Generally speaking, ants become dormant in the winter, but carpenter ants in Omaha can continue to be a problem if they're in your home. These pests build their nests inside wood, and because they work behind the walls, detecting and getting rid of them can be challenging. Whether you are currently dealing with an invasion or looking to prevent one, this guide is for you.
We'll start by describing the characteristics of carpenter ants to ensure you can identify them correctly and review the risks these pests pose to your house and family. We'll also provide prevention tips so you can remove factors that might attract them. Continue reading to learn more about carpenter ant control with the experts from Quality Pest Control.
Characteristics Of Carpenter Ants: A Guide To Accurate Identification
Carpenter ants are around 1/2 an inch long, so they are usually easy to identify due to their large size. These ants build their nests in soft wood with water damage, such as around plumbing fixtures, near roof leaks, under windows, or in structural wood in wall voids. They will also take advantage of wood that has prior termite damage.
These ants don't eat wood like termites, so you will likely see black carpenter ants in your home when they leave the nest to forage. Other signs include small holes in wood with sawdust-like shavings of debris and insulation below them and rustling sounds within the walls. If you suspect these pests are nesting in your house, contact us today at Quality Pest Control for assistance in eliminating them.
Carpenter Ant Problems: Health Concerns And Structural Damage
When carpenter ants invade, they endanger your family's health and the structure of your home. The following list explains some of the risks that come with an infestation:
- When carpenter ants bite, formic acid gets into your skin, which some people are allergic to, causing itching, abdominal pain, and hives.
- While the ants are outside, they can pick up bacteria that contaminate your food and prep surfaces, making your family sick.
- Over time, as they excavate the wood and build nests, they weaken the structural integrity of your home.
- While they start in decaying wood, they can eventually move on to sound, dry wood, causing further damage.
Working with a local pest control company is the best way to avoid carpenter ant damage to your home. Contact us today at Quality Pest Control to learn more about our ant control services.
Carpenter Ant Prevention: How To Remove Attracting Factors
Specific factors on your property can increase the chances of an infestation. These carpenter ant prevention tips will help safeguard your house against these destructive pests:
- Remove and replace any wood that has water damage.
- Repair moisture problems and eliminate standing water.
- Store food in airtight containers and keep eating areas clean.
- Store firewood and building materials at least 20 feet from the house.
The experts at Quality Pest Control can help you get rid of carpenter ants and provide additional strategies to keep them from coming back. Contact us today with any questions or to learn more about our carpenter ant control services.
Professional Assistance: Vital To Total Carpenter Ant Control
Carpenter ants live in large colonies containing tens of thousands of individuals, and DIY home pest control products aren't enough to handle them. The most effective way to eradicate these pests is to work with a company that offers professional pest control for carpenter ants. Contact us today at Quality Pest Control to schedule a consultation and reclaim your home from these wood-damaging ants.