How To Identify And Get Rid Of Carpenter Ants On Your Lancaster Property

Termites are known for being dangerous pests that eat through wood, but did you know that a type of ant can cause similar damage to properties? Carpenter ants dig tunnels into homes where they lay their eggs and more, and they are not an invader you want to see taking over. If you suspect you might have carpenter ants, now is the time to learn to identify black carpenter ants, understand the damage they can create on your property, and learn why you should not try to get rid of carpenter ants on your own. If you are struggling with an infestation of black carpenter ants in your home, 1st Response Pest Control provides pest control in Lancaster to help you get rid of them swiftly.

How To Identify A Black Carpenter Ant

There are several ways through which you can identify a carpenter ant versus another type of ant, such as the following:

• Color: Carpenter ants are generally black or red and black. By contrast, fire ants tend to be a reddish color, while ghost ant bodies are partly brown to black and partly light in color, often milky white.
• Size: Carpenter ants are about 5/8 of an inch in length. 
• Habits and behavior: Carpenter ants create galleries inside walls and wooden structures but do not eat wood like other pests. You might hear them digging at night when the house is quiet.
• Sawdust, or frass: Carpenter ant frass in your home is a sure sign that you have an active infestation.

If you think you might have carpenter ants in your house, now is the time to understand the damage they can cause.

The Damage Carpenter Ants Can Create On Your Property

Carpenter ants are dangerous pests that can cause a significant amount of damage. While they can take years to do so, there is no easy way for homeowners to determine if the infestation was already present when they moved in or how far it has gone. Besides, the presence of carpenter ants can be a symptom of another problem, like a moisture problem or a leak behind the walls or under floorboards. And finally, they can damage electrical cords, leading to potentially expensive repairs. If you find signs of carpenter ants in your house, you might be tempted to try to get rid of them on your own. Read on to find out why it is a bad idea.

Why You Shouldn't Try To Get Rid Of Carpenter Ants On Your Own

One of the best ways to get rid of carpenter ants is to use specific types of insecticides. However, they need to be applied in the correct quantities so that the nest itself will be reached; otherwise, the colony can replenish itself and keep causing problems. Also, carpenter ant spray is dangerous to use near electrical wires and outlets. Natural ways to get rid of carpenter ants, such as essential oils and spices, have proven to be largely ineffective and will allow the infestation to grow. It is best to contact the pros at the first sign of an infestation to keep your home safe from these destructive pests.

Contact The Pros At The First Sign Of Carpenter Ants On The Property

It is best to rely on the services of a professional pest control company to get rid of carpenter ants effectively. At 1st Response Pest Control, we provide pest control for carpenter ants in Lancaster you can rely on to make your infestation a thing of the past. Contact us today to book a home inspection during which our pest management professionals can determine the extent of the damage and will provide you with effective treatment plans at affordable rates.

Do not wait for carpenter ants to cause more damage in your home; let us get rid of them for you safely and effectively.