If you want to protect your home against carpenter ants this spring, hire carpenter ant pest control in Waterloo. Professional services can help you assess your property, determine points of entry, and treat the outdoors to reduce infestation risks. Typical household and property maintenance may also help with prevention.

4 Ways To Protect Your Property

Carpenter ants are among the largest ant species and likely one of the most destructive. While the ants do not eat wood like termites, a common misconception, they do burrow into wood to establish colonies. If given enough time, the ants will create several satellite colonies in a single house.

The primary risk of carpenter ant infestations is property damage. The ants will not discern between woods, meaning they may chew through and nest in structural beams.

Thankfully, there are things you can do to reduce your risks of insect infestations. Pest control professionals encourage all homeowners to focus on maintaining four areas of their houses.

1. Repair Roof Leaks and Damage

Carpenter ants prefer soft, damp, and decaying wood because it is easier to chew through and manipulate. It is crucial that property owners repair any water damage before it becomes a significant issue. The ants are drawn to water damage, and it will not take them long to take advantage of the situation.

Always check your roof after storms or heavy snowfall. Look for leaks or damage and make speedy repairs. Not only is roof damage a welcome sign for insects, but it also invites other wildlife and pests, like squirrels, raccoons, and rodents.

2. Trim Tress and Other Greenery Away From the House

Residential pest control services often find carpenter ants in trees and shrubs around a property. Keeping plantings trimmed and pruned away from the house is necessary because overgrowth can provide a bridge and offer motivation to invade, especially during cold and rainy seasons.

Also, allowing plants to grow too close to the home’s foundation can cause cracks and drainage issues. These problems can quickly contribute to water issues and wood rot, encouraging carpenter ants.

It is best to keep plants, shrubs, and trees several feet away from a house’s foundation and roofline. If plants are too close, it is best to hire a landscaper to remove them.

3. Seal Cracks in the Home Foundation

Besides checking the roofline after a storm or during rough weather, you should also make it a habit to check the house’s foundation. Carpenter ants often make their way inside the home through cracks in the foundation.

To prevent carpenter ants, it is vital to seal all holes or cracks around the foundation. You can use expanding foam or caulking to seal these areas. You can also contact a pest control professional to assess and seal your property for you, ensuring all openings are protected.

4. Fix Rotting Around Windows and Doors

Exposed wood trim is more susceptible to rot than aluminum-covered trim. While siding and sheathing can protect wood framing and trim work, it doesn’t always. Check the window and door frames for rot. Older homes are typically more at risk, but damage can occur in any home of any age.

Because carpenter ants prefer rot and damage, they use window and door frames to enter the home. Replacing the material and applying appropriate chemical treatments is the best way to prevent infestations.

Professional Carpenter Ant Prevention and Treatment

The most effective way to protect your house is to hire a home pest control service. The company will treat the property and implement professional prevention techniques to reduce your risks and exposure. Contact Truly Nolen Canada to schedule a home inspection.