How To Identify & Get Rid Of A Carpenter Ant Infestation In Your Houston Home

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Many homeowners are passive when they see ants around, assuming they aren't that problematic. The reality is you'll need pest control in Houston for these bugs. It won't take long before your surfaces and food are tainted by the bacteria in their saliva and waste. Germs are on their bodies too. Believe it or not, these insects can spread salmonella, E. coli, and similar. Some species, such as carpenter ants, can wreck property as well.

Carpenter ants do a number on wood, which is one of the many reasons why you can't tolerate their presence. Their colonies are vast, and they all can crawl through foundation openings. Learn now how you can identify and get rid of carpenter ants. H-Town Home Services has state-of-the-art ant control solutions.

Clear Signs Of Carpenter Ants In Your Home

Carpenter ants are bigger than a lot of other subclasses. On average, they're 0.25 to 0.50 of an inch long. In terms of color, they'll most likely be black. However, several are reddish-black, tan, orange, yellow, red, or brown. Bulky mandibles are on workers, while swarmers have wings. They'll leave nests to mate and craft fresh ones.

The tunnels and nests of carpenter ants can damage wood, decaying tree bark, logs, and lumber. They can access your home by gaps in utility lines, vents, wires, and structures by overextending tree branches to help get along rooflines. They eat meat, pet chow, proteins, honeydew secretion from aphids, insects, and sugary foods. Since carpenter ants target bugs, you can conclude there's a whole pest predicament.

Keep your eyes open for these infestation signs:

  • Coming across swells of wood shavings and ant body parts

  • Finding the discarded wings of swarmers

  • Hearing soft noises behind foundations

  • Having walls that sound hollow

Professionals will need to intervene if you notice the indicators mentioned above.

Carpenter Ants In Your Home Can Create Many Problems

As you might guess, bases and walls won't remain sturdy if carpenter ants have gotten to them. The ruin's extent can be compared to termites; it just may not happen as fast. Another similarity is how the harm won't be visible until after some time. If you knock on a wall, the critters might run-up.

How To Completely Get Rid Of A Carpenter Ant Infestation

Commercial insecticides are expensive and hazardous, but that doesn't mean they can successfully obstruct a carpenter ant infestation. Most shelf goods are supposed to be for temporary use and kill a few bugs. We have potent agents at H-Town Home Services, but they're affordable and safe. Call us today to get started with our residential pest control service!

How To Prevent Future Carpenter Ant Problems

You'll want to stay on top of preventative protocols, given how awful carpenter ants are and how quickly they multiply. It's better to stop an invasion from occurring than take action in the middle of one, so following these tips will help to prevent carpenter ants from the get-go:

  • Patch up crevices in foundations, caulk, and paneling. Be sure to address those in doors and windows, and don't forget about utilities. 

  • Attach weather stripping and sweeps to all windows and doors. 

  • Get leaks and moisture faults fixed right away, especially those impacting wood. 

  • Remove or refurbish wood and trees that are spoiled. 

  • Use airtight canisters for food and trash storage.

  • Comprehensively clean the kitchen and wash dishes regularly.

  • Vacuum rugs frequently.

  • Push plants and free wood, like lumber panels, at least two feet away from the property. 

  • Contact H-Town Home Services if you have critters carpenter ants might consume.

H-Town Home Services can add to your deterrence steps and help in the event of an infestation. Don't hesitate to give us a call!

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