The Problem With Carpenter Ants On Your Portland Property
There are many things that can threaten the investment you have in your home. If you are like most Portland property owners, you roll your sleeves up all the time to do the work needed to keep your home protected. Some of that work is done on the inside, such as repairing plumbing issues and replacing the screens in your ventilation ducts. But most of the work is done outside. You have to get out the ladder and get up to your roofline to clean your gutters and make repairs. You have to inspect your exterior and make repairs to areas where wood is rotting and moisture is getting in. You have to seal gaps around pipes and other foundation penetrations. And, of course, you have to consider the threat pests can present to your property. In Portland, one pest that plays a significant role in the damage of property is the black carpenter ant.
How Much Damage Do Carpenter Ants Really Do?
It is estimated that carpenter ants cost U.S. property owners hundreds of millions of dollars each year. The majority of that is paid out by property owners in Northern states where ice, snow, and rain work together to create moisture problems and wood rot. If you start seeing carpenter ants crawling around on your property, it doesn't mean your property is being destroyed, but it is certainly something you should have checked out. Under the right conditions, carpenter ants can do a lot of damage over time.
What Conditions Make Carpenter Ants Worse?
There are many ways your property can provide conditions for carpenter ant activity. Here are just a few of them.
- A damp perimeter promotes wood rot and wood rot attracts these ants. Carpenter ants prefer to tunnel in rotting wood because it is softer.
- Old homes have more trouble with carpenter ants because the wood is aged and the chemical treatments applied to the lumber have worn off. An old home also has more gaps for carpenter ants to enter through.
- Unpainted and untreated decks are carpenter ant magnets.
- Carpenter ants are drawn to damp, shaded spaces, such as the crawl space under a deck where a broken gutter system or a leaking pipe has caused oversaturation.
- Excess leaf litter around a home, or underneath a deck, patio, porch, or stairs can invite carpenter ants.
- Old stumps, logs, and trees with heart rot are attractive to carpenter ants. If you have these close to your home, you can have trouble.
- Plants that are being attacked by aphids can become a strong attractant for carpenter ants. The honeydew produced by aphids is a sweet food source for many ant species, including carpenter ant species.
Home Maintenance Deters Carpenter Ants
Maintenance and carpenter ant prevention go hand in hand. When you take the time to do the work, or hire someone to do it for you, you can alter the conditions that invite carpenter ants to tunnel into your Portland property.
Here's how it works.
- Cleaning and repairing your gutter system isn't just essential for the health of your home, it prevents wood rot that draws carpenter ants.
- Replacing areas of your home that are rotting and addressing wood-to-soil contact not only stunts the damage the elements are doing to your home, it helps to resist carpenter ants.
chECK oUT THE bUZZ!
Unbeatable Pest Control, Unmatched Reviews
-
"They have exceeded expectations. Highly recommend."Alley Bergemann, called before arriving on the day of the appointment, showed up on time, and took care of re-baiting the bait traps as needed. She is patient, polite and answered a few questions I had, all with a pleasant demeanor.- Jonathan P.
-
"Always been amazed by the competence and professionalism of this company."
Their man, Elijah was a gentleman and very knowledgeable professional. He took the time to carefully listen to me when I explained where the ant infestation was found. He explained clearly what he was going to do to address the issue.
- Pete M. -
"GREAT company!"The Big Blue Bug Solutions is a GREAT company with very helpful, courteous technicians. This a company that actually helps you with your problems and not try to sell you something you don't need. I am very pleased, and NO, I have no relatives that work at- Robert M.
-
"Knowledgeable, accurate and incredibly pleasant."I just cannot believe the most amazing experience customer service experience I had with Laura who could not have been more knowledgeable, accurate and incredibly pleasant. It is very rare I leave a review but this encounter deserved one!- Kimberly H.
-
"Always very polite and accommodating."We’ve been using Big Blue Bug for pest control for many years and have been very satisfied! Vince visited today for our regular check in and he is an excellent technician. Thanks, BBB!- Stacey C.
-
"Knowledgeable, respectful, courteous!"
I highly recommend Big Blue Bug Solutions - first - for their customer service. They are professional and efficient and always try to fit me in at a time that is convenient for me. Second, RODNEY IS THE BEST TECHNICIAN!!!!
- Meredith L. -
"Our first service was a great experience!"Peter called to let us know he was on his way and arrived as scheduled. He was very knowledgeable and setup a comprehensive array of traps in each target area to begin capturing the pests and put an end to our troubles.- Mike H.
-
"Personable, friendly, and knowledgeable!"Shoutout to our tech, Jeremy Cote, who has been servicing our bakery in Richmond and has helped us maintain a pest free environment. He is personable, friendly, and knowledgeable. We highly recommend big blue bug to friends, family, and customers!- Becky M.
WE'RE AVAILABLE
EVERY DAY, ALL DAY,
365 DAYS A YEAR
Say goodbye to automated systems! Our team is at your service round the clock, every single day of the year, guaranteeing a personalized and immediate response to your queries.
