Are Carpenter Ants In Reno Hard To Get Rid Of?

Ants are widely considered to be harmless, but experts would say they’re a threat. Some may sting or bite you, and all can distribute germs that could lead to illness. Subtypes like carpenter ants in Reno ruin property. With enough time, these insects can significantly impair the wood of your home. Stopping them necessitates pest control in Reno.

Over-the-counter ant control solutions are not effective for carpenter ant colonies. These products might cause them to be defensive or establish nests in a new spot, which counters the goal of trying to eliminate them from your property. It’s tough eliminating these insects, but it can be done. Celtic Pest Control can intervene with ant services near your home.

Is It Possible To Hear Carpenter Ants In My Walls? 

Carpenter ants dig in wood until they’ve made suitable tunnels to nest in. As their populations grow, you might hear them rustling inside of walls. It often sounds like soft clicking. Look for these additional signs to confirm an infestation:

• Mounds of wood shavings and ant body parts
• Pieces of discarded wings from reproductive swarmers
• Having walls that sound hollow 
• Carpenter ants running out of foundation holes 

You don’t have to worry about confusing carpenter ants with other species; they’re distinctively large. These pests are ½ to ⅝ of an inch long. The majority are black. However, you could find red, brown, or reddish-black ones. Workers in the colony have big mandibles.

The Extent Of Damage Carpenter Ants Can Do To Your Home

Naturally, carpenter ants can access the sides of your home from the ground. Crawling on overextending branches is one way they can get on the roof. To enter your residence, they will come through openings around foundations, utility lines, and wires. These insects work from the inside of wood and move outward. Your structural bases will be weakened and appear shredded. 

Carpenter ant damage is similar to that of termites, but the latter species operates a lot faster, which means it could be a while before you realize you have a carpenter ant issue. When you do, you’ll be contending with potentially costly repairs. You can avoid all of this stress by having professional ant control assistance.

What Attracts Carpenter Ants?

In regard to wood, carpenter ants are drawn to some materials more than others; for example, decaying tree bark is very attractive to them. They also have a preference for logs and lumber. Beyond this, they’re magnetized by the same elements all ant species are: food and water. When they’re on lawns, they consume fellow pests and aphid secretions, such as honeydew. The pests they attack may be dead or alive, but the carcasses of birds, rodents, and similar are easy targets. Moreover, carpenter ants enjoy fungi, seeds, stalks, and plants. 

When carpenter ants are running around inside your home, they eagerly consume anything from your garbage, pantry, or cabinets. Sugary items are favorable. Some of these bugs will gather near sinks, drains, and pipes for water. With this in mind, here are a few ant prevention tips:

• Repair moisture faults and leaks; especially those causing damp wood. 
• Get rid of rotting wood and trees. 
• Store food and trash in tightly closed containers. 
• Wash dishes and vacuum regularly.
• Place greenery and free wood away from the property.

When prevention methods aren't enough, it's time to call in the professionals at Celtic Pest Control.

The Best Way To Completely Get Rid Of A Carpenter Ant Infestation

At Celtic Pest Control, we provide treatments that are safer and more effective than any store carpenter ant spray. Some of our eco-friendly solutions are entry point seals, baits, and perimeter applications. We also offer wood-destroying pest inspections. Call today for an evaluation!