Carpenter ants deserve the moniker “destroyer” because of the havoc they wreak on your home’s priceless timber furnishings and framing. If you ignore these little bugs for too long, you could end up spending thousands of dollars on unanticipated repairs and renovations. No homeowner ever wants to be in this kind of predicament, so read on to know what to do from a pest control in Los Angeles.
The Appearance of Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants are often quite dark in color, sometimes even black, and have two sets of wings: one at the front and one near the back. They can also combine red and black or yellow and red. Their antennae are bent or joined together and have a definite, slim waist. Their spherical thorax and heart-shaped heads set them apart from other ant species. You might not see them, but you hear them scurrying around behind closed doors or under the floorboards.
Indicators That You May Have Carpenter Ants in Your House
Carpenter ants leave far more telltale damage once they have had a chance to gnaw into your wooden buildings. Here is a rundown of some of the more obvious warning signs of a carpenter ant infestation, from unusual noises to structural damage:
- Sounds like paper moving inside walls or doors
- Stacks of sawdust or other finely ground wood debris
- Wood with a hollow sound
- Open culverts along the sides of wooden buildings
- In the absence of actual pests, it is prudent to contact a pest control company and arrange for a complete investigation of the premises.
How Much Property Damage Do Carpenter Ants Cause?
Carpenter ants can do a lot of harm to anything made of wood if they are given the chance. Termites gnaw and bite their way into freshly cut timber all their lives. It may be difficult to get rid of these highly damaging insects if your home has a lot of wood products that the ants like to eat. Damage caused by carpenter ants has cost several homeowners thousands of dollars. And if the internal structures are weakened enough to collapse, this money outlay will quickly become physical harm.
If you notice carpenter ants in or around your home, do not wait to call a pest control professional.
Controlling Carpenter Ants Expertly
Common household problems are ideal candidates for experimenting with new cures and do-it-yourself (DIY) approaches. If carpenter ants have invaded your home, it is preferable to call in the experts rather than risk more damage. Specialists in pest control have the tools and training to eliminate infestations quickly and securely.
