Mississauga Pest Control: How To Identify a Carpenter Ant Infestation

Carpenter Ant Infestation

While no insect is a welcome visitor in your home, pests that can compromise your building’s structural integrity are especially worrisome. Termites are perhaps the most notorious threats to wooden materials, but carpenter ants can be just as harmful over longer periods of time. At Truly Nolen Canada, we are committed to offering effective, thorough carpenter ant removal services to property owners throughout Mississauga. Consider several key facts that may help you identify, prevent, and respond to a carpenter ant infestation.

Symptoms of a Carpenter Ant Infestation

There are a few tell-tale signs that indicate your home has become a nesting site for a carpenter ant colony. First and foremost, carpenter ants create smooth tunnels in wood. These networks often feature small windows through which ants throw bits of wood. Because these insects don’t actually eat these materials, you will notice small piles of wood scraps near their galleries. Termites, by contrast, create messier tunnels that are filled with mud and other debris. Additional signs include the presence of flying carpenter ants, as well as the sound of insects moving about within wooden structures.

Favourable Conditions for Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants cannot establish a thriving nest just anywhere. For one thing, these critters tend to settle down near a source of water. Similarly, they prefer wood that has softened due to decay or moisture. This means that rotting or wet wood around windows, on your deck, and under sinks may be particularly inviting to carpenter ants. In addition, these pests are most active during the Canadian spring, though they may be able to survive the winter while in your house.

Carpenter Ant Prevention

At Truly Nolen Canada, we know that effective pest control in Mississauga starts with preventative measures. We recommend that homeowners take steps to make their property as unwelcoming to carpenter ants as possible. First, eliminate areas that offer ideal living conditions to the ants. This may include resolving water drainage issues so you don’t have any standing water. Additionally, be sure to replace sections of rotting wood. 

There are also a number of things you can do to limit carpenter ants’ access to your home. Start by removing piles of wood and tree branches that touch the siding of your house. This way, ants are less likely to be drawn to your property. It’s also essential that you address all small gaps that pests can use to enter your home. Be sure to inspect your weather stripping and to fill in any cracks you see around the exterior of your building.

Carpenter Ant Removal

If you suspect carpenter ants have already established a nest on your property, our team at Truly Nolen Canada is eager to help. While many pest removal services may treat carpenter ants by simply addressing the ants you see, we tackle the problem at its root using the latest bait products. These treatments target the queen of a nest as workers carry the bait back to their home base. This way, you can eliminate a nest in its entirety, rather than fighting off the same colony from season to season.

When you call your local Truly Nolen Canada team to handle pest control in Mississauga, you can expect us to start by launching an in-depth examination of your yard and home. Our goal is to pinpoint the areas where ants are nesting, while also identifying the conditions that drew them there in the first place. 

Get Started Today

As with so many other insect infestations, carpenter ant problems only grow worse over time. Addressing the colony efficiently is key to preserving the structural integrity of your home. Give Truly Nolen Canada a call today to schedule your carpenter ant removal service.