Though the termite is a well known pest around homes, it is not alone in the wood destroying insect world. The carpenter ant is yet another insect that can be ultra destructive to your home. Controlling and understanding this insect can mean the difference between huge repair costs and an ant free home with wood intact. Though the carpenter ant does not eat wood, they do dig tunnels and burrow through it. This damage is just as invasive as termite damage sometimes, and can be just as tough to get rid of.
Carpenter ants are much like any other ant but with some destructive tendencies. They live the same type of life that other ants do in that they have a queen, lay eggs, and live in hives. They produce drones, workers, and of course queens. These ants love to be in damp, moist environments. If you have these types of areas in your home, removing them is the first step in avoiding a carpenter ant infestation.
Carpenter ants and termites look very similar and many people confuse the two. There are some distinct differences betweent the two. The termite has four wings that are equal in length and extend well past the body. Carpenter ants can have four wings as well but the front pair are noticeably longer than the rear wings. Also, a carpenter ant has a segmented body and the termite has a uniform appearance. Finally, the termite has straight antennae while the carpenter ant has bent antennae resembling an elbow.
As stated, carpenter ants do not eat wood. They simply burrow so that they can find food elsewhere and build nests. These nests are very destructive and can cause significant damage to your home. Identifying the nests can be a challenge, but one sure sign is seeing these ants in early spring or winter. If you are seeing them this early, then the chances are pretty good that you have a nest nearby.
The best offense is a good defense against carpenter ants. That is to mean you should prevent them rather than try to get rid of them when possible. To avoid infestations in the first place, you should remove all moist places in the house that are possible to fix. You should also remove any rotten wood in your home. This is like a magnet to carpenter ants. To that end, keep all your outdoor wood far from your home as well.
Like termites, once you have a carpenter ant infestation it is time to call the pest control pros. Trying to get rid of them is nearly impossible for people with no experience or supplies. The pros can come out and knock out the problem in no time flat. Go ahead and spend the money as it will save you a ton down the road.
