Carpenter ants in your house can do significant damage when left untreated for long periods of time. Here's what you need to know about these pests, including where carpenter ants nest, the do's and don'ts of carpenter ant control, and the best form of carpenter ant pest control in Gainesville.

Carpenter Ant Nests: Where Are They?

If you suspect carpenter ants in your home, you'll want to look for them. Unfortunately, carpenter ants nest within the wooden portions of your home, and there are often little to no signs of carpenter ants in your house, even as an infestation grows into the tens of thousands. The only sign you are likely to notice if you look closely is small openings on the surface of the wood. Carpenter ants use these to expel debris, and you may also see small piles of sawdust-like material accumulate below these holes.

Carpenter ants prefer to attack wood that has been softened by water damage or fungus growth, but they can also attack healthy, undamaged wood. They build nests outside in tree stumps, rotten fence posts, and firewood piles but will branch out as the colony matures and spread into satellite nests. If carpenter ants are nesting in your yard, it's only a matter of time before they will enter your home.

Can You See Carpenter Ants in Your Wall?

Much like termites, carpenter ants work on the inside of wooden structures where they cannot be seen. While you won't see carpenter ants in their tunnels, you may be able to spot carpenter ant swarmers on your Gainesville property. Flying carpenter ants are individuals that leave the colony to mate and begin a new nest. If you are noticing carpenter ants with wings on your Gainesville property, it's an indication that you have an established colony that has begun to spread.

The Do's And Don'ts of Carpenter Ant Control

Given the extensive damage these pests can do, it's important to avoid carpenter ant damage to your home whenever possible. Below are the do's and don'ts of carpenter ant control:

Don'ts

Don't ignore carpenter ants. They are not a pest that will go away on their own.
Don't assume carpenter ants are just another ant. These ants are unique and require specialized solutions.
Don't assume there is just one nest. Carpenter ants create both parent nests and satellite nests. All of these need to be addressed before an infestation can be eliminated.

Do's

Pay attention if you start to see winged carpenter ants around your home.
Address carpenter ant issues as soon as possible. The sooner you deal with an infestation, the less it will spread, and the less damage will occur.
Take steps to prevent carpenter ants and other pests by keeping food stored in covered containers, using lids on trash cans, eliminating excess moisture, and minimizing entry points into your home.
Contact a professional if you see signs of carpenter ants in or near your home.

Carpenter ants are destructive pests that require prompt attention. Proper elimination can require a variety of specialized treatments. For assistance with these pests, don't hesitate to call on the pest control experts at Adams Exterminating Company.

Professional Carpenter Ant Extermination In Gainesville

If you have carpenter ants in Gainesville, Adams Exterminating Company wants to help. We begin our carpenter ant control services with a thorough inspection of your property and develop a treatment plan based on the unique needs of your home. From there, we will eradicate carpenter ants and help you ensure they do not return to your property in the future. Call today to request your free, no-obligation estimate or to schedule your inspection.