How To Resolve A Carpenter Ant Infestation In My Waldorf Home

Ants are never fun to deal with when they infest, but some species of ants, like carpenter ants, can be dangerous to have in your home. Carpenter ants in Waldorf become more prevalent during the wetter seasons. With spring already settling in nicely, it's time to get serious about carpenter ant control and prevention. There are lots of things you can do on your own to keep carpenter ants away, but extermination is a different story. Trying to control an infestation on your own can be nearly impossible, so you'll need the help of a Waldorf pest control company like Mike's Pest, Termite and Wildlife Control to get rid of carpenter ants for good.

What Do Carpenter Ants Look Like?

These pests can be difficult to identify since their appearance can vary, but Waldorf's most common carpenter ants are black. Their size still varies between 1/8 and ½ of an inch, though, but their large mandibles and heart-shaped heads are what set them apart from other species of black ants. Unlike termites, you'll notice these little guys marching around your home.

Another way to identify an infestation is by discovering the signs carpenter ants leave behind. While most of their messy behavior can be dismissed as everyday household dirt and grime, if you know what you're looking for, then it'll be easier to spot signs of carpenter ants around your home:

• Shed wings, almost like translucent scales in appearance, around the foundation and entrances of your home

• Tiny pinholes in walls, floors, and wooden fixtures around your home

• Piles of sawdust, frass, and dead ants outside of exit holes

• Clicking and rustling noises within the walls

• Winged ants crawling out of the cracks and crevices of your home

• Hollow-sounding wood when tapped

• Doors and windows that seem swollen and difficult to open and close

What Causes Carpenter Ant Infestations In Waldorf Homes?

Like all pests, carpenter ants are attracted to food, water, and shelter, but they're also attracted to extensive water damage and actively decaying wood. Also, unlike termites, carpenter ants don't eat the wood they tunnel through but instead create extensive galleries to reside within. They subsist on food items, including sweets, plants, fruits, vegetables, meats, greasy foods, and other insects. Those giant mandibles are perfect for chewing through cardboard and plastic wrapping, so if you're not practicing proper food storage, you might already be at risk of an infestation.

How Can I Get Rid Of Carpenter Ants In My Waldorf Home?

Carpenter ants may not eat wood, but they still cause significant damage to buildings that can weaken the structural integrity and cost thousands of dollars to repair. This makes carpenter ants dangerous to have around, so if you need to get rid of carpenter ants then you need reliable pest control in Waldorf. Our pest experts at Mike's Pest, Termite and Wildlife Control offer effective, affordable pest treatments for even the most difficult to eliminate pests. We always use the highest quality pest control products available, and we make sure our customers are satisfied with our services.

What Is The Best Way To Prevent Carpenter Ants?

Mike's Pest, Termite and Wildlife Control also offers preventative treatments in Waldorf, but that doesn't mean you can't make your home more secure against carpenter ants as well. There are plenty of precautions you can take to keep carpenter ants away:

• Add tight-fitting lids to indoor and outdoor trash cans

• Aerate your lawn to help promote proper water drainage

• Repair damaged siding that's left wood exposed to the elements

• Seal up any cracks and gaps around the exterior that could be potential entry points

• Check for any broken pipes, damaged shingles, and extensive water damage

• Keep food stored in airtight containers

• Wipe down counters, dining areas, and food prep areas daily

• Sweep, mop, and vacuum regularly

• Clean up food spills immediately after they occur

Prevention can help reduce your chances of an infestation, but it won't eliminate a carpenter ant problem in your home. Get in contact with our office today to schedule your first appointment!