Pest Videos

Transcript

I want to tell you a little bit about carpenter ants and how you can avoid an infestation. 

Carpenter ants are found all over the United States, especially in the northern states. They're typically black, red, or somewhere in between, and can be over half an inch in length. These ants get their name because they excavate wood from houses, trees, firewood and other sources to build their nests. 

If you've ever seen a piece of wood with smooth tunnels running through it, chances are carpenter ants are responsible. Carpenter ants typically attack wood that is wet or previously damaged by moisture.

Though they have been known to infest undamaged wood as well damp or damaged wood in your home can be an entry point for carpenter ants, so it's important to keep an eye out for excess moisture in and around your house. Once inside your home, carpenter ants cause serious structural damage due to their tunneling. 

To keep carpenter ants out, seal up any cracks around windows and doors with silicone caulk, eliminate moisture inside your home and around the foundations. If you've recently cut down a tree, make sure to remove the stump completely so carpenter ants don't move it.

Firewood should be stacked at least 20 feet from the house and at least five inches off the ground, and make sure to cut back any tree branches and plants that touch the house. Inside, keep the kitchen tidy. Carpenter ants love sweet and sugary foods, so keep these in sealed containers and clean up any spills or crumbs. 

If you suspect an infestation of carpenter ants in your home. Don't try to treat it yourself. Call a licensed pest management professional. Their expertise can help get your pest problem under control.