The Easiest Way To Rid Of Carpenter Ants In Sparks

Nobody wants to see ants around their home, but a carpenter ant infestation is an especially aggravating problem to have. These invasive insects can cause extensive damage to your home and other structures on your property made of wood. 

If you have a hard time getting rid of carpenter ants around your home, Celtic Pest Control is here to assist you. Our highly trained Sparks pest control specialists have dealt with carpenter ant infestations of various severity levels, and we know the easiest way to get rid of your carpenter ants. 

How To Identify A Carpenter Ant Infestation

In order to identify a carpenter ant problem, you will first need to be able to identify a carpenter ant. These ants are one of the largest types of ants that you will find in and around your home. They usually measure between 1/2 and 5/8 of an inch long and are brown, red, black, or a combination of black and red. They tend to live in large groups, so seeing just one carpenter ant around your home is a good indication that you may already have an infestation.

True to their name, carpenter ants will spend most of their time around wooden structures and objects. They build their nest inside the wood. If a carpenter ant colony has taken up residence in your home, you will probably see tiny holes in your walls or other wooden structures. You may also see piles of sawdust around your home. 

Can Carpenter Ants Destroy A House?

Unlike termites, carpenter ants don't actually consume wood. Instead, they excavate it in order to build their nest. If you have a mild carpenter ant infestation, your home may only sustain light damage. But as the colony starts to grow, the wooden structure will become more and more brittle. If the carpenter ants decide to nest in a vital part of your home, it could cause structural damage. 

Effective Carpenter Ant Prevention Tips

Carpenter ants are attracted to moist and warm areas. They are also always on the hunt for food and will eat just about anything. In order to keep carpenter ants out of your home, you will need to make the food and water in your house inaccessible. Some of the best ways to prevent carpenter ants from invading your home and property include:

• Keep your bushes and shrubs trimmed back away from your home.
• Remove fallen tree limbs and other rotten wood from your yard.
• Don't leave stacks of firewood on the ground near your home.
• Keep indoor trash cans covered and regularly emptied.
• Keep a tight lid on your outdoor trash cans.
• Make sure that all of your non-refrigerated and non-frozen foods are kept in a sealed container.
• Don't leave your pet's food and water dishes out for extended periods of time.

You should also make sure to seal up cracks or gaps that you may have around your home. Because the ants are so small, they can squeeze through some of the tiniest crevices. To ensure you aren't missing any potential entrances, consider shining a flashlight around your closed doors and windows to see if it shines through to the other side. 

How Do You Get Rid Of Carpenter Ants?

While there are many ways to prevent carpenter ant infestations, calling a professional is the best way to eliminate an existing infestation. At Celtic Pest Control, we can get rid of carpenter ant infestations on your Sparks property. Give us a call today to schedule your no-obligation inspection.