When carpenter ants invade a property, they can cause all sorts of property damage. That’s because carpenter ants build their nests inside of wood, destroying said wood in the process. If the wood they choose to build their nest in happens to be the same wood that makes up your home, you could be in store for some costly repair bills.
Given that carpenter ants in Lexington can cause such destruction to homes, homeowners want to know what they can to do get carpenter ants out of their home before the damage is done. Beyond this, they also want to know what brought these destructive ants into their home in the first place. As with most pests, knowing what attracts carpenter ants into your Lexington home is the first step in preventing them from coming inside. In the long run, this can end up saving you from expensive repairs.
What Do You Need To Know About Carpenter Ants?
Carpenter ants are a species of ant that build their nests inside of wood. They are typically red, black, or a combination of the two. They live in colonies that are comprised of three castes. These include the workers, the soldiers, and the reproductives, the latter of which have wings. Each caste has its own purpose in the colony. The workers are tasked with gathering food for the rest of the colony, while the soldiers are responsible for protecting it. The reproductives, which include the queen, will set out to create new colonies at certain times of the year.
What Attracts Carpenter Ants Inside?
There are several things that could attract carpenter ants onto a property. For starters, Lexington carpenter ants are attracted to both proteins and sugars. This means that the improper storage of food or trash could be big attractors for carpenter ants. Additionally, pet food and other sources of protein, such as dead insects, are also attractive to carpenter ants. You should always be sure to store your food in airtight containers, wipe up spills immediately, take out the trash regularly and pick up any uneaten pet food.
In addition to potential food sources, carpenter ants are also attracted to decaying or water-damaged wood as it is easier for them to build their nests in. Therefore, you need to address any moisture issues in your home. Install dehumidifiers, fix any leaky pipes, keep gutters free of debris, and replace any rotting wood within your home.
How Much Damage Can Carpenter Ants Cause?
Because they do not eat wood but rather live inside of it, carpenter ants are not considered to be as destructive as termites that do eat wood. However, an average carpenter ant colony contains up to 3,000 ants. Therefore, if you do not address the issue promptly, they will cause immense damage to your home as their colony grows. Carpenter ants have been known to destroy structural wood, flooring, siding, furniture, and antiques.
What’s The Best Way To Get Rid Of Carpenter Ants?
If you are currently dealing with a carpenter ant infestation in your Lexington home, contact the professionals here at Action Pest Control right away. Remember, the longer you wait, the more destruction these ants are likely to cause.
With that being said, given how much destruction carpenter ants can cause, the best method for ensuring protection for your home is with our ongoing ant control plan. After all, carpenter ants can’t destroy your home if they never get inside of it in the first place. Give us a call today and ask about our ant control and other ongoing treatment services to keep your home safe from these destructive pests.