Carpenter Ants: How to Recognize and Address Damage

Carpenter ants are common here in Texas. These insects don’t normally cause problems unless they choose to nest in a home or commercial property. Many people confuse carpenter ants with termites, but there are several key differences between these types of creatures. It’s important to know which type of insect you’re dealing with, as weakened wood in your home can cause expensive damage down the road.

Damage From Carpenter Ants

Despite popular belief, carpenter ants do not eat wood like termites do. These ants simply nest in wood, using their pinchers to hollow out tunnels in the wood. While the damage from carpenter ants isn’t usually as severe as termite damage, this hollowing out can still weaken essential structures in your home if the ants get into your walls.

Is It Carpenter Ants or Termites?

When trying to identify what type of infestation you’re dealing with, it’s always best to call in a professional exterminator to check things out. Signs of an infestation include piles of sawdust or wood shavings around door jambs or windowsills, scratching noises in the walls, or seeing large ants, with or without wings. Carpenter ants are typically black in color, but not always. If you’ve noticed these signs, an exterminator can determine whether you’re dealing with termites or ants, and offer an appropriate solution for getting rid of the pests.

How Are Carpenter Ants Exterminated?

Several methods can be used for this type of ant, but the most popular is the bait trap. After investigating your home and locating nest sites, an exterminator will leave what looks like a sugary treat for ants at the entrances of the nest, which is really poison. The ants will carry the bait back to the nest, which will kill the rest of the colony.

However, ants will sometimes create satellite colonies throughout a property, making it difficult for the bait to reach each one. In this case, the exterminator will use a combination of natural and chemical pesticides to poison a nest and any satellite colonies.

Reach Out for Help

If you suspect or see signs of a carpenter ant infestation, don’t hesitate to call us right away. It may not seem like a big deal, but carpenter ant nests in your home can cause expensive damage if not dealt with immediately. Here at Pinnacle Pest Defense, we deal with every kind of unwanted creature in your home, from invasive insects to cockroaches and fleas. Contact us today for a quote or to set up service!