There are several kinds of ants that will typically invade your home here in Northern California, but carpenter ants in San Mateo are one of the most common and can become quite a problem. If not taken care of in a timely manner, black carpenter ants in your home can cause expensive structural damage.
These eight-legged pests are nocturnal insects and may go unnoticed for a long period of time. The longer they go undetected, the larger their colonies become. This can make it very difficult to get rid of carpenter ants in your residence or business. Calling your local San Mateo pest control is your best bet to eradicate a carpenter ant issue. With more than 17 years of experience, you can be sure Pacific Pest Management has the solution to your carpenter ant problem.
How To Identify A Carpenter Ant
Identifying and spotting the signs of carpenter ants is crucial. The harm that these wood-destroying creatures do to your home will only intensify with time. Some ways to identify carpenter ants and their activity:
- Carpenter ants are one of the largest ant species. They’ll grow to 5/8 inch in length. They are typically black or a combination of black and red.
- In the spring, when the weather warms up, carpenter ants will begin mating, and you may see them swarming.
- Discarded wings may be visible where ant swarming took place.
- You may spot small holes in wood with piles of sawdust or insect parts outside of them.
If you notice any of these tell-tale signs of carpenter ants in or around your property, don’t hesitate to contact a professional exterminator.
The Multiple Problems Carpenter Ants Can Cause In Your House
Contrary to popular belief, carpenter ants don’t actually eat wood. They chew through wood, creating a series of tunnels called “galleries.” This is where they create their nests. The ants will usually start where the wood is moist or already damaged. But once the tunneling has begun, they will continue to chew into dry and undamaged wood.
As carpenter ant colonies grow in size, they will venture off to create satellite nests. Over a period of time, extensive damage can take place, threatening the integrity of the structure of your home or business. They can also cause damage to foundations and insulation if nests are located in or near these areas. This is why it is of utmost importance to identify and treat an infestation as soon as possible to avoid carpenter ant damage to your home.
Factors That Attract Carpenter Ants To Your Property
Moisture is a magnet that attracts carpenter ants to your home. Carpenter ants start nesting in areas with leaky pipes, condensation in and around doors and windows, or leaks around toilets and bathtubs. Also, check for any cracks or crevices around your home and foundation where water may seep in, causing damp spots.
Of course, carpenter ants have to eat. Anything with protein or sugar is on their diversified menu. Poorly sealed food packages, pet food, or dirty kitchen floors and countertops will draw all sorts of pests, including carpenter ants. Garbage cans lacking tightly closed lids are also an attractant for ants. In essence, good housekeeping practices are a large part of ant prevention.
The Most Effective Way To Get Rid Of Carpenter Ants
Attempting to tackle a carpenter ant problem can be a monumental task to take on by yourself. Let the highly trained and friendly technicians here at Pacific Pest Management take it off of your hands. We have safe and proven carpenter ant treatment and prevention plans that are affordable and effective.