Pest control in Downingtown can be a daunting task, but with this handy guide, you can keep ahead of any prospecting insects. One of the most prolific pests to watch out for in our area is the common carpenter ant, a highly social species of ant that has become notorious for its ability to wreak havoc on wooden structures, rivaled only by termites.
Unlike termites, however, carpenter ants don't actually eat the wood they damage. Instead, they simply discard it as they tunnel through the internal structures to create their colonies. Whether you need help eliminating a carpenter ant infestation in your home or just want to know how they happen, you've come to the right place.
How To Identify Carpenter Ants
Thankfully, carpenter ants are not nearly as stealthy as the infamous termite, but they can still sometimes be difficult to detect unless you're well aware of the signs. The ants themselves are larger than many other species, about half an inch long, with a shiny black exoskeleton and prominent, powerful mandibles. They use these to excavate wooden structures and construct their nests inside. If you notice any actual ants around your property, you should be extra vigilant for the other signs of an infestation, as it can grow to become incredibly damaging given enough time unattended. Here's a quick list of the less obvious warning signs:
- Small circular pinholes dotting the wooden structures around your property
- Piles of wood shavings near baseboards or aforementioned damage patterns
- Shed wings from the ants' reproductive swarmers found littering your property
Does Anything Instantly Kill Carpenter Ants?
Carpenter ants create extensive colonies inside the wooden structures they infest. They can be extremely difficult to completely remove, especially if you're attempting to treat the issue on your own. You may try to apply chemical pesticides to the entry points of their nests, but such measures are unlikely to eliminate every single specimen in a given colony. You can also attempt to seal their nests with caulk, but their powerful jaws will enable them to continue tunneling through the structure, especially if any openings are missed.
What Damages Can Carpenter Ants Cause In Downingtown?
Don't underestimate these industrious little insects. Although their bites aren't very dangerous on their own, the real threat lies in their nesting habits. The damage they cause to structures is tantamount to that of termites if left unchecked for too long. Carpenter ants can create colonies of up to fifty-thousand individuals, with ten-thousand workers gnawing away at wooden structures tirelessly to make more room for the growing colony. Due to how quickly their numbers can spiral out of control, it's of the utmost importance to eliminate them concisely and comprehensively if you notice signs of their presence.
What Is The Best Treatment For Carpenter Ants?
The fastest and most effective way to take care of a growing carpenter ant infestation is to contact the professionals for help. A colony is almost impossible to deal with on your own due to its sheer numbers, and the damage it causes will only continue to mount. Thankfully, you're not alone. The experts at Budget Exterminating Inc. are here to help. When you partner with us, you'll receive the very best in pest control at a competitive rate. Reach out and give us a call to schedule your inspection, and our team of certified technicians will take care of the rest. We'll take care of the current infestation and then establish our proven prevention measures, guaranteeing you prolonged security from carpenter ants and any other pest.