Carpenter Ant Pest Control

What Do Carpenter Ants Look Like?

There are 24 types of carpenter ant species, with characteristics varying all across the board. While they often look like big black ants, they can also have brown, red, and orange coloring. Even though carpenter ants are some of the largest species of ants in the world, they may appear smaller depending on the location, time of year, and other factors. Carpenter ants can often be misidentified as termites during swarming season, as they grow wings and fly outside of the nest to mate. Unlike termites, carpenter ants have a constricted waist with three distinct body regions, elbowed antennae, and longer front wings than the back wings. If you’re unsure what type of pest you’re dealing with, it’s best to rely on professional pest identification.

Signs Of Carpenter Ant Infestation

The most telltale sign of an infestation is carpenter ants damage, which can be easy to miss if you don’t know where to look or what to look for. However, there are other signs to be aware of to detect a carpenter ant infestation. If you notice any of the following signs, it’s important to contact a carpenter ants exterminator right away. Left unchecked, a carpenter ant infestation can cause expensive and potentially dangerous structural damage.

• Piles of wood shavings or sawdust beneath wooden structures or walls.
• Rustling or scratching noises inside walls or hollow doors.
• Wing sheddings near window sills, baseboards, and vents.
• Carpenter ant sightings.

Carpenter Ant Damage VS Termite Damage

While both carpenter ants and termites cause damage to wood, the extent and type of damage are different. Carpenter ants and termites create tunnels through wood, but termite tunnels are often jagged and can be caked in mud, while carpenter ant tunnels are usually smooth and clean. Additionally, termites can rack up a lot more damage in a shorter time than carpenter ants. However, whether it’s carpenter ants or more destructive termites, it’s imperative to seek professional pest control right away.

Carpenter Ant Infestation Prevention

While it’s impossible to completely safeguard against carpenter ants, preventative measures can be taken to make your home less appealing and less accessible.

• Remove dead or moist wood from the property.
• Seal or caulk foundational cracks.
• Keep tree and shrub branches trimmed away from your home.
• Ensure proper drainage around and inside the property.
• Keep gutters clear to ensure proper drainage.

Carpenter Ant Removal & Extermination

Our carpenter ant exterminators know how to find carpenter ant nests and how to get rid of carpenter ants from your property. By eradicating the nest and satellite nests, carpenter ant infestations can be stopped, and additional pest control will take care of any stragglers. Contact the expert exterminators at Champion Termite and Pest Control, Inc. to receive pest control services in Palatka, Green Cove Springs, Middleburg, Orange Park, St. Augustine, and Starke. We also provide bed bug extermination services.