Are you noticing large, dark ants in your home? Carpenter ants are common in and near Albany, especially in spring, and can cause serious damage to wood structures in your home. Identifying and removing them quickly is essential to protect your property. Here’s what to look for and how to prevent these destructive pests.

Identifying Carpenter Ants: Signs and Symptoms

Carpenter ants usually nest outdoors in soil, mulch, hollow logs, or stumps. However, they often venture inside, especially if they find easy entry points in your foundation or walls. Here’s how to recognize a carpenter ant infestation:

• Appearance: Large, black or dark mahogany-colored ants, often found foraging in kitchens or pantries.
• Damage: Look for trails of sawdust outside small tunnels, a sign they’ve been tunneling through wood.
• Behavior: Carpenter ants tend to be more active at night, so sightings during these hours can be a red flag.

Seeing these signs could indicate that multiple colonies have established themselves within your home.

Why Carpenter Ants Are a Problem for Albany and Capital Region Homeowners

Carpenter ants can cause significant structural damage to homes. Like termites, they chew through wood, creating tunnels and nests in walls, floors, and even structural beams. This damage not only affects the integrity of your home but can also be costly to repair.

Common Entry Points for Carpenter Ants

• Foundation Cracks: Ants enter through small cracks or gaps in the foundation.
• Moist Areas: They’re attracted to moisture and often nest near leaks or damp wood.

Once inside, they set up satellite nests to stay close to food and water sources, causing additional damage.

DIY Tips to Prevent Carpenter Ant Infestations

While professional pest control is the best way to remove carpenter ants, there are steps you can take to make your home less inviting:

Eliminate Moisture Sources

• Fix Leaks: Repair any leaking pipes, roofs, chimneys, or skylights.
• Direct Water Away from Foundation: Ensure gutters and downspouts drain water away from your home.

Keep Your Yard Clean

• Trim Trees and Bushes: Keep vegetation from touching your house to reduce pathways for ants.
• Remove Yard Debris: Clear away piles of wood, leaves, and other debris that provide shelter for ants.

By reducing moisture and outdoor nesting sites, you can limit carpenter ants’ access to your home.

Professional Pest Control for Carpenter Ants in Albany

For effective and lasting control, professional pest services are essential. At Thomas Pest Services, we specialize in removing wood-destroying ants and other pests that threaten Albany homes. Our team will locate and eliminate carpenter ant colonies and offer a customized pest management plan to keep them out.

Call us today at 518-861-4921 or contact us for a free inspection and estimate! Let us help you protect your home from carpenter ants and ensure peace of mind.