
An Unchecked Ant Infestation Can Be Nearly as Bad as a Termite Infestation
Termites and ants have different goals for invading homes. Termites eat wood for nutritional purposes, while ants use wood to make nests. They burrow into the wood and dig galleries (tunnels). Both termites and carpenter ants cause a lot of damage, but termite damage is easier to miss. Ants have to get rid of their wood waste somehow, and these sawdust-like piles are relatively easy to notice. Serious problems occur when the debris blends in with its environment and goes unnoticed for long periods. In any case, the presence of carpenter ants does need to be addressed as soon as possible. The potential for staggering amounts of damage is high when colonies are allowed to nest unchecked for years. These signs may indicate an ant infestation:- Window holes (slit-like holes in wood)
- Sawdust or piles of wood shavings, dead insects and other debris outside holes
- A large number of ants under sinks, in areas of moisture or around wood
- Trails of ants
- Dry rustling noises behind the walls
How Carpenter Ants Get Inside Homes
Many homes in Canada are built of wood, fully or partially (decks, porches, siding, etc.). Wood is strong but no match for a carpenter ant's powerful, tenacious jaws. In addition to being forceful, these ants are versatile insects. They get inside homes in any number of ways:- Firewood
- Porches
- Windows
- Air conditioners
- Heating ducts
- Power cables
- Telephone cables
- Tree branches
- Holes and cracks in home foundations
How To Protect Your Home
Professional experts are in the best position to safeguard your home from an infestation. At Truly Nolen Canada, our professionals assess the interior and exterior of your home to:- Examine the damage
- Pinpoint areas of infestation
- Look for infestation causes
- Determine a course of action