I have established that my pest problems are definitely carpenter ants. I
have read about many different products to use to get rid of them, what in
your opinion is the best way, outside of professional help, to get rid of
these pesky critters.
Thanks a million,
Tamera Herriman
Kill Carpenter Ants
Summary: Carpenter ants do millions of dollars of damage to homes every year. Often, the answer to kill carpenter ants is quite simple. Learn what steps you take to kill carpenter ants.
Homeowners often get sidetracked when it comes to worrying about damages caused by termites. We get bombarded with spring-time advertisements that talk about termites, termites and more termites. But, spring weather brings out lots of wood destroying insects and carpenter ants are often the culprit. A little knowledge about how to get rid of carpenter ants will provide some comfort.
It's my guess that most homes are more susceptible to carpenter ant damage
 Carpenter ant damage |
than termite damage. Termites need ongoing contact with the soil in order to survive. They also need to locate settling cracks somewhere in the foundation where they can squeak through and begin their search for soft wood. Carpenter ants, on the other hand, can walk up the side of your house and poke around until they find a split window frame or a lose brick. a carpenter ant can drop down from overhanging branches and search around your roof looking for a broken shingle. Carpenter ants are in no hurry to get back into the soil so they have ample time to canvas your house looking for entry opportunities.
The damage caused by carpenter ants is usually far less in comparison to that of subterranean termites. However, if carpenter ant nests are left untreated the resulting damage caused can be substantial.
Carpenter ant damage is easy to spot from other pests. The damaged wood will have neatly layered channels that are smooth to the touch. The ants make small
 Carpenter ant frass |
holes they use to toss out all the trash and debris accumulated within the nest. This “garbage”, which consists primarily of wood chips, insect particles, dead ants and the like, is referred to by professionals as "frass". Subterranean termite damaged wood is packed with mud while Carpenter ant damaged wood usually is free of frass or sawdust.
Ultimately, we suggest you call an expert to examine the wood damage. Question the inspector using the information you have gained from this short carpenter ant control explanation.
Comments
Tamera Herriman
22 May 2010, 21:09
22 May 2010, 21:09
krissy
15 Jun 2010, 22:28
15 Jun 2010, 22:28
our carpenter found a carpenter ant colony while repairing our soffit. the
moisture problem was solved and he repaired the soffit and reinforced the
wood that was damaged without removing the colony and only having sprayed
the ants. we now have ants in our kitchen also. is there any way to kill
the colony without having to redo all of the repair work that was done to
our home? will they continue to do damage on wood that is not moisture
ridden and rotting? did we get a temporary fix to a larger problem that
will cost us more in the long run? thanks so much!! krissy