Truly Nolen Pest Control Canada
Avoid Carpenter Ants in Brampton With These Landscaping Tips While carpenter ants aren't dangerous to humans, they can wreak havoc on your house. These tiny creatures use wood for nest building, which means your home's internal structures are the perfect location for tunnelling. If they get inside the walls, they'll leave support beams looking like swiss cheese. By then, you'll need carpenter ant removal in Brampton as well as home repair experts. Depending on the damage, costs could get astronomical. The best way to fight carpenter ants is to keep them away from your residence in the first place. To do so, you must understand what attracts and deters these insects. These five tips are a great starting point.

1. Store Wood Off the Ground

Any wood stored on the ground is within reach of carpenter ants, so think twice before setting firewood directly on the grass. Decorative pieces aren't immune — if that railroad tie or log isn't sealed, it's fair game. Unfortunately, vulnerable timber isn't limited to individual pieces — carpenter ants are more than happy to attack structures such as garden sheds and decks. Even sealed structures are vulnerable when in direct contact with dirt. Soil holds moisture, which creates the perfect environment for a fungus known as wood rot. As the name implies, it makes timber soft and crumbly, making it even easier for ants to break down. However, there is good news: You can prevent excess moisture by laying a foundation first. Raising beams even a few inches off the ground can protect them from bugs. What about decorative pieces? You can achieve the same effect with synthetic materials made to resemble wood. Stone or brick are also excellent decor options that don't risk infestation.

2. Apply Mulch Correctly

Mulch comes in many forms:
    • Straw
    • Bark
    • Pine needles
    • Shredded leaves
    • Grass clippings
    • Newspaper
Unfortunately, all of the above are organic, and some are wood products. As a result, they risk attracting carpenter ants. If you have access to a mulch alternative, that's the better option. However, mulch isn't guaranteed to bring bugs to your door. If you lay it correctly, you can still safeguard your home from pests. Keep your layer shallow — no more than three inches. Thin layers aren't enough for ants to build nests, thereby deterring infestation.

3. Think Before Adding Trees

Trees, shrubs and bushes offer many benefits:
    • Improved aesthetics
    • Increased curb appeal
    • Better air quality
Unfortunately, they also produce shade. Don't get us wrong — shade can be a good thing, especially on hot days. A substantial shade tree can block sunlight from entering windows and keep energy costs low. However, shade also prevents standing water from evaporating. Too much moisture puts nearby wood at risk. Even affected trees and bushes can lead to problems in your home, as the ants can launch an attack from their nearby established nest.

4. Keep Firewood Away From the House

Your first line of defence against carpenter ants is keeping wood of any type as far from your house as possible. That includes plant life, decorations and firewood. While this may be inconvenient, it prevents harm to patios, decks and support beams. Any outdoor wood is at greater risk of infestation, so placing it far away gives you a chance to tackle the problem before it spreads indoors. If pests have infiltrated your home, Truly Nolen can eliminate them. Our expert team in Brampton can remove carpenter ants, as well as a variety of other bugs, rodents and even birds. We deliver the highest quality service and offer preventative measures to keep pests from returning. To ask questions or schedule an appointment, call us or fill out our online form. An inspection could be the difference between a comfortable home and massive renovations.
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