At the first sign of carpenter ants, it is vital to call in pest control in Burlington. Known as one of the most destructive pests that can be found in a home, carpenter ants can chew into wooden components, including beams and roof timbers. If undetected, this could cause weakened structures and safety concerns. 

Carpenter ant removal is essential because of how quickly they can destroy wood in a home. Depending on where the ant’s colony is set up, structural damage can occur in just a matter of months. An infestation starts when the worker ants are out foraging for food. Carpenter ants eat other insects, nectar, honey, and even dog food. This means they can be drawn into your home easily by the temptation of crumbs or animal food left out. 

If you notice one or two carpenter ants in the kitchen, this is most likely because they were on a scouting mission and found something tasty in your home. It doesn’t necessarily mean that there are more of them behind the walls. But, you should still be diligent in cleaning floors regularly and remove any pet food in between meals to deter carpenter ants and other unwanted pests. 

Signs of a Carpenter Ant Nest

One of the easiest ways to recognize that you have a carpenter ant problem is from the small piles of sawdust (trass) that are frequently found in the basement or garage or other secluded areas of your home. Carpenter ants do not eat the wood as termites do. Instead, they tunnel through the wood and discard the sawdust as they work, cleaning and polishing their way through. 

When a mature carpenter ant colony is on your property, you will find flying ants. Known as swarmers, these flying ants are typically seen on window panes, windowsills, and outside of the home. They can appear alone or in groups. These swarmers are sexually mature ants whose job is to leave the colony and fly off in search of a new territory. 

Damage Caused by Carpenter Ants

If a carpenter ant colony goes undiscovered in a home for an extended length of time, it could lead to structural problems. Some common indicators of damage caused by carpenter ants to wooden structures include:

• Ceilings that appear to be sinking
• Walls that have a bulge or bump
• Floors that slope or have an angle
• Doors and windows that stick when opening

If you notice any of these signs, it is likely you have an infestation of carpenter ants. Unfortunately, if an infestation has got to this point, where a colony has been set up and established, the carpenter ants are extremely difficult to get rid of. 

Do Not Attempt DIY Methods

Although it may be tempting to try DIY methods, none of them are reliable, and it is almost certain that the ants will return. Using professional pest control in Burlington to deal with carpenter ants can ensure their removal, and continued treatment will provide you with peace of mind that they will not return.

Our team of experts can diagnose a carpenter ant colony and put the appropriate procedures and protocols in place quickly and safely. Because carpenter ants seem to be a reoccurring issue, a long-term approach and preventative program is the best option. If you have noticed carpenter ants in your home or piles of sawdust, don’t wait. Contact the professionals at Truly Nolen today!