Carpenter ants are a common pest found in the Kittitas County area. These pesky insects can cause a lot of trouble for homeowners who don’t know how to get rid of them properly. Dealing with carpenter ants can be a major hassle if you aren’t ready to handle them, so it’s important you know some information about these pests and how they work.
In this article, we’ll cover some of the basics of carpenter ant control in Kittitas County. We’ll start by looking at how carpenter ants behave and how to identify them. In the next section, we’ll discuss the damage carpenter ants can do if they are left unchecked. After that, we’ll help you understand what might be attracting carpenter ants to your home and yard, as well as what you can do to prevent them from gaining a foothold on your property.
Finally, we’ll go over the benefits of working with our team at Prosite Pest Control to get rid of carpenter ants once and for all. The assistance of a professional pest control company is often invaluable in removing these pests and making sure they can’t come back.
Carpenter Ant Habits And Behavior
Let’s take a quick look at how carpenter ants typically behave. Carpenter ants were given their name because of their tendency to make nests inside wooden structures. They will often burrow into wood, making long, smooth tunnels, which they then live in. Carpenter ant colonies often begin in some secure outside location. These “parent colonies” then spawn smaller satellite colonies, which take root in nearby structures. These satellite colonies usually consist entirely of mature members, while the main colony protects the queen, the eggs, and the immature ants. Carpenter ant colonies can reach sizes exceeding 50,000 members, though this is uncommon. Carpenter ants will usually make their nests in wood that has already been damaged by moisture or fungus since they need a water source to live.
You must also know how to identify carpenter ants, so let’s review what these pests look like. Carpenter ants are usually black but can also be red, brown, or a mixture of black and red. They are typically between 1/2 to 5/8 inch long, with bodies divided into three distinct segments. They have six legs and two antennae. Carpenter ants will often give their presence away by leaving behind small piles of sawdust beneath the wood they have damaged.
The Problems Carpenter Ants Can Cause
Now that you know more about how carpenter ants look and behave, let’s discuss the dangers they present. Carpenter ants can bite, and their powerful jaws can deliver a substance called formic acid into a bite, causing pain and a burning sensation. Fortunately, carpenter ant bites aren’t likely to result in more than temporary pain.
The biggest threat these pests pose is that of property damage. Carpenter ants will damage wood, potentially affecting the structural integrity of your home or exacerbating existing issues. A carpenter ant infestation can be challenging to get rid of since they can often retreat to the main colony and remain safe.
What May Be Attracting Carpenter Ants To Your Property
Many homeowners make the mistake of unintentionally attracting carpenter ants to their homes. In addition to damaged wood, carpenter ants are drawn to sources of standing water since they need a lot of moisture to live. Here are some things you can do to deter carpenter ants instead:
- Get rid of any standing water in or around your home.
- Check wood structures regularly for signs of damage.
- Replace wood that has been damaged by moisture.
- Seal any cracks or gaps in the exterior of your home.
- Trim any tree branches or shrubs that grow too close to your home.
Following these deterrents will help you keep yourself and your family safe from the dangers that carpenter ants bring with them. If you need help getting rid of carpenter ants, it’s usually best to contact a professional pest control service.
The Solution To Total Carpenter Ant Control In Kittitas County
When you need to protect yourself from carpenter ants in Kittitas County, just call Prosite Pest Control. We’ve got years of industry experience and all the tools and resources we need to help you protect yourself from all pests. Our home pest control plans are designed to fit your needs and your budget while providing year-round pest protection.
Contact Prosite Pest Control today to learn more about our ant extermination services.