ants range in length from 1/2″ to 5/8″, depending on the species. Although red, red, or brown and black carpenter ant combinations are also possible.
What Indicates the Presence of Carpenter Ants in a Home?
Winged male ants are an indication that ants are residing inside a home, which often causes homeowners tremendous worry when they first see them. When the winged forms are disturbed, a rustling sound that emanates from wall gaps or from the wood where the nest is situated can sometimes be used to detect the existence of a carpenter ant nest. If you notice only one ant, there can be an infestation present.
What Indicates a House Has a Full Carpenter Ant Infestation?
Small holes on the surface of wood are the primary indicators of a carpenter ant infestation in a home. The material that the ants eject via these apertures includes insulation pieces, sawdust-like shavings, and/or insect body parts. This detritus building up underneath the holes is a clear sign of an ongoing infestation. Carpenter ants produce gallery walls that are smooth and have a sandpapered look. Debris is removed from active galleries.
Final Thoughts
If you see any of these ant infestation symptoms in your Santa Fe or Los Alamos home, get in touch with the best pest control specialist in the region, Parker Pest Services. Then you can get much-needed assistance with overcoming your ant infestation. If you don’t take the proper steps to deal with them, they can seriously harm your house.