Carpenter ants can cause significant damage to your home if left unchecked, and can even go so far as to compromise its structural integrity. This threat often scares homeowners at the first sign of any ants inside and leaves them wondering “how do I know if I have carpenter ants infesting my home?” This is an important question to ask because identifying any signs of damage early is crucial for minimizing the damage caused by the pests. As soon as you see signs of carpenter ant damage, its time to call a pest control expert.
Here are six warning signs of carpenter ant damage and tips to prevent it
1. Visible sawdust-like material (frass)
Unlike termites, carpenter ants don’t eat wood. Instead, carpenter ants produce a sawdust-like material called frass as they excavate wood. If you notice piles of coarse sawdust near wooden structures, it is a likely indicator of carpenter ant damage.
2. Hollow-sounding wood
Wood that sounds hollow when tapped is a telltale sign of carpenter ant damage. These ants often leave the outer surface intact while hollowing out the interior. Wood might appear undamaged to the naked eye, but try tapping on it’s surface with a hammer to see if the inside has been compromized. If you hear a hollow, echoing sound, it’s time to call a pest control expert.
3. Visible tunnels and galleries in wood
Carpenter ants create smooth tunnels that run with the wood grain in order to create nests. They excavate the galleries typically in damp or decayed wood because it is softer and easier to chew through. These clean, polished galleries are distinct from the rough tunnels created by termites.
4. Water-damaged or decaying wood
As mentioned above, carpenter ants are attracted to moist, decaying wood so areas with water damage or wood rot are prime targets for these pests. Make sure to regularly inspect areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements for unwanted ant populations.
5. Visible carpenter ants and shed wings
Carpenter ants include the largest ants in North America, with workers reaching up to 0.5 inches long for some species and queens up to nearly 1 inches. The presence of large black or reddish-black ants (about 3/8 to 1/2 inch long) could suggest an infestation. Additionally, finding shed wings on windowsills or other surfaces may indicate that carpenter ants have established a colony in your home.
6. Rustling sounds in walls
In cases of severe infestation, you might hear carpenter ants moving. If you hear faint rustling or crackling sounds coming from walls or wooden structures, especially at night due to the quieter environment, this is a sign you might have a large colony infesting your home.
Preventing Carpenter Ant Damage
Here are tips on preventing infestations and thus preventing carpenter ant damage in your home:
- Address moisture issues quickly
- Seal entry points around windows, doors, chimneys, vents, etc.
- Remove decaying wood from around your home
- Trim bak tree limbs, shrubs, or bush which act as a bridge for carpenter ants
- Regularly inspect your home for signs of carpenter ant activity
- Contact the professionals
What happens if carpenter ants go untreated?
If left untreated for long enough, carpenter ants can compromise your home’s structural integrity. You need to call a pest control expert at the first sign of infestation in order to protect your property and ensure a safe living environment.
How long does it take carpenter ants to damage a house?
Severe structural integrity issues from carpenter ant damage don’t happen overnight. Depending on the wood conditions, environmental factors, and the colony size, this can take mere months to years. It is important to act quickly when you start to notice signs of a carpenter ant colony in your home to prevent as much damage as possible.
How do I get rid of carpenter ants?
Over-the-counter pesticides are often not effective against carpenter ants and can even make the problem worse. If you are seeing signs of carpenter ant damage in your home, make sure to contact pest control specialists right away. They can assess the extent of the damage and implement effective treatment strategies.
For expert guidance on carpenter ant detection and extermination, contact Nature’s Way Pest Control for a free inspection. Call (518) 471-2219 for services in Albany, Glens Falls, Saratoga, or Plattsburgh, NY. For assistance in Rutland, Burlington, and western Vermont, call (802) 230-1112.
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