Have you heard the old saying, "The first step is recognizing you have a problem?" While there isn't anyone who has an addiction to carpenter ant damage, this saying still applies. The best way to protect your Terre Haute home against the damage carpenter ants can cause is to recognize the warning signs of carpenter ants' activity.
Flying ants
You probably know this, but flying ants aren't a species of ant. Ant colonies produce winged ants for the purpose of creating new nests. These winged ants leave their first home and head out into the great big world to create new homes. If you see big, black winged ants crawling around, you should know that you are looking at one of the most distinct warning signs left by carpenter ants. The presence of flying ants is a sign of a current and mature infestation on your property.
Ants crawling around
When carpenter ants in Terra Haute infest a home, they can sometimes be seen. You'll get random visits from scout ants crawling around inside your home. You may also see these big ants crawling around outside your home if you're out at night and you have a flashlight.
Frass
Carpenter ants don't eat wood; they tunnel through wood - and carpenter ants tunnel a lot! As they do, they push frass out of their tunnels. This fine sawdust material can be a warning sign of carpenter ant activity inside your home, but keep in mind that frass is often pushed out into areas that are not visible, such as inside wall voids. These ants prefer darkness.
Damage
Most people think they'll see the damage when carpenter ants attack. This is seldom the case, because carpenter ants aren't the only pests that can damage your home. Therefore, it is important to know what carpenter ant damage looks like and where to find it. Recognizing carpenter ant damage could save you from shelling out a ton of money on repairs.
A second set of eyes
The best way to safeguard your equity from the destructive impact of carpenter ants is to have routine visits from a pest control provider. While your pest professional is protecting you from ticks, cockroaches, rodents, mosquitoes, and a long list of other dangerous pests, he will alert you to the presence of carpenter ant activity that you may have missed. It is always good to have a second set of eyes, especially when those eyes belong to an experienced and highly trained pest service professional. When it comes to controlling pests, it is always best to take action. If you live in our extensive service area, contact Action Pest Control today!