Carpenter Ant Plan

Carpenter ants cause damage that is distinct, but sometimes confused with termite damage.  A skilled eye can usually tell the damage apart. Carpenter ants often excavate galleries or tunnels in decaying wood, but can sometimes be found in sound trees and dry wood.  In structures, carpenter ants can infest wood, foam insulation, and can occupy cavities like those found in hollow doors or window frames.  They prefer to excavate wood damaged by rot and are often found associated with moisture problems.  Carpenter ants may also be living outside and foraging indoors for food scraps.

Outside, carpenter ants normally feed on insects and the sweet, sticky honeydew produced by certain insects such as aphids.  Inside, these ants will feed on a variety of things, including fatty or sweet foodstuffs in the house, other insects, and other food scraps.  The ants will often be found around dishwashers, laundry areas, and bathrooms, especially where plumbing leaks or excessive moisture is present.

The control of carpenter ants requires an integrated approach.  Referred to as Integrated Pest Management (IPM), carpenter ant control starts with an inspection.  The inspection tells the service person the areas that need treatment and allows us to make recommendations about things the homeowner can do to prevent carpenter ant damage and discourage ants from returning in the future.  For example, moisture control is carpenter ant control.  The service person may make comments about gutters, downspouts, vegetation, and more, each of which have an impact on the presence of carpenter ants and their damage potential.  Carpenter ant infestation can be a seasonal problem, appearing each spring and summer.  Let us help you break this cycle by applying an integrated approach to your carpenter ant problem and targeting the application of ant control materials to where they will do the most good.

Call your local service branch location for more information and to schedule your ant problem for elimination!