Your home is a big investment. Several pests look for ways to share this investment with you, although they don’t really make the best roommates. They will cause destruction and chaos turning your peaceful home into a nightmare. Carpenter ants, in particular, may seem relatively harmless, but their quest for refuge and sustenance can have devastating effects on your beloved home. We are here to help you determine if your Modesto home is at risk and how to prevent carpenter ant infestations.
What Is A Carpenter Ant?
The most common color for carpenter ants is black, but they come in any variety of black, brown, red, or any combination of the three. They are ½ inch to ⅝ inch in length, with a segmented oval body sitting on top of six little legs. They have polymorphic workers in their colonies so an ant’s size may depend on their job within the colony. The flightless queens are the largest, with the males and winged swarmers being slightly smaller.
Carpenter ants like to nest in damp or damaged wood, so most are found in areas of decaying wood. This doesn’t mean that they will not burrow through even the most pristine lumber, especially if it’s between them and a food source for their sizable colony. They will usually make their way into your home in search of this food source, wreaking havoc on the structural integrity of your home along the way.
The Dangers Of A Carpenter Ant Infestation And How To Spot Them
Carpenter ants burrow into wood leaving behind small holes. They don’t, however, eat the wood. Rather, they create tunnels to access their nest. From the outside, the damage may seem harmless enough, a few little holes here and there. However, what you can’t see is the amount of destruction happening inside of that same piece of wood. What was once a strong piece of lumber may now be a hollow shell, unable to support the weight it was built to hold. This is where things get dangerous. Examples of this structural damage include:
- Doors and windows that stick
- Sloping floors and sinking ceilings
- Bulging walls
Though they may damage your home, carpenter ants don’t really pose any direct health risks. They are not carriers of bacteria or viruses, but they attract pests that are. Ants are a major food source to other transients that we are sure you would rather not have over for dinner. Bats enjoy feasting on these crunchy delicacies and will bring disease into your home with them. A variety of spider species also find sustenance from carpenter ants, including the perilous black widow. By getting your ant problem under control you will also lessen the risk of having other intruders make their way into your home.
Keeping Ants Out Of Your Modesto Home
Being proactive is the most effective way to prevent these bugs and so many other pests from invading your home. You can help to protect your home by following some of these tips and tricks:
Repair moisture issues: Damp wood attracts carpenter ants and other pests. Diligently repair moisture problems like leaky roofs or plumbing.
Seal entry points: Make sure to seal any cracks or openings around your foundation including areas around utility pipes and wires.
Limit food access: Keep foods in airtight containers and crumbs off of counters and floors.
By following these tips, you will reduce the risk of attracting carpenter ants to your home. This will help to protect one of your greatest investments from becoming damaged and requiring costly repairs. If you suspect that your home is suffering a carpenter ant infestation, trust the experts at Peace Of Mind Pest Control.
How Peace Of Mind Pest Control Can Help
The crew here at Peace Of Mind Pest Control is here to do just as the moniker suggests, give you peace of mind that your Modesto home remains pest free. We are a local family-owned and operated company striving to provide you the best possible service. Our company has the skill and experience to take on any of your pest control needs whether you’re looking for one-time or recurring pest control options. You can rest assured knowing that we back up all of our work with a pest-free guarantee.
Contact Peace Of Mind Pest Control today to learn more and request your free estimate!
