Do it Yourself - Carpenter Ant Prevention

  These tiny pests start popping up in our region usually at the end of March through April when warmer temperatures [50 degrees +] are inviting their return. 

The following information will help you identify the ant, signs of its activity, and steps you can take to prevent them.

• Size:  Carpenter Ants are larger than most, ranging between 1/4 to 1/2 an inch long. 

• Color – Their color is typically black or reddish black. Rarely they appear brownish-orange.

• Shape – They have a heart-shaped head and a smooth, rounded thorax [middle section].

•  Frass – This is essentially the waste material carpenter ants create when tunneling. It appears as small, sawdust-looking piles found near or below wooden structures. Appearance of fresh piles is a telltale sign of activity. Tip: if you can’t locate the damaged wood near the frass, try looking high to see if it is dropping from above.

• Damaged Wood – Smooth tunnels, that sometimes look professionally drilled, which can often be found in areas near moisture. Kitchens and bathrooms tend to be frequent areas for damaged wood but outside wooden structures such as sheds and decks tend to be hotspots as well.

• Noise – Depending on the level of infestation, you can sometimes hear faint rustling and clicking sounds behind the wall. Customers often describe the sound similar to slowly crinkling a paper or plastic bag. 

• Moisture Control – Elimination of water sources is essential in helping to prevent these pests. Leaky roofing, plumbing, windowsills and bathtubs can create optimal conditions for Carpenter Ants. Check attics, basements, crawlspaces, under sinks and around tubs to see for signs of water and water damage. Keep in mind, in some areas you may not see water but you will see water damage. This can be the result of a leak that occurs conditionally, such as when using a leaky shower. These conditional leaks can be just as damaging to your home, and as inviting to carpenter ants as a nonstop leak over time. Getting control of these issues will not only protect the integrity of your home, but heavily deter these unwanted guests.

• Cut Down the Bridges – Tree branches, bushes, and other vegetation that touch your home or hang over your roof, provide a great path for these pests to invade. Trimming back tree branches and any vegetation that touch your home is a great preventative measure.

• Seal the Ants’ Doorways – Cracks in your foundation, gaps around utility pipes and conduits, and openings on windows are all great points of access for Carpenter Ants. Sealing these areas off can be done easily and at low cost by using water-proof caulk. 

• Eliminate Wood to Ground Contact – Some wooden sheds and decking touch the ground directly which allow for moisture absorption and increase the probability of rot. Tree stumps, Fire wood and wooden debris directly on the ground also provide excellent opportunities for softening or rotting wood that are great environments for Carpenter Ants. Eliminating these sources can help prevent Carpenter Ants from starting on or near your home.