Ants are among the prime examples that allude to diligence and hard work in the natural world. They can be fascinating creatures.
However, they are also the number one nuisance. The most damaging of them is the carpenter ant.
Carpenter ants can inflict significant damage on wooden structures, ruin furniture, and even damage the foundations of homes.
But there are many more types of ants! Identifying the type of pest causing the damage is key to treating them. You need to know if you need to call the best ant exterminator Vancouver, WA, has to offer.
Here are seven signs that will tell you when to call for a professional for an inspection:
1. food being overrun by ants
Leaving exposed food long enough would invite ants to that spot.
You will know that you have an ant infestation when the ants start swarming your pantry. Even pet food is fair game for the ants, who are not picky eaters and will go after any food that they can sniff out.
One way to address this problem is to store all food in the refrigerator or in airtight containers. While this is a good preventive measure, be on the lookout. Having carpenter ants present is not a good sign.
2. stray ants walking around
The presence of a carpenter ant is a sign enough that you will need a pest control expert to inspect your home. This would likely be a scout ant wandering around your home. You might also notice winged ants creeping out from ceilings, walls, or other crevices in your home.
If you spot individual ants in odd places in your home, like the bedroom, they are part of an ant infestation. It becomes more alarming if you spot them on a regular basis.
Carpenter ants prefer to live in wood. If your home does not have rotted wood, you might want to have your walls or floors checked.
3. hearing insect activity on walls
One way to check for signs of ants is to listen to the walls or floors. If you hear rustling noises at night when you listen to the walls, you might be hearing an ant colony at work. Some breeds are more active at night, which explains the sounds.
Another way to find out is by knocking at the walls. If the solid wood wall sounds hollow, you might be facing an ant or termite infestation problem. This is a good time for you to contact pest control.
4. ant colony nearby
Another sign that you shouldn’t ignore is the anthill. If you spot an ant colony anywhere in your yard, you shouldn’t ignore this. Ants can and will travel a long distance in search of food.
Also note that while there are only a few ants on the colony’s surface, this is but a façade. Under the dirt mound is an extensive network of tunnels and sections where ants live, breed, and thrive.
Since carpenter ants thrive with wood, also check the wooden sections of your home, as mentioned earlier there are ways for ants to gain entry in your home.
5. look for wood shavings
Carpenter ants burrow into wood. Due to this, you would notice a trail of wood shavings and sawdust. Make a closer inspection when you clean and sweep your floors.
If you find any of these wood shavings without any clear reason behind their origin, like any form of carpentry done, you need to have your home inspected for pests. While termites are the more likely ones to eat wood, carpentry ants are just as destructive to woodwork.
6. check damp areas
Carpenter ants prefer wet wood. Thus, any moisture area in your home is fair game to them. Check the bathroom and kitchen for any sign of carpenter ants. They are also likely to hide anywhere that has a leak, like outdoor pipes or faulty faucets.
Rotted wood also attracts carpenter ants. Get rid of any rotten firewood or lumber within the home and outside, as these may become likely places for carpenter ants to nest.
7. rotted areas on your home’s exterior
Another way to look for signs of carpenter ants is to look for rotted sections on your home’s exterior. You would usually find rot in areas where broken gutters are and where rainwater rests next to the house.
If you notice this, along with the other signs mentioned, it is time to take action and call for pest control.
what to do in case of carpenter ant infestation
The key here is proper identification. Homeowners may find it difficult to determine the cause of the wood damage, whether the damage was by termites or ants. A professional should be able to help you in identifying the source.
Once they have made the inspection, they will take proper measures to treat the problem. Of course, each type of pest has a specific treatment designed for them.
Don’t attempt to exterminate ants on your own. You might end up buying the wrong chemical products. These chemicals could be dangerous to your health or to your furniture.
It’s better to call the professionals and allow them to handle the problem. They have the training and equipment to deal with the infestation properly.
call the best ant exterminator vancouver wa offers!
With these pointers, you should be able to identify the source of the problem. Before the ant problem grows, do not hesitate to call for assistance from a pest control professional.
You can attempt to use your own methods in ridding your home of ants. However, this is the quickest and safest way for you to eliminate ants and various pests.
We offer pest control services and solutions for homes. Don’t hesitate to call the best ant exterminator Vancouver WA has to offer. Contact us to get started with getting rid of ants, pests, and the woes that come with it.
