For most of us, insects are not something we want to see in or around our home. Some can be a real pain in the neck while others can cause damage to property. Unfortunately, you could end up with a pest in your home that is both. It is important to your sanity and your property's longevity to keep a special eye out for these kinds of pests!

One of these multi-purposed pests that can not only drive you crazy but can do some pretty serious damage to your home is carpenter ants. Carpenter ants are usually large, black ants but can also be dark tan in color. These ants find their way into homes searching for food. Once they get in, it can be nearly impossible to get rid of them on your own. As with any other type of ant, in order to eliminate an ant problem entirely the whole colony needs to be destroyed. Killing an ant here or there is not enough. These ants also build their nests in places that are not so easy to access. Carpenter ants nest in wood; another important reason why in the case of a carpenter ant infestation you need a professional that is trained and understands the unique behavioral habits of this pest to help eliminate them. If you think you might have a carpenter ant infestation you should contact a pest control professional immediately for assistance eliminating them.

If it wasn’t enough that carpenter ants are extremely difficult to get rid of, they can also do some pretty serious structural damage. These ants excavate wood to build nests. They prefer damp, decayed wood but once inside they will burrow through undamaged wood as well. 

Like with most pest problems, the best treatment is prevention. There are some things you can do in and around your home to make it a little less appealing to carpenter ants.

• Repair leaky pipes and replace any wood that might have been damaged around the leak.

• Eliminate standing water on your property, especially near the foundation.

• Do not leave dirty dishes in the sink.

• Seal up any cracks or crevices around the outside of your home.

• Make sure spaces such as attics and basements are property vented so moisture does not build up.

• Clean up and remove any down trees, limbs or rotting wood on your property.

• Do not stack firewood near your home.

• Keep trash and recyclables in covered bins as far from your home as possible.

• Make sure all food in your kitchen is stored in sealed containers.

• Clean the kitchen: take the trash out, sweep and mop regularly.

Even if you follow all of these tips, it might not be enough to keep carpenter ants out. If you need help keeping carpenter ants and other pests off your property and out of your home, you should contact a quality pest control company, like Thomas Pest Services. Learn more about the pest control services we offer homeowners by clicking here!