Carpenter ants in most cases black in color but can vary to a more reddish-maroon or a combination of these colors all together. Some of the worker ants have wings and lead people into believing that they are dealing with termites. Winged carpenter ants have two pairs of wings. The rear ones are smaller than the front pair. Termites, on the other hand, have equal-sized wings. Another visual clue is that carpenter ants have a slender waist and bent antennae while the termite has a broad waist and straight antennae.
Whatever the case is, you need to get rid of carpenter ants all together and here is how to identify carpenter ants:
Noises in the Walls
If you have suspicions of carpenter ants, give the wall a knock, and carpenter ants might answer by hearing faint rustling inside. This sound might be unsettling given how small ants are. It gives a good indication of how large the infestation is. This rustling noise, not unlike that of cellophane, is common when the ants are burrowing through the wood or moving around in the wall.
Sawdust and/or Wood Shavings
When you see material that resembles sawdust, this might very well be the work of carpenter ants. This is because carpenter ants carve out extensive networks with the help of their mandibles. When you see a small hole and sawdust you can always be sure that it’s the work of carpenter ants. A lot of people are under the impression that termites are the main cause of wood damage, yet carpenter ants can cause as much damage, but over a longer period that is mostly unseen behind walls.
Wood Damage
This sign may not seem that serious, but once you see a small rectangular cut out on a wooden surface, it means that the ant has gone a few inches deep. Wood affected by a colony of carpenter ants may even cause structural damage depending on where they are located in the property and may need serious restoration and repair.
How to Get Rid of Carpenter Ants
The best and most effective way is to call a professional pest control service in Peterborough. It is because professionals have extensive knowledge and the right tools to get rid of the ants altogether. The formulations our technicians have contained active ingredients which is multiple times stronger than the conventional over-the-counter spray or repellant. Professional pest control technicians are aware of what locations the carpenter ants flock to and can plan accordingly to execute an effective plan that is fool-proof. Technicians are fully trained and licensed professionals who have dealt with many similar cases and thus can get straight to the source through an interior inspection. People often resort to professionals as one last attempt. Professionals should be considered as the first lines of defense against these pesky little intruders. If you suspect carpenter ant presence, do not hesitate and call Pest Control Peterborough does deal with these ants once and for all.
