Since the temperature doesn’t change too drastically here in North Texas, carpenter ants will always be a threat to homeowners. Our warm, humid environment and mild winters allow many insects to overwinter comfortably in our properties. Without the proper preventative methods in place under the watchful eye of a pest control operative, the risk for damage to your home’s floors, walls, and structure are high even during the frozen winter months. In fact, the cold weather and harsher elements force carpenter ants to seek warmer places for their nests, possibly including your comfortable home.
Even if these tiny creatures are no bigger than 6-12 millimeters long, you should still be worried about them getting too close to your home.
What Attracts Carpenter Ants To A Home?
Carpenter ants are particularly picky creatures. They have a certain environment that they prefer to infest. They prefer damp and moist wood, especially rotting boards and supports. Many colonies will pass over well kept, dry wood in search of more suitable food sources. Wet firewood, rotting stumps, and even your unkempt mailbox can all be places for carpenter ant infestations to start. Try the following prevention tips to try to keep carpenter ants away from your Lewisville home:
- When looking for water damage that could be attracting carpenter ants, check first around appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines, or pipes.
- Fix leaky faucets, broken appliances, and correct other plumbing issues immediately. If there is high humidity in certain rooms of the home, consider using a quality dehumidifier or fans to dry things up.
- Seal and caulk all cracks or other entrances into the home from the exterior. Don't forget to check for gaps around pipes or wires that enter the home.
- Like all other ants, food sources like sugar, protein, and pet foods are highly attractive. Keep all your food messes cleaned up, and store food in tightly sealed containers off of the ground. For an added layer of security, remove trash from the home on a regular basis and keep garbage scents to a minimum by using a sturdy outdoor trash bin.
Should carpenter ants still find their way inside, despite your best efforts, it will be in your best interest to receive a comprehensive home inspection from a professional pest control technician.
Find Good Company In Adam’s Exterminating Company
As a final word of caution, it is important to remember that carpenter ant damage is not typically covered by homeowner's insurance. As a preventative condition, structural weakening and damage from many wood-eating insects will not be covered by your insurance plan unless it is specifically stated otherwise by your provider. To receive the care, attention, and peace of mind you deserve, contact the professionals at Adam’s Exterminating Company for the fast and affordable extermination of carpenter ants today.