According to the Merriam-Webster, the definition of a carpenter is a person whose job is to make or fix wooden objects or wooden parts of buildings. It seems strange then that an ant that tunnels through wood causing significant damage would be called a carpenter but it is. Unlike pavement and citronella ants which are considered nuisance pests, carpenter ants are a serious problem for homeowners. Have you seen these pests in or around your home? Not sure? Keep reading and we’ll fill you in.
Though they can be found in sound wood, carpenter ants primarily attack moist or wet wood sources which is why we often get calls about large black ants in the kitchen or in a bathroom. If there’s a leaking pipe or an appliance or if a room is not ventilated correctly and allows moisture to accumulate, then it’s likely to be on the radar of a carpenter ant colony. Plus, if it’s just easy to get inside, they probably will.
So what are they looking for when they invade? Food, water and a place to nest. Though carpenter ants spend the majority of their time excavating wood, they don’t consume it like termites do. Instead they forage for our food. Yup, they like sweets, meats and will even eat up the grease that accumulates between the oven and the counter - gross, we know. Carpenter ants also eat other bugs.
Carpenter ants establish colonies both outside and inside homes. Tree stumps and woodpiles are common places to find these destructive bugs. Inside, nests are often found in wall voids and other hollowed spaces, and behind dishwashers and other appliances.
A carpenter ant infestation is not always apparent unless you catch these insects marching across your kitchen in order to find food. Carpenter ant damage may not be visible and requires some detective work. If you’re concerned about an infestation, use the blunt end of a screwdriver or a hammer and lightly tap along the wood surface. A hollow sound could be an indication of a problem. You might also hear a rustling noise that is likened the crinkling of cellophane. That’s carpenter ants responding to the disruption.
Now if you’ve noticed large black ants around your home or discover wood damage, give us a call. Since New York is also home to more than one wood destroying insect, proper identification of the pest is necessary. Treating for carpenter ants when you have termites isn’t going to solve the problem. At Thomas Pest Services, we offer carpenter ant control that is designed to address the foraging carpenter ants but also eliminate the nest which is absolutely essential in resolving an infestation of these ants.
Servicing Albany and the entire Capital District as well as the Adirondack region, our professional pest control technicians are ready to help you evict unwanted and destructive carpenter ants today!