Finding carpenter ants in Maine is fairly common for many homeowners. But unlike other types of ants, carpenter ants can quickly become a serious problem. You need to know what to look for and how to deal with an infestation as soon as you find one on your property. At Big Blue Bug Solutions, our experienced Maine pest control professionals are here to help. Here's what you need to know.
Carpenter ants can get into your home quickly. Figuring out if you have an active infestation is the best thing you can do to preserve the structural integrity of your home and protect your investment. Here are a few signs you'll want to watch for so you can call a dedicated carpenter ant control team in as soon as possible:
- Small holes in the wood: Carpenter ants burrow into the wood as they feed, leaving behind visible tunnels and holes in the wood.
- Live ants crawling around: If you have an active infestation, you may see a few carpenter ants wandering around your home, a clear sign that you'll need to schedule a carpenter ant extermination appointment as soon as possible.
- Sawdust near holes: As these ants burrow into the wood, they leave behind small sawdust-like shavings near the entries.
If you notice any of these telltale signs of carpenter ants in your home or around your property, don't ignore them. Schedule an appointment with a professional carpenter ant exterminator as soon as possible.
The Damage Carpenter Ants Can Cause To Your Home
When carpenter ants tunnel into the wood, they leave holes behind wherever they go and tunnels or galleries inside the wood. Those tunnels can turn into weak spots over time, and if the infestation is severe enough, the wood may lose structural integrity.
Carpenter ants can damage your home's supports, leading to soft spots in floors or weak areas in your attic or roof. The sooner you can fix the damage, the less likely you'll experience major repair issues down the road.
The key to fixing carpenter ant damage starts with getting rid of the ants. With professional carpenter ant removal, you can address any infestations before they spread.
Factors That Attract Carpenter Ants To Your Property
Ants don't just wander into your home; something attracts them. For carpenter ants, these attractants include water and an abundant food supply. If you have areas with higher levels of humidity, active leaks in your plumbing, or excessive condensation around your heating and cooling system, carpenter ants may show up in the area. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to reduce your risk of a full-blown infestation between carpenter ant pest control appointments:
- Seal up cracks around your foundation and in the siding as soon as you find them.
- Repair any leaks you find as soon as possible.
- Remove and replace damaged or water-logged wood on your property.
- Keep trees and shrubs trimmed and away from your home when possible.
- Store firewood and yard waste away from your house.
These tips can help you keep carpenter ants away from your house between professional treatments.
The Effective Way To Get Rid Of A Carpenter Ant Infestation
The most effective way to deal with a carpenter ant infestation is by scheduling regular appointments with your trusted exterminator. At Big Blue Bug Solutions, we're proud to offer high-quality pest control for carpenter ants, and our team will identify and treat any infestations you have on your property. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.